Dr. Thambugala

Know More About Blue Sapphire

Sri Lanka sapphires are universally renowned for their magnificent quality and the large sizes in which these sometimes occur. Every possible shade of blue is represented among sapphires of Sri Lanka, the various shades ranging from the palest to the darkest. High quality blue sapphires from Sri Lanka are reputed for having pleasing tone of colour of whatever the shades are of remarkable transparency. In superior quality material the Degree of transparency of very high and its clarity is excellent. The most desired coloured and stones for a sapphire has been describe as an instance corn flower blue with a “Velvety” luster. The combination such features those rare, is the pride of Sri Lanka.

Blue sapphires are found in many countries worldwide and although many of the important sapphire deposits in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania are geologically related to each other, country of origin have an effect on the value of a gemstone, especially when the stone is of fine quality and there is a definite market ranking for sapphire according to origin:

1. Kasmir - Mercedes of Sapphires
2. Burma - Lexus of Sapphires
3. Ceylon/Sri Lanka - Cadilac of Sapphires
4. Everywhere else - Madagascar, Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Tanzania, etc.

Ceylon sapphire

Sri Lanka is well known for the fine quality and broad range of colours of the sapphires which are found there. Almost every colour is found. Ratanapura is an important center for mining and new stones are offered on the local market every day. Sri Lanka is known for producing the largest sapphires in the world. Sapphires from Sri Lanka got a boost in their popularity when Prince Charles gave Lady Diana an engagement ring set with a Ceylon sapphire.

Royal Wedding Ring

The iconic ring, which was not bespoke, features a 12-karat oval Ceylon sapphire set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds. It was valued at $37,500 in 1981 when Charles proposed to Diana, but it is now considered priceless because of its history.

The iconic ring that Prince William used to propose to Kate with in 2010 is well known as being the same one that Prince Charles gave to Diana, but the design of the piece dates back to the mid-19th century.