Ceylon sapphires are among the most beautiful gemstones in the world. Their cornflower blue color is highly prized by collectors and jewelry lovers. This shade is a soft, velvety blue with a hint of violet, resembling the petals of a cornflower. Unlike darker or lighter sapphires, cornflower blue strikes a perfect balance, maintaining brilliance in all lighting conditions.
Sri Lanka: The Birthplace of Fine Sapphires
Sri Lanka has been a major source of sapphires for centuries. The island’s gem-rich soil produces sapphires with exceptional clarity and color. Miners extract these gems from alluvial deposits, often found in riverbeds and valleys. The geological conditions in Sri Lanka contribute to the formation of high-quality sapphires with fewer inclusions, making them more valuable than those from other regions.
Natural Beauty vs. Treated Sapphires
One of the reasons Ceylon sapphires are so special is their natural beauty. Many sapphires on the market are heat-treated to enhance color and clarity, but untreated Ceylon sapphires are rare and highly valuable. A natural, untreated cornflower blue sapphire with good clarity can command very high prices. Buyers often seek certification to confirm whether a sapphire has undergone treatment.
How to Evaluate a Ceylon Sapphire
When assessing a Ceylon sapphire, color is the most important factor. The finest cornflower blue sapphires have a pure, even hue without unwanted tones like green or gray. Clarity is another critical aspect—eye-clean sapphires with minimal inclusions are the most desirable. The cut must maximize brilliance, and carat weight influences value, though quality matters more than size.
Ceylon Sapphires in Fine Jewelry
Ceylon sapphires are popular in engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Their durability (9 on the Mohs scale) makes them ideal for everyday wear. The most famous example is Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now worn by Kate Middleton, which sparked a trend for sapphire jewelry.
Buying Tips and Market Value
When purchasing a Ceylon sapphire, always buy from a reputable dealer and request a gemological certificate. Synthetic sapphires exist, but they lack the value of natural stones. Prices vary based on color, clarity, size, and treatment, with top-quality untreated sapphires reaching tens of thousands per carat.
Caring for Your Ceylon Sapphire
Maintaining a Ceylon sapphire is simple—clean it with mild soap and warm water, avoid harsh chemicals, and store it separately to prevent scratches. With proper care, these gemstones can last for generations.
Why Ceylon Sapphires Are a Worthy Investment
High-quality Ceylon sapphires hold their value over time, and as natural resources become scarcer, their worth may increase. Ethical sourcing is also gaining importance, with buyers seeking responsibly mined gemstones.
Conclusion
Ceylon sapphires in cornflower blue are among the most exquisite gemstones available. Their perfect balance of color, clarity, and brilliance makes them highly desirable. Whether set in an engagement ring or a pair of earrings, these sapphires add timeless elegance to any jewelry collection. With proper care, they can be treasured for a lifetime and passed down as heirlooms.
Related Topics:
- How Expensive Is Blue Sapphire?
- How Much Is Blue Sapphire Worth Per Carat?
- When Was Blue Sapphire Found?
