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Ceylon sapphire rings are prized for their exceptional clarity and vivid colour, particularly the highly sought-after cornflower blue sapphire. Originating from Sri Lanka formerly Ceylon, natural and untreated exmaples of these gemstones make up less than 1% of all sapphires in the wrold
Our collection includes antique and,vintage Ceylon sapphire rings, and vintage Ceylon sapphire engagement rings, from timless styles to intricate antique Ceylon sapphire and diamond rings. Each piece is entirely handcrafted and origianl.
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Truly one of the best vintage jewellery collections in London.
We had the most wonderful experience buying my vintage engagement ring from Berganza.
Fantastic experience buying an engagement ring. Would highly recommend. Berganza has the best collection of antique rings to choose from.
Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, is known for producing a variety of captivating sapphire colours, from delicate pinks, yellows, and greens to even padparadscha. However, they are most well known for their production of very fine blue sapphires. These sapphires have been prized the world over for their unique and intense colour profile, often described as cornflower blue or sky blue.
Unlike darker sapphires from other regions, natural cornflower blue sapphires exhibit a more luminous, bright blue which can sometimes appear velvety, with a medium to light tone and very subtle violet or purple undertones. They are known for their pure blue colour, often referenced as the electric blue of a peacock’s neck.
A cornflower blue sapphire ring will exhibit a liveliness; its colour will shimmer across the stone as it turns in the light, showcasing an airy brightness. High-quality stones strike a balance, saturated enough to be a bright blue, but light enough to sparkle.
Ceylon stones are unique in that they are highly transparent, described as eye-clean, showing no visible inclusions without increased magnification. It is this clarity that enhances their brilliance and bright blue colour.
Ceylon sapphires are members of the corundum family, sitting second only to diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness, durable enough for everyday wear. To clean a Ceylon sapphire ring, soak it briefly in warm water with a little mild soap, work gently around the stone with a soft-bristled toothbrush to lift dirt and oils, then rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth. For antique and vintage pieces, we recommend periodic inspection by a specialist to check the setting and claws.
Ceylon sapphires can often be recognised by their characteristic silk inclusions, fine, intersecting rutile needles that form distinct patterns within the stone and are a strong indicator of Sri Lankan origin. Sri Lanka is also the source of the widest range of fancy-colour sapphires, including the prized padparadscha, with its delicate blend of pink and orange. Visual traits are only indicative, however; origin can be confirmed with certainty only through an independent laboratory report from Gübelin, SSEF or GRS.
Ceylon sapphire values are driven by clarity, carat weight, saturation and provenance. Recovered only from alluvial deposits, where material quality varies greatly, stones of exceptional grade are genuinely rare. At Berganza, we specialise exclusively in old-mine Ceylon sapphires, a finite historic supply pre-dating modern treatment practices, and natural, untreated examples command a particular premium. Our Ceylon sapphire rings begin at around £5,000, with exceptional pieces priced considerably higher.
The most prized colour for a Ceylon sapphire is a bright, vivid "cornflower blue", a medium-toned, strongly saturated blue with the distinctive liveliness and transparency for which Sri Lankan stones are celebrated. Unlike the velvety character of Kashmir sapphires or the deeper, more violet-toned "Royal Blue" of Burmese stones, Ceylon sapphires are noted for their brilliance and clarity. Pure hue, even colour distribution and minimal zoning define the finest examples.