Sri Lankan Sapphires

When you ask any member of our jewellery team what their favourite stone is, you will hear the resounding cry of “SAPPHIRES!”. And for good reason. Sapphires are, without a doubt, one of the most alluring stones on the market. There are several countries that are known for their enviable deposits of sapphire; Ethiopia, Kashmir, Myanmar, and Madagascar. But today, we’re focussing on Sri Lankan Sapphires.

Sri Lankan Sapphires

Also known as Ceylon sapphires, after the old world name for Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan sapphires are some of the most sought-after gemstones that you can get your hands on. Typically, Sri Lankan sapphires have a slightly purple hue, leaning towards a cornflower blue. However, the most desirable of all the sapphires are known as Padparadscha. These stones are unlike other sapphires as they have a gorgeous pinky-orange colour, almost coral. The name for these stones comes from the Sanskrit word for lotus colour.

Sri Lanka has one of the richest deposits of gemstones, their trade is vital in the contemporary market. However, their trade has been equally important in the past. Ancient Romans, European colonial countries, and wealthy classes in China have always lusted after Sri Lankan stones.

A Brief History

One of the defining characteristics of Sri Lankan sapphires is their long history. Sri Lanka has been mining these stones for almost two thousand years, with one of the oldest indigenous peoples in Sri Lanka – the Veddas, discovering coloured stones in the streams.

Since their discovery, people have desired these gemstones. Recently, a huge Sri Lankan star sapphire was valued at £206m.

These stones are also favoured by many celebrities. For example, a ring formerly owned by Princess Diana, now the Duchess of Cambridge’s engagement ring, has a beautiful Sri Lankan sapphire at its centre. Celine Dion also wore a large Sri Lankan sapphire necklace to the Academy Awards in 1998, inspired by the ‘Heart of the Ocean’ necklace featured in Titanic.

Sri Lankan Sapphires at Auction

In our upcoming Fine Jewellery auction we have several stunning examples of Sri Lankan sapphires, all of which are undeniably dazzling. With estimates from £500 all the way to £20,000, these stones are truly exceptional, and at a price that should suit all.

A particular favourite among our resident gemologists is lot 462. Not only is the pendant Victorian (always a winner here at Fellows!), but it is an example of a star sapphire. Star sapphires are cut into cabochons in order to display their unique optical effect. This phenomenon is called asterism, the crystal structure creates rays that when viewed from above seem to form a star-shaped pattern. Moreover, it is a particularly unique colour. When there is chromium present in corundum, the colour turns red and is then known as a ruby. Our stone sits on the edge between sapphire and ruby. Not a deep blood red, nor a royal blue. Instead, it is almost lilac. Of course, all eight of our Sri Lankan sapphires are stunning. If you are looking for a more traditional sapphire with a rich blue hue, then lot 550 might be perfect.

Our Fine Jewellery auction takes place on the 30th of November, and we completely expect these sapphires to fly!

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