This oval shaped Cabochon cut of Blue Sapphires are non- chiseled smooth cut where the upper is domed and the lower portion is level.

Sapphire is the most precious of blue gemstones. It is a most desirable gem due to its color, hardness, durability, and luster. The most valuable color of sapphire is cornflower blue, known as Kashmir sapphire or Cornflower blue sapphire.

Among the most famous sapphires are two of the world’s largest. The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., houses the Logan Sapphire, a 423-carat cushion-cut stone from Sri Lanka that is set in a brooch surrounded by diamonds. The second is the 258-carat bright blue sapphire fromthe Russian crown, kept in the Diamond Fund in Moscow.

Featuring checkerboard cut blue sapphires:

In faceted gemstones there are many different cuts like Checker Board cut, Princess cut, Step cut and there are many other cuts which have been used. a perfect cut is one of the most necessary quality features and depends on the skills of the cutter.

Some of the Sri Lanka’s most renowned Sapphires

Blue Giant of the Orient, 466 carats - “The Morning Leader” a news paper in Sri Lanka on August 23, 1907 published the following news item under the headline “A moonstone Sapphire worth 7000 pounds”. The stone was mined in Ratnapura district. In its finished state it is 2 1/2 inches long, 1 3/4 broad and its greatest thickness 3/4 of an inch. The Sapphire, there is every reason to believe is the largest sapphire in the world.

BBelle of Asia

400 carats - Discovered in the paddy field of Pelmadulla in 1926. Reputed gem dealer sold the above stone to the British named Lord Naffield. The Blue Belle is held in the highest esteem among blue sapphires owing to its highly prized peacock blue colour and its excellent clarity.

Blue giant of the Orient

486 carats - Considered to be the largest blue sapphire in the world was sold to a Japanese by a reputed gem dealer in 1972. Now this stone is in Switzerland.

Logan Blue Sapphire

423 carats - Considered to be the second largest blue sapphire on record. It is a flawless specimen. A rich deep blue in colour. Gifted to the Smithsonian institute in Washington by Mrs. John A. Logan.

Star of Lanka

362 carats - The Star of Lanka has the reputation of being the third largest star sapphire of similar quality in existence. This is rich deep blue in colour and has a well defined six rayed star. This is owned by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka. Another star sapphire was found weighing 224 carats named as “Star of Asia”.

Recent discoveries of large sapphires

  1. Orange Sapphire (825 Carats) - This was found from a gem pit at Kuruwita in Ratnapura district. It was transparent and free of cracks.
  2. Blue Sapphire (856 Carats) - This was found in a gem pit at Hakamuwa close to Ratnapura city in 1998. This was named as “Pride of Lanka”.

  3. Blue Sapphire (8042 Carats) - This was found in a gem pit at Pelmadulla in Ratnapura district. It was named as “Splendour of Lanka”.

  4. Blue Sapphire (2516 Carats) - This was found in a river bank at Ellawala in Ratnapura district. It was transparent.

  5. Blue Sapphire (4002 Carats) - This was found in a gem pit at Neelagama in Ratnapura district in the year 2000.

  6. Blue Sapphire (254 carats) - This deep Blue Sapphire was found in a gem pit at Ganegama near Pelmadulla in Ratnapura district. According to the reports received following Blue Sapphires were mined during this year in Ratnapura district

i. 1200 Carat Blue Sapphire - Kosgala.

ii. 138 Carat Blue Sapphire - Watapotha.

iii. 260 Carat Blue Sapphire - Pelawela.

Synthetic Sapphires were introduced in 1902 onwards by various names such as “Vernuil, Chatham, Czocharlski. Then 1980’s diffused stones were introduced. Now the threat to the sapphire is known as Bulk diffusion.

(Part of text) By T. Piyadasa, Director General, National Gem & Jewellery Authority