Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceilão by the Portuguese in 1505, was later called Zeylan by the Dutch. When the British colonized the island in 1798, the name was anglicized to Ceylon. Although Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, the name Ceylon remained until the country was officially renamed Sri Lanka in 1972. Despite this change, sapphires from Sri Lanka are still referred to as Ceylon Sapphires today, celebrated for their mesmerizing colors and exceptional durability.
Ceylon sapphires are highly sought after in fine jewelry, especially for sapphire engagement rings. Their captivating beauty, luminosity, and radiance make them a symbol of luxury and elegance around the world. In recognition of its significance, the blue sapphire was declared the national gemstone of Sri Lanka in 2003.
Explore the timeless allure of Ceylon sapphires, a gemstone cherished for centuries and renowned for its vivid blue hues.
Discover Our Collection of Certified Natural Ceylon Sapphires
Why Are Ceylon Sapphires Special?
Sri Lanka, often referred to as the Island of Gems, has a rich history of gem mining and trading that spans over 2,500 years. Known in Sinhalese as Rathnadweepa, meaning Gem Island, Sri Lanka was a coveted destination for traders, including the Persians, who called it Serendip due to the unexpected joy of discovering such magnificent gemstones, believed to bring good fortune and luck.
Ceylon sapphires are renowned for their vibrant medium blue hues, often called “cornflower blue,” and are among the most prized gemstones globally. Sri Lanka is unique in its seemingly endless supply of high-quality gemstones, with 90% of its landmass composed of gem-bearing Pre-Cambrian rock. As the world’s leading source of sapphires, the island produces virtually every color of sapphire, with the rarest being the stunning Padparadscha sapphire, known for its striking lotus-like coral tones.
Sri Lanka is home to some of the world’s largest and most famous sapphires, including the “Blue Giant of the Orient” (466 carats), the “Logan Blue Sapphire” (423 carats), and the “Blue Belle of Asia” (400 carats). These gems have been treasured by royalty for centuries. Notable examples include Queen Catherine II’s sapphire-encrusted Imperial Crown of Russia and Princess Diana’s iconic Ceylon sapphire engagement ring, now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Catherine.
Ceylon sapphires are more than just gemstones—they symbolize love, power, royalty, and wisdom. Along with faceted sapphires, giant star sapphires are also found in Sri Lanka, further cementing the country’s legacy as a global leader in sapphire production.
Star of Lanka (193 carat)
Image from: flickr.com
Star of India (563 carat) – mined in Sri Lanka
Image from: wikipedia.org
Ceylon Sapphires in Celebrity Jewelry
Ceylon sapphires have also gained popularity among celebrities, frequently making appearances in iconic jewelry pieces. One notable example is the 171-carat sapphire necklace, inspired by the Heart of the Ocean from the blockbuster movie Titanic. This stunning sapphire, originating from Sri Lanka, was worn by Celine Dion at the 1998 Academy Awards, further cementing Ceylon sapphires’ reputation for elegance and luxury.
