Hey there, gem lovers! Let’s take a little trip together, diving deep into the fascinating world of Sri Lankan sapphires. You might have heard Sri Lanka called the “Gem Island,” and for a good reason because this small island nation produces some of the world’s most stunning sapphires. But have you ever wondered how these beauties go from rough stones buried in the earth to the sparkling gems you see in jewelry stores? Let’s break it down step by step!
Our journey kicks off in the gem-rich soils of Sri Lanka, especially in areas like Ratnapura, Elahera, and Balangoda. Ratnapura, which literally means “City of Gems,” is the superstar of gem mining in Sri Lanka. Here, the locals have been mining sapphires for generations, using methods passed down through time.
Picture this: miners digging deep pits, sometimes as deep as 50 feet, to get to the gem-bearing gravel known as “illam.” It’s a meticulous process, where every shovelful of gravel is washed and sifted to reveal rough sapphires. These stones might not look like much at first, just rocks to the untrained eye but within them lies the potential for something truly breathtaking.
The gem-rich soil known locally as illama. This ancient alluvial deposit, rich with gravel and minerals, holds the promise of precious stones hidden beneath layers of earth and clay. The process of unearthing these sapphires is as traditional as it is meticulous. Miners gather the illama and transport it to a nearby waterhole, where it is carefully sifted using a wattiya – a distinctive V-shaped basket designed specifically for gem washing. As the basket is submerged and gently swirled in the water, the lighter mud and gravel wash away, allowing gravity to guide the denser sapphires and other gemstones to the bottom. This rhythmic process, passed down through generations, highlights the patience and skill required to reveal the hidden treasures within Sri Lanka’s soil
Once the rough sapphires are unearthed from the mines, they embark on the next leg of their journey into the hands of gem dealers who serve as vital intermediaries between the miners and the global market. These dealers carefully evaluate the raw stones, using their trained eyes to assess the potential hidden beneath the unpolished exterior. Markets in towns like Ratnapura, often called the “City of Gems,” along with Nivithigala and Beruwala, bustle with activity as miners, mine owners, and dealers negotiate over precious finds. These trading hubs are steeped in history and tradition, where deals are often sealed with a handshake and mutual trust
After the rough sapphires pass through the hands of gem dealers, their transformation into dazzling gemstones begins. The first step is pre-forming – where skilled lapidaries carefully shape the stones, removing excess material while preserving as much of the gem as possible. This stage is crucial, as it determines the final size and orientation of the sapphire, maximising its brilliance. Some sapphires, particularly those with color zoning, undergo heat treatment to enhance their clarity and colour. By exposing the stones to controlled temperatures it’ll unlock vibrant blues, pinks, and yellows hidden within the gem. Once treated, or if naturally vibrant, the sapphires proceed to the final phase precision cutting and polishing. This intricate process reveals the stone’s true beauty, ensuring each facet reflects light perfectly, transforming the sapphire into a gemstone worthy of international admiration and demand.
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