The Timeless Allure of Ceylon Sapphires
Sri Lanka, The Island of Gems
Long before maps were drawn, sailors and kings whispered of Ratnadeepa, the “Island of Gems.” For over 2,000 years, this small island in the Indian Ocean has gifted the world treasures of light: its legendary sapphires, and more than 70 other gemstone varieties; a true island of gems, unmatched in natural abundance.
But above all, it is the sapphire, the fabled Ceylon Sapphire, that secured Sri Lanka’s place in history. Coveted by emperors and queens, set in royal crowns and Hollywood jewels, these stones shine with a brilliance no other land can match. Their vivid blues, glowing Padparadscha, and rare star-lit asterisms are unlike anything else on earth.
From the rivers of Ratnapura, where miners still pass down their craft through generations, to the world’s grandest museums and royal courts, Sri Lankan gems carry centuries of legend, love, and prestige.
To hold a Ceylon sapphire is to hold a piece of the island’s soul, the tropical sky, the calm of the sea, and the weight of history in a single luminous stone.
Sri Lanka’s gems are not just beautiful; they are timeless, they are legendary, and they are yours to discover.
Sapphires
Although they are best known for their radiant blue shades, Ceylon sapphires actually come in a stunning variety of colours. Their blue spectrum ranges from delicate sky blues to deep, vivid royal tones, with the coveted cornflower blue standing out for its striking yet gentle beauty. Beyond blue, Sri Lanka is also renowned for sapphires in hues like pink, yellow, orange, green, and violet. Each colour holds its own allure, with pink sapphires becoming especially sought-after in contemporary fine jewellery for their soft, romantic charm.
Garnet
Garnet has held a prominent place in the world of jewelry for centuries. While it is most commonly associated with deep red or reddish-brown tones, garnet actually occurs in every color of the spectrum.
Rather than being a single mineral, garnet is a family of minerals composed of six main species: pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular, andradite, and uvarovite. All share the same cubic crystal structure, yet their chemical compositions differ. Adding to the complexity, certain varieties are blends of different species, for instance, the pyralspite garnets combine pyrope, almandine, and spessartine in varying proportions.
In total, there are more than 20 recognized varieties of garnet, each with its own distinct characteristics and appeal.
Spinel
Spinel is a gemstone that has long stood in the shadow of more famous stones, yet its remarkable range of colors, distinctive forms, and rich history make it highly sought after in fine jewelry. Once mistaken for ruby, spinel is now recognized in its own right. Its characteristic shape can also lead to confusion with tourmaline. Today, spinel is widely used in jewelry design, adorning rings, bracelets, and necklaces alike.
Other Gemstones
