Buying a gemstone can be a daunting task, especially without a background in the gem industry. Unlike standardized commodities like gold, a gem’s value is determined by a complex interplay of intrinsic qualities and market desires. This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when purchasing three of the most coveted gemstones: Sapphires, Rubies, and Alexandrite. The…
Chinafort: The Epicenter of the Gem Universe While Beruwala itself has no mines, Chinafort has evolved into the largest trading market in Sri Lanka for cut and polished gemstones. For generations, this neighborhood, dominated by Sri Lankan Muslims (Ceylon Moors), has been the crucial link connecting miners from across the island to international buyers from every corner of the globe. Why…
Sri Lanka, the legendary “Island of Gems” or Rathna Deepa, has contributed an unparalleled collection of extraordinary gemstones to the world. Renowned for large, exceptional blue sapphires and star corundum, its treasures reside in the crowns of monarchies and the halls of the most prestigious museums. An astounding 17 of the world’s 30 largest and most valuable gemstones hail from this small island.…
An Ancient Legacy of Gemology Sri Lanka’s gemological history is deeply woven into its cultural fabric. The ancient chronicle Mahavamsa provides evidence of a thriving gem trade dating back over 2,500 years. It mentions gem-encrusted thrones owned by a Naga king in 540 BC. Sri Lankan kings frequently used these natural treasures for diplomacy; as early as 250 BC, a king sent…
For thousands of years, gemstones have captivated humanity. Their unmatched beauty, rarity, and endurance have placed them in the crowns of kings and the jewels of commoners, driving trade, inspiring art, and even sparking conflict. But these magnificent minerals are more than just pretty objects; they are the ancient, dramatic story of our planet itself, written in crystal. The Ancient…
Alexandrite is one of the most fascinating and coveted gemstones in the world, renowned for its mesmerizing ability to change color under different lighting conditions. This magical characteristic, combined with its extreme rarity, makes it a prized treasure among collectors and connoisseurs. The Phenomenon of Color Change Alexandrite’s defining feature is its dramatic color shift: This remarkable phenomenon is why it…
Star sapphires are among the most mesmerizing and unique gemstones in the world, captivating admirers with a distinct, shining star that glides across their surface. This magical optical phenomenon transforms a beautiful gem into a celestial marvel, making each stone a one-of-a-kind treasure. The Art of the Cabochon Unlike faceted gems, star sapphires are always polished into a smooth, high-domed cabochon shape.…
Known as Pukhraj—meaning “yellow jewel” in Hindi—the yellow sapphire is celebrated for its bright, crisp brilliance and sparkling vitality. Among the rainbow of sapphires found in Sri Lanka, the yellow variety is the second most abundant, yet its finest examples are highly prized for their radiant, sunny hues. The Spectrum of Sunshine Yellow sapphires occur in a beautiful range of colors,…
In the vibrant spectrum of sapphires, one variety stands alone as the most rare and most prized: the exquisite Padparadscha. This legendary stone, whose finest examples hail almost exclusively from Sri Lanka, is the ultimate treasure for gem connoisseurs, with its beauty and value often surpassing even that of fine rubies and emeralds. The Name and The Ideal Hue The name…
For centuries, the ruby has reigned supreme as the most valuable of all colored gemstones, commanding the highest prices per carat and earning the ancient Sanskrit title “Ratna Raja”—the King of Gems. This magnificent stone, with its captivating pink to blood-red hue, belongs to the corundum mineral family. Its iconic, sparkling red color is born from the presence of chromium impurities that infused…
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