Understanding Ceylon Gemstones: Sapphire, Ruby, and Beyond

Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon, has been one of the world's most significant sources of coloured gemstones for over two thousand years. The island's gem-bearing gravel, known locally as illam, has produced some of the most celebrated sapphires and rubies in the world.

Ceylon Sapphire

Ceylon sapphires are prized for their lighter, more vivid cornflower blue compared to the deeper tones of sapphires from other regions, though they are also found in pink, yellow, and the rare colour-changing variety. Their exceptional clarity and brilliance under both natural and artificial light have made them a favourite for engagement rings and heirloom pieces alike.

Ceylon Ruby and Other Notable Stones

While rubies are rarer here than sapphires, Ceylon rubies are valued for a soft pinkish-red hue distinct from the deeper "pigeon's blood" red of Burmese stones. Sri Lanka is also a major source of spinel, garnet, moonstone, and alexandrite — the last of which is famous for shifting colour between daylight and incandescent light.

What to Check When Buying

• Ask for a gemological certificate for any significant gemstone purchase, especially for sapphires and rubies
• View the stone in both natural daylight and indoor lighting before deciding, as colour can shift noticeably
• Check clarity by looking through the stone against a plain white background for visible inclusions
• Buy from a jeweller who can explain the stone's origin and any treatments it has undergone