Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “Gem Island,” has been renowned for its stunning gems for centuries. Among these, Ceylon Blue Sapphires stand out as the most prized gemstones in the world. These sapphires are known for their rich, deep blue hues, exceptional clarity, and brilliance.
Sri Lanka’s gem mining history dates back over 2,000 years, with ancient chronicles describing its wealth of precious stones. Today, the island remains one of the world’s largest sources of sapphires and other gems like rubies, garnets, topaz, cat’s eyes, and moonstones.
The most famous sapphire mining areas in Sri Lanka are located in the Ratnapura District, often called the “City of Gems.” This region has fertile grounds rich with various gem deposits, making it the primary hub of gem mining activities. Other important gem-mining regions include Elahera, Balangoda, and Kataragama
Ratnapura : The gem mines in Ratnapura are traditional shallow pit mines. Miners often dig into riverbeds and gravel deposits, where gems are naturally found. The region is known for producing blue sapphires, pink sapphires (Padparadscha), and other valuable stones.
Elahera : Located in central Sri Lanka, Elahera is known for producing high-quality sapphires and other gemstones. The landscape here is rugged, with miners extracting gems from the rich alluvial deposits.
Kataragama : This area, nestled near Sri Lanka’s southern region, is home to various types of sapphires, including rare star sapphires.
Ceylon blue sapphires are recognized globally for their distinctive characteristics:
– Color : Ranging from light blue to deep, velvety blue, the richness of color makes Ceylon sapphires unique.
– Clarity : These sapphires have exceptional clarity, often free from major inclusions.
– Brilliance : The natural brilliance of Ceylon sapphires ensures they sparkle with a captivating intensity
One of the most famous examples of a Sri Lankan blue sapphire is Princess Diana’s engagement ring . This iconic ring features a stunning 12-carat Ceylon blue sapphire , surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, set in white gold. The deep blue stone captivated the world when Diana, Princess of Wales, chose it for her engagement to Prince Charles in 1981.
Today, the ring is worn by Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, after Prince William proposed with this historic family heirloom. The story of Princess Diana’s sapphire ring has added even more prestige to Sri Lankan sapphires, showcasing their timeless elegance and royal charm.
Sri Lanka has strict mining regulations in place to ensure ethical practices are maintained. Local miners often use traditional, non-invasive methods that minimize environmental damage. By focusing on sustainability, Sri Lanka continues to preserve its natural beauty while providing the world with its stunning treasures.
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