Exploring Ceylon Sapphires: History, Unique Qualities, Color Change Phenomena, Notable Gems, and FAQ

Author : Blanchard Blalock | Published On : 05 Jan 2026

One legend claims that a sapphire from Serendib protected the Prophet Solomon on his journeys, symbolizing purity and truth. Ratnapura is the heart of the island’s gem trade, but authorized dealers also operate in Beruwala, Galle, and Colombo. Heat treatment is common and accepted globally; it enhances color without altering composition.
In 2023, Sotheby’s sold a remarkable 91.70-carat color change Ceylon sapphire bracelet by JAR for nearly $700,000, a testament to the strong demand for these rare and dynamic gemstones. Cornflower blue is a well-recognized sapphire by jewelers and gemstones lovers alike. Some Ceylon sapphire buyers recut the gemstones in a foreign lapidary workshop to improve faceting designs and light return performances.
Star sapphires and star rubies are the most expensive and rarest gemstones of their respective kind. This has not deterred the popularity of gemstones from Sri Lanka in the market.We'll learn more about Ceylon sapphires thanks to this article.Let’s get started; Ceylon sapphires — mined from the heart of Sri Lanka — are among the world’s most coveted gemstones. Checking of the quality of the gemstones and the fair price is always examined to make sure the sustainability of the country’s gem trading industry. Founded by Dilan and Roshan, our focus is on delivering gemstones that stand out for their remarkable color, clarity, and brilliance.
For travelers, visiting a licensed mine offers a genuine look at responsible gem production. Rivers like Kalu and Mahaweli carry gem-bearing gravel from the highlands. The moment a Sri Lankan sapphire surface shines, the whole team cheers — it’s a small celebration of hope and heritage. Buckets of gravel are lifted by hand and washed in circular baskets until tiny flashes of color appear.
Daylight is relatively balanced in its spectral power distribution (SPD) and since the human eye is most sensitive to green light, the balance is tipped to the green side. The name is derived from the Sanskrit padma ranga (lit. 'lotus color'), a color akin to the lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera). Padparadscha is a delicate, light to medium toned, pink-orange to orange-pink hued corundum, originally found in Sri Lanka, but also found in deposits in Vietnam and parts of East Africa. Gems that are of lower saturation, or are too dark or too light in tone are of less value.
It is estimated through scientific research that gemstones found in Sri Lanka were naturally created as far back as 800 million years ago. For all colored gemstones, color is the most critical value factor. In the glittering world of precious gemstones, few names command as much reverence and awe as sapphire.
Buy certified 100% natural Precious Stones online at cheap & wholesale price from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has been producing fine sapphire for centuries, and many of the world’s most famous sapphires were found there. Buy Ceylon Blue Sapphire Sri Lanka, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Moonstone, Yellow Sapphire Gemstones.
At The Ceylon Sapphire Company, our mission is to offer the highest quality natural blue sapphires available. Today, Sri Lanka is one of the largest sources of sapphire to the global market with over 300 gemstone suppliers and lapidaries serving the growing demand for Sri Lankan gemstones. Unlike heated sapphires, which undergo treatment to enhance color and clarity, unheated stones retain their natural appearance, shaped entirely by geological forces. The gemstone is also used as an accent stone in combination with other gemstones, such as diamonds and emeralds.
An experienced lapidarist can eliminate the inclusions of the sapphires during the cutting process. This study also considered the sapphire treatments an additional pricing factor due to their relevance in modern-day gem trading. A country with a developing economy backed by a manufacturing base mainly made of Agri produce, apparel, gems and fisheries. The unique feature of Ceylon originated sapphire is that they come in almost every color and shade. You can also check our Ceylon sapphires available for sale here in our shop page However, one common problem for many is the Ceylon sapphire price.
It may be found in a light to medium colour tone and originates from various sources, including Kashmir (India), Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Madagascar, and Myanmar, to name a few. It is the highly sought-after colour variant of Sapphire that has a pristine blue tint akin to the colour of a cornflower. This investigation delves into the most well-known Ceylon sapphire colours. Colour is the most critical component in determining the price and your final decision on what to purchase.
You can watch artisans facet stones under daylight — a meditative process that connects earth and art. Celebrities choose Sri Lankan sapphires for red-carpet events because they reflect light vividly under camera flashes. No synthetic or treated stone can perfectly mimic the internal inclusions of a natural Sri Lankan sapphire. For couples seeking engagement rings beyond diamonds, a blue or padparadscha sapphire offers individuality. Sri Lanka exports millions of carats of cut and polished stones each year, contributing significantly to its economy.
Among the most sought-after is the cornflower blue shade, admired for its vivid yet soft coloration. Sri Lanka’s prominence as a source of fine sapphires is deeply rooted in its geological foundation. They remain a cornerstone of fine jewelry collections, particularly in engagement rings and heirloom pieces. Blue sapphires from Ceylon have adorned royal collections for centuries and continue to be prized for their beauty and rarity.
Across Buy Gemstones , sapphires embodied nobility, truth, and divine favor. Ancient volcanoes, river movement, and tropical erosion slowly brought sapphires closer to the surface. These gems belong to the corundum family — the second-hardest mineral on Earth after diamond. Travelers describe a quiet joy each time light touches the stone.
In the world of gemstones, few inspire as much admiration as the Ceylon sapphire. Yes, Ceylon, or Sri Lanka as it is known today is still a major source of gemstones, although the quality of gems is not as high as it used to be. As of 2025, prices range from about USD 800 per carat for fine medium-blue stones to USD or more for top-grade gems.