Ceylon sapphires, also known as Sri Lankan Sapphires, are famous for their beauty and quality. Ceylon Sapphires also referred to as Sri Lankan Sapphires are among world's most vibrant sapphires. Sri Lanka, which was previously known as Ceylon, is where you can find these. This area of the globe is known for its magnificent sapphires, which are renowned for their deep blue color and silky texture. The mysticism of sapphires has evolved for thousands of years. Many people today believe in the sapphire's ability to calm the mind and help with depression and mental tension. They also believe it can encourage faithfulness and loyalty among partners. Ceylon Sapphires are prized gems in the gemstone world and are often used in jewelry. Ceylon Sapphire Rings are one of the most popular pieces.
Sri Lanka has mined sapphires successfully for over 3,000-years. Ratnapura region is Sri Lanka's richest area for gemstones. The "City of Gems" is a common name for it. The island country is famous for the variety of gems it produces, such as sapphires. Precambrian rock is prevalent in Sri Lanka and forms the island's geological foundation. These rocks are mostly composed of ancient crystalline rock basements such as granite gneiss and shist. Precambrian rocks in Sri Lanka have a great geological importance and contributed to the island’s mineral wealth. Sri Lanka's unique geological environment has contributed to the formation and beauty of sapphires for millions years.
Ceylon Sapphire Colors
Ceylon sapphires are available in many different colors. Sri Lankan blue sapphires come in many shades of blue. They can be light, dark or even velvety. Ceylon sapphires come in many other colors, such as yellow, orange, green, purple and pink. Pink sapphires, especially those from Sri Lanka, are sought-after for their romantic and delicate hue.
Royal Blue Ceylon sapphires and Royalty
Ceylon royal blue sapphires have the most intense colour and are therefore highly valued. The price increases depending on the depth of the blue. A royal sapphire from Ceylon can be priced as low as $4500 per carat, and up to approximately $15500 per. The most well-known royal blue Ceylon Sapphire ring was presented to Princess Diana when she became engaged to Prince Charles, in 1981. The 12-carat oval Ceylon royal sapphire, set in a white gold halo with fourteen diamonds was mounted on a white gold base. The inspiration for this brooch comes from 1840, when Prince Albert asked British jeweler Gerrard of a sapphire & diamond brooch to be made for his future bride. The brooch even served as Queen Victoria's "something blue" at her wedding. Queen Elizabeth wore the sapphire and dangle brooch on many occasions. Prince William proposed Kate Middleton with the Ceylon sapphire engagement ring of his late mother in 2010. Ceylon sapphire rings were valued at $60,000 back in 1981, but today are estimated to be worth $600,000.
Cornflower Blue Ceylon Sapphires
Cornflower blue sapphires are a specific type of blue sapphires characterized by their vivid, medium to light blue color reminiscent of the delicate petals of a cornflower. In the world of gems, this color is prized for its purity and intensity. Cornflower blue sapphires typically exhibit a vibrant blue color with hints of violet or purple undertones. They are considered one of the most desirable shades of blue sapphire due to their striking appearance and rarity. Cornflower blue sapphires are priced from around $2.320 per carat to more than $6,000 per.
Colour Change Ceylon Sapphire
JAR Colour Change Sapphire Band, 91.70 cts, Ceylon Sapphire
Ceylon Sapphire with a colour change is a very rare variety. It changes color under different lighting conditions. The stone is able to reflect and absorb light depending on the source. The color change is caused by traces of vanadium and chromium in the crystal structure. Sri Lanka's color-changing sapphires are of the highest quality. The more noticeable and distinct the change in color, the more valuable it is. Collectors prefer sapphires that have vivid color shifts. Sotheby's in 2023 sold a Ceylon sapphire colour-changing bracelet of 91.70 carats from JAR at 635,000 CHF, or nearly $700,000.
Padparadscha Ceylon Sapphires
Padparadscha Ruby Ring
Padparadscha or Padmaraga is one the most precious, sought after colors of Ceylon Sapphire. Padparadscha is an Sinhalese phrase that means "lotus-colored". Padparadscha sapphires often display a delicate blend between pink and orange shades, reminiscent to that of the lotus flower. These Padparadscha sapphires feature a rich, even color distribution and exceptional clarity. The sapphires start at about $1,000 per carat, and can go up to $6,000 per.
Star Ceylon Sapphires
Set of Pink Star Sapphire Rings with a 40.84-carat pink star sapphire mounted in 18-karat yellow gold. Size 10 1/4.
Star sapphires are a very unique and rare gemstone that features an embedded star. These sapphires contain an optical phenomenon known by the name asterism. Microneedle-like inclusions are responsible for an asterism. Blue Sapphire stone have been called "silk". Inside of a ceylon sapphire, there can be a collection of these inclusions which create a start pattern where four, six, or twelve rays radiate from a central point. The six-rayed pattern is the most common. Sotheby's has sold a 40.84-carat Pink Star Ceylon sapphire star ring at 762,000 HKD, or about $99,000.