Sri Lanka is one of the countries with the oldest gem and jewelry industries in the world. The country was also one of the first to begin the process of mining back in the 1900s. Most of the country’s gem deposits are in an area known as the Highland Complex, extending northeast to southwest and containing high-grade metamorphic rocks.
This engagement ring consisting 12 Carat oval shaped Royal blue sapphire of Sri Lankan origin surrounded by 14 solitary diamonds set in 18 Karat White gold. Sri Lanka always had is dazzling reputations for sapphires.
Sri Lanka boasts a true mine-to-market industry, both domestically and for export. A fascinating aspect of this is the harmonious and productive blend of tradition, experience and modernization. Mining is done primarily by use of traditional methods, and is small-scale by choice and design as such mines are considered to be less harmful to the environment and a more stable source of employment for more people, numbering 60,000 to 70,000 miners at present.
The gem history goes back several centuries. The merchants are the descendant of Somali, Arabian traders who married the local women and where they wilfully converted to the religion of peace Islam in 8th century. China fort does not have gem mining operations similar to Rathnapura, Nivithigala, Palmadulla, Idangoda, Elahara, Buththala, Balangoda, where gems are mined in abundance
The blue bella of Asia is a 400 ct highly desirable corn flower Blue sapphire said to have found in a paddy field Rathnapura in 1926. The word “belle” refers to the extraordinary beauty of this enormous blue sapphire owned by Lord Naffield of Britain. This blue bella reappeared in Geneva Switzerland at Christie’s Auction. The stone has been recut and had weight of 395.52 Carats mounted to a diamond necklace. The stone has sold for $17.29 Million highest price ever for a sapphire at an action in 2014. The British Royal Jewel is a 105 carat Chrysoberyl cat’s eye of exceptional quality, discovered in Sri Lanka. It acquired great fame when it was purchased for the British Royalty from a reputed London jeweler around 1900. It is said that this cat’s eye was cherished by four British monarchs: Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, and Queen Elizabeth II.
Padparadscha is the rarest variety of sapphire found in sri Lanka. In fact, it’s the most rare, and most prized form of sapphire.
