Sapphire Jewelry and Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Gem Mining In Sri Lanka October 03 2015

The art and science of gem mining in Sri Lanka has developed immensely since the ancient times of Sinhalese Kings. Prospecting for gem deposits and removing earth and water to uncover these hidden gems has been a source of socioeconomic development for many of the Sri Lankan population. In fact, strong evidence suggests that gem mining may even be the oldest industry in Sri Lanka. If you ever have a chance to visit any gem ‘hotspots’ in Sri Lanka, you are likely to witness the assortment of methods used to extract theses precious stones. Seasoned gem traders, who usually wear a white short sleeved shirt and a sarong, will often be very friendly and accommodating when explaining their unique methods of extraction.

As of today, one can mine for gemstones in Sri Lanka only by obtaining a permit from the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.

In an attempt to protect the environment and sustainability of the industry, ‘large scale excavations’ using automated heavy machinery is not allowed within the borders of Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, foreign nationals are prohibited from obtaining permits for gem mining as a form of economic protectionism that greatly enhance the scarcity of Ceylon gems.

The process of prospecting for high value gem deposits is often left to well-experienced professionals who use a variety of low tech but very effective methods. One commonly used method is driving a 10 foot long rod into a geographical depression and listening to a very distinct sound as it pierces through the earth. This process usually takes about one or two days and has a proven track record in many areas of Ratnapura and Balangoda- the gem cities of Sri Lanka.

GemSrilankan mining mural deposits can exist within a couple of feet from the surface of the ground but some may only be found at depths of 70-80 feet. In the case of deep earth deposits, mining is often very expensive. It involves a team of 10 laborers who dig a square pit reinforced by wooden frames fitted to the walls. A system of air and water pumps are used to remove any water that may have seeped in to the pit and to provide breathable conditions as the laborers go deeper into the earth. This mining process can last from a couple of months to several years but the benefits reaped make it all worthwhile. Under current regulations, sales proceeds from mined roughs are divided among the laborers, the land owners and the traders and hence proves to be a very equitable form of compensation for all of the involved parties.

Gem deposits can also be found lying in wait in alluvial deposits and the banks of rivers. The ‘Kelani Ganga’ and ‘Kalu Ganga’ rivers are most notorious for nurturing some of the world’s finest cornflower blue sapphires. River miners usually select a shallow, slow flowing area within the river and build a dam built of wood or rock which direct water through a funnel. ‘Mammoties’ are used to remove surface gravel from the river beds and upturn the ‘illam’ (alluvial material) which in turns flows through the funnel and are then filtered by an experienced ‘gem panner’.

Whatever the method may be, the process of gem mining has been a generational act that continues to develop and compensate the hard working individuals, the local community and the nation. The discerning eye and natural instinct of the Sri Lankan has produced the finest gemstones seen by the world and will continue to do so for many years to come. As new generations step into the shoes of their forefathers, they bring with them more ideas, more technology and more spirit into an industry that greatly embodies the heart of Sri Lanka.  

Source

http://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-sri-lanka-mining-part1


The Royal Connection September 26 2015

The history, lore and fascination of royal blue sapphires and the great empire of the United Kingdom is inextricably intertwined. Housed in a variety of locations ranging from the Tower of London to one of the most secure vaults in the world underneath the Buckingham Palace, are the most exquisite crown jewels of a great empire. It is no surprise that blue sapphires, which are noted for their allure of wisdom, loyalty and strength, features in many of the most famous crown jewels. The Royal family has therefore been kind to the gemstone and jewelry industry by showcasing their natural beauty through centuries of inheritance.

imperial state crown
One of the most exquisite pieces in the crown jewels collection of the British Empire is the Imperial State Crown. Featuring 2868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 269 pearls, this crown is often used in many formal occasions such as the State Opening of the Parliament. Of the 17 sapphires encrusted into this stunning crown is the 104 carat Stuart Sapphire and the St. Edwards Sapphire. Both sapphires date back to legends formed in the early 11th century which foretell the creation of an empire unbounded by any earthly forces. This powerful message has been key to its placement in the Crown of the State.

Another, Royal piece includes the Prince Albert Sapphire Brooch inherited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.

This brooch highlights a luminous oblong shaped blue sapphire surrounded by 12 dazzling round diamonds. Given by Prince Alfred to Queen Victoria as a birthday gift, this heirloom was dignified as a symbol of the purity of his love.

A diary entry recorded by Queen Victoria stated, “A beautiful single sapphire brooch, set round in diamonds, much like the beauty he gave at our marriage, only not quite so large”.

The ability of blue sapphires to act as the embodiment of love has established its place in the hearts of many across the globe, including royalty, for many centuries in the past and many more in the future.

A more modern and media laden crown jewel is the notorious ring worn by Kate Middleton which was of course possessed earlier by Princess Diana. It consists of 14 solitaire diamonds surrounding a cornflower blue Ceylon sapphire set in 18K white gold. Dubbed, the ‘commoners sapphire’ because it was not custom made for Princess Diana, this ring has had some misfortune in its history. However, its resilience and eternal beauty enable it to transcend its past as the Duchess of Cambridge rekindles the hope for a prosperous lineage for the Royal family.

Whatever the reason may be, blue sapphires have earned its place in the hearts of humankind to represent eternal wisdom, power and loyalty.

From brooches to State Crowns, these gemstones continue to be featured in heirlooms, crown jewels and mementos of those who are special to us. Their existence is forever intertwined with our lives and hopefully, will be a part of yours too.


The Cabochon Cut September 14 2015

Gemstones come in a variety of shapes. Round, oval, princess and cushions are some of the most widely used shapes by lapidarists but one, the cabochon, is by far the oldest and simplest cut to reveal the true beauty of a rough. Derived from the French word, caboche, this cut refers to a shape that has a highly polished curved face with a slightly domed bottom. Some of the gemstones that are almost always cut using the cabochon include star sapphires, opal, turquoise and moonstones.

Achieving the cabochon cut is rather simplistic and primitive in nature.

The gemstone is not really ‘cut’ but rather grinded and then polished using diamond grit or paste.

As the jewelry industry in many European countries developed in the late 15th century, machines capable of faceting the gemstone, using a horizontal cutting wheel came about. As lapidarists became entranced with the diffusion of light through the gemstones, highly elaborate and exotic geometric patterns emerged on the faces of these gems. 

Diana and cabochonToday, we even have automated, laser guided cutting machines which will easily maximize the hue and clarity of the rough with minimal effort. So, why are cabochons still being used as a preferred method of cutting gemstones?

One of the main reasons involve the simplicity of nature. Incorporating our human complexities through our adoration of the art of faceting into certain gemstones, inhibits their natural beauty. For example, many gemstones exhibit optical features such as asterism (star sapphires), iridescence (opals) and adularescence (moonstones) which cannot be highlighted using our faceting techniques.

The cabochon allows these gemstones to display their simple and elegant character with minimal artificial changes. 

The next time you see a sapphire or an opal in a cabochon cut, know that it was nature’s intent to safeguard its natural beauty. The technique maybe old and primitive but it allows the best features to stand out and shine. The lapidarist often claims that ‘she finishes what Nature forgot’ but in this case, perfection has already been achieved.

 

 


What gives gemstones value? September 05 2015

What makes a gemstone valuable? What commands their premium prices, astonishing allure and exotic exuberance? It is not uncommon to have heirlooms featuring sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds being passed down generations.

Our ancestors understood the message of power, wealth and beauty possessed by these gifts of nature and it truly is amazing how these gemstones transcended the test of time to remain true to this very day.  In essence, the value assigned to gemstones can be derived from its natural beauty, portability, rarity and demand.

princess dianaBeauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. However, in the gem industry, a few parameters exist to help us all reach similar conclusions.

The depth and hue of the color present in many colored gemstones such as sapphires is a pertinent factor in determining its value. After all, a ‘lifeless’ shade of blue or yellow will fail to excite almost anyone despite its classification as a ‘precious gem’. The precision and meticulous attention to its cut is another factor that greatly affects the value of a gemstone. Symmetry, evenness and the positioning of angles to delicately balance the flow of light play an important role in achieving the perfect cut. It is, therefore, no surprise that master lapidarists spend months on end to ensure that their work is skillfully crafted and precisely set. Beauty is indeed a difficult to quantify but these tools help many to accurately decide which gemstone is perfect for their designs.

Since ancient times, the ability of gemstones to act as ‘portable wealth’ has granted much of its perceived value. The concentration of wealth per carat makes gemstones ideal for transportation of wealth, security against financial crises and government failures given its inherent value and serves as a great way to pass down wealth through generations in a tax efficient manner. It is often these factors that greatly influence royalty and many wealthy families to invest their funds in acquiring gemstones. An interesting idea to visualize the portability of gemstones is envision the transportation of a million dollars. In dollar bills, the notes would occupy a space of 42 cubic feet and weigh almost a ton. A gold brick ($1132 per oz.) collection would also be difficult to carry at about 117 pounds. However, a 15.97 carat Mogok Ruby at a weight of about an eighth of an ounce (almost like a penny) would easily fetch over $3,600,000.

An European collector once said, “Spend $50,000 on your wife or girlfriend for a fur coat or car. In ten years she has a rag or a wreck. Use the same money to buy her a fine gem, and she has a treasure worth even more over time, which she can pass along to her children”.

The durability of gemstones is often a key factor in its value. Their physical durability can easily be observed by our ancient artifacts. The Talisman of Charlemagne in the Cathedral Treasury of Reims has sapphires and rubies that have sparkled for over a thousand years and will continue to do so long after whole civilizations turn to dust. Their financial durability is also noteworthy. The cyclical nature of our economies, institutions and countries often lead to money, stocks, bonds and homes losing their value over time. Markets fluctuate and governments never last forever. However, we know innately that gemstones possess a fundamental beauty that makes them more valuable than any other object in the world. Their value would exist through the test of time and often grows as we continue to marvel at it natural allure.

We humans have formed a bond with these gemstones that remain unbroken. Every culture that is touched by diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and the like continue to revere them and it is no wonder that this trend will continue in the foreseeable future. The value aspect can be precipitated from multiple views ranging from beauty to durability but the ultimate criteria is on a subconscious, personal level.

It is that feeling of excitement, pride and wonder as you romance the stone that grants its true value. The truly amazing part is that these gems will continue to make you feel that way as they have for many generations of admirers before you.  

 

 


Diamonds are forever? August 29 2015

The theories of conventional economics suggest that the interplay of supply and demand often determine the market price and hence its state of equilibrium. As consumers demand more of a product, it will incentivize producers to increase production as there is a greater potential to capture profits. On the other hand, as consumers demand less, producers will decrease production to cope with lower sales and profits. It can be said, that the consumer exerts a significant influence over the price. However, in the market of commodities such as gemstones, it is very often the available supply that dictates the equilibrium price.

The paradoxical feature of gemstones such as diamonds is that it is the supply that drives the market demand.

Having control of a steady supply of diamonds coupled with an aggressive marketing campaign enabled DeBeers to effectively extrapolate the effects of induced demand to monopolize and strengthen their position as the world’s leading dealer of diamonds.  Their ability to capitalize on a large localized supply of such an invaluable commodity effectively secured their position for generations to come.

In thcolorful gemstonese case of colored gemstones, such as rubies, sapphires and spinel, the market prices tend to be significantly less than diamonds. This is very strange given that these gemstones, especially sapphires, tend to be 4 times rarer than diamonds. Perhaps it is the very rarity of these gemstones (which limits prolonged and aggressive advertising as producers fear running out of stock) and its wide geographic dispersion (limiting the control of its supply) that enable consumers to purchase such incredible jewels at a much lower price than diamonds.

The growth in the market for colored gemstones, especially sapphires, has increase threefold from 2005 to 2012 according to a GemVal, an online gem appraisal site. According to Gemfields Company, the growth in high quality emeralds have increased tenfold over a span of 3 years. These statistics are just a glimpse into a very clear future where colored gemstones are making a significant mark in a $21 billion industry dominated by diamonds. Perhaps, diamonds are not forever anymore.

 

Sources

http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles/2012-11-15/maybe-diamonds-arent-forever

 


Sapphire: A Creation Story July 16 2015

The creation of the exotic and pristine beauty exuded by natural sapphires is a story with a violent past. Riddled by nature’s turbulent forces, the formation of the mineral crystal, corundum, is a paradoxical feature of our planet’s remarkable history. As we marvel at its sparkling hue ranging from the deepest blues to the softest yellows, we are granted a glimpse into the birth of a gemstone that required over billions of years to take form.

The ancient origin of sapphires is deep beneath the earth’s upper mantle, approximately 400km, beneath our feet.

Within the deep chasms of the earth, circulating flows of hot magma, reaching over 1000 degrees Celsius, exert an unfathomable amount of pressure and heat across a plethora of rich minerals and elements. Unique instances where the building blocks of our most valued gemstones, Aluminum and Oxygen, fuse together give rise to the crystalline structure of corundum.

Millennia of intense collisions, clumping and combinations enabled segments of this corundum to achieve an enhanced structural state of hardness and density as it rose to the surface via volcanic magma. Upon reaching the surface of our planet, it metamorphosed under the cooler conditions to a translucent rough that stood under the powerful erosion of Mother Nature. Centuries of harsh winds, blistering sun and heavy flooding tore off these crystals and carried them downhill on to the foots of mountains and river beds as alluvial deposits.

As these hidden sapphires lie in wait for the discerning eye, its natural beauty and violent history clash, to reveal its journey of a thousand years.

At Elizabeth Jewellers, we hold ourselves responsible for telling their story and granting them the awe and respect they deserve. Our mission remains unwavered as we tread through the globe to add brilliance to your life.

 


'Sapphire jewelry' is the new trend : Sapphires are forever November 14 2014

Did some digging into latest trends in fine jewelry.

Diamond may not be every girl’s best friend after all.

Popular jewelry designers from California, New York, London, France, Italy and Switzerland like Harry Winston, Efva Attling Stockholm, Piaget, Van Cleef & Arpels, Graff and Bulgari are embracing colored sapphire and gemstone jewelry as their masterpiece collections.

In today’s innovative world, everyone’s looking for something unique, specialized and customized to fit their own story. More and more couples are looking for something that symbolizes their love and affection in a personalized manner than going for the plain old standard.

In fact, celebrities like Kate Middleton have made the non-diamond engagement ring more socially acceptable, with her Ceylon blue sapphire engagement ring.

Come to think of it, what’s so grand about a plain white solitaire diamond engagement ring? Some may say that it’s just the tradition. Then how about the people who started the tradition. Would it have been tradition for them?  Hell, why can’t we start our own tradition?

According to Amanda Gizzi working at an esteemed jeweler in America, older women are leading the colorful gemstone engagement jewelry trend. “They know more of who they are and want something that does not fit the norm. They are looking for something unique….something that their girlfriends don’t have”.

“We want to be seen working and we want to look good doing it.”

 In today’s sophisticated world, it takes serious effort to be elegant and simple at the same time, or should I say, ‘elegantly simple’. With busy work and home schedules all of us are looking for elegant yet practical jewelry that are more comfortable and fit better into our active lifestyle; In essence, jewelry such as rings without elevated gemstone mounts, earrings that are not so bulky or pendants that are not so heavy that it doesn’t feel like we have a brick tied to our necks all day.

So why wait any longer. We are here to help you make the best choice at the best price in the market directly from the source. These days, the phrase “directly from source” is overrated and misused. Having said this, let us assure you that when we say “directly from the source” we mean we ARE the source!

Visit our online store at www.elizabethjewellers.com and start your own tradition.


Colorful Engagement Rings October 02 2014

In case you didn’t hear… Color is in!

Colorful gemstone rings have become ‘THE’ trend. Celebrities from around the world are adding more color to their engagement rings and wedding rings; Kate Middleton, Halle Berry, Jessica Biel to name a few.

What best way is there to make your engagement ring stand out in a crowd than to have a simple and elegant brilliant royal blue sapphire accenting your ring finger?! Or how about a brilliant canary yellow sapphire studded yellow gold wedding ring?

Ceylon yellow sapphiresYou can personalize your engagement ring or wedding ring by adding your birthstone, your favorite color or incorporating a heirloom. Bedazzling your sapphire center piece by adding a diamond studded halo is another good option. Price aside, adding a matching pair of earrings simply completes the picture.

Did you know that a deep blue sapphire conveys life-long loyalty, trust and understanding? It is also said that gifting a stand-alone yellow sapphire symbolizes sincerity, happiness and good-will. 

Have we convinced you enough about adding color to your engagement ring and wedding ring? CLICK HERE to see our simple and elegant jewelry collection and add brilliance to your life! 

Natural sapphire engagement rings are one of a kind. There is only one of its kind in the entire world for eternity. No one can remake it or replace it. Doesn’t that remind you of someone? 

In regions where gemstones are found it is believed that colorful gemstone have mystical powers.

Various colored gemstones worn on a daily basis at a certain angle allowing light to pass through to the skin is assumed to heal, bring wealth, prosperity, true friendship and honest companionship to the wearer.

 


Sri Lanka and its natural wonders September 23 2014

Our unique and elegant gemstone jewelry collections at Elizabeth Jewellers are inspired by mother nature and her exquisite creations. Each of our sapphires jewelry pieces are influenced by our surrounding Sri Lankan natural wonders. Visit our store at www.elizabethjewellers.com for jewlery studded with natural Ceylon Sapphires and gemstones.
  
Sri Lanka is known by many names such as Ceylon, Wonder of Asia, Taprobane, Land of Gems, Serendib and Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is renowned for its natural beauty and natural wonders that mother nature has bestowed upon it. The world's highest concentration of gemstones to land mass is in Sri Lanka and this country yields the highest quality natural gemstones to the international market today. Along with natural precious minerals Sri Lanka has many more natural wonders to offer to the world. Its rain forests are full of rare medicinal herbs, beautiful spotted leopards, deer, antelope, elephants and many other varieties of endangered species.


A waterfall in the tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka A family of spotted deer in Yala National Park in Sri Lanka

A land that you heard of once in a lullaby…. September 16 2014

This is a story about an island of wonders. It is about a land full of gems that gush down from its cool mountain tops and wash up against the river banks - an island surrounded by beaches of soft white sand with deep blue Indian Ocean silhouetting the horizon.

Amongst the Roman sailors that travelled the silk routes it was known as Serendib.

Marco polo, a 13th century Italian explorer from Venice who later inspired Christopher Columbus and other travelers, called it an island paradise in his book- ‘Livres des merveilles du monde’-travels of Marco Polo.

The 7th voyage of Sindbad mentions details of a flawless royal ruby the size of a man’s palm in the possession of the island’s king. Marine charts on British colonial naval ships named it Ceylon.

It is said that King Solomon wooed queen Sheba with gemstones from Ceylon.

If we look closer at the days of our recent past, the center piece of the engagement ring presented to the then Lady Diana Spencer by Prince of Wales was an 18-carat sapphire from Ceylon.

Today this revered island is known to us all as Sri Lanka- the place to find the world’s best sapphires and gemstones.

Recorded discoveries of gems in Sri Lanka was from 500 B.C. when Buddhist monks travelled from India. In their travels abroad they traded these gemstones to foreign merchants around the globe.

The traditional gem mines of Sri Lanka are located in and around the town of Ratnapura situated about 100 kilometers south-east of Colombo - nation’s trade capital. Sapphires in extravagant hues of blue, yellow, green, violet, pink, gemstones such as topaz, garnets, zircons, tourmalines, start sapphires, cat’s eyes and 'padparaschas' – peachy yellow shaded gemstone that are considered to be extremely rare and precious, are found in mines in Sri Lanka.  

Even after centuries of excavating, Sri Lankan mines seem to still be full to the brim with brilliant sapphires and gemstones and will gift many more precious wonders in the years to come.

Feeling the urge to own a beautiful and prestigious Ceylon Sapphire jewelry item.

Visit our store at www.elizabethjewellers.com and make your wish come true

 


Romancing The Stone August 20 2014

Gems in their original state of crystal rarely look finished enough to collect on their own merit. We want to enhance them. Cut and shape them. Facet them and polish them. We romance them!

Unlike pearls, corals, ivory and other precious collectibles that only possess beauty and rarity, sapphires have one extra characteristic that make them even more valuable. They are durable and everlasting. Gem crystals are amongst the hardest and most durable object on earth. The delicate looking sapphire gracing your slim finger is actually harder than steel or the front bumper of your Mercedes. Sapphires and rubies are at 9 on Mohs scale of 1 to 10 for being the hardest natural materials on earth.

Human civilizations have been collecting crystals since thousands of years ago. However, they lacked the lapidary skills we posses today to re-shape the resistant stones. The concept of putting tiny flat surfaces, or facets, on gems to catch and reflect light and seriously re-shaping and altering sapphires, rubies and diamonds started during the European Renaissance period.

In the primitive era of gem stone industry, craftsmen grounded the gems into crude shapes like ovals, circles, squares and triangles. Most effort was put towards polishing the gems to reveal existing color using sand as abrasive powder. However, sand could only polish and reshape crystals that were up to 7 on Mohs hardness scale. During the times of the Roman Empire, caravans returning from their Asian trade routes came back to Europe with Emery. Emery is a dark granular rock which was used to make abrasive powder. Emery made it possible to cut and polish all gems except diamonds. Later on, East India craftsmen made the initial discoveries on using diamonds and diamond powder to cut and shape anything under the sun.

When it comes to sapphires, color it the most important feature. Crystals that come from the ground are seldom of the same color. Marketable hues are achieved with a combination of luck, art and science. 90% of all sapphires and rubes today have had a heat treatment to enhance their color and clarity.

“We finish what nature forgot” is the heaters’ motto. Heaters maximize the color potential of a stone by aligning elements and altering valence states. They raise the temperature near to the melting point (2050 degrees Celsius) of the corundum, control the gaseous atmosphere in precisely cycled heating cooling-sequences to gain the rich color and clarity. These treatments are fortunately inexpensive and permanent and irreversible. A price of a rich blue sapphire without heat treatment can soar up to USD 2,000,000. A price of a simple USD1000 engagement ring can soar up to ten times without heat treated enhancements, if you were to by a similar stone with the same color and clarity. Unless there is substantial proof to the contrary, it is assumed that all rubies and sapphires have gone through some kind of heat treatment before entering the market.

But an important note-to-self would be that heat treated sapphires and synthetic sapphires are completely different. This is just like the difference between synthetic diamonds vs natural diamonds. Heat treated or not, natural sapphires or scientifically speaking natural corundum took billions of years to form where as synthetic sapphires takes about a day or two to create in a lab. Synthetic sapphires are simply colored glass in our book!

Don't forget to visit our online store at www.elizabethjewellers.com to purchase a heirloom jewelry item studded with Sri Lanka's natural sapphires.