The Definition of a Ceylon Sapphire

There is no sapphire as highly respected for its quality and enduring value as the Ceylon Sapphire. For the past 2000 years ,the island nation of Ceylon (now called Sri Lanka) has given the world the best sapphires in size and color quality. Lesser quality sapphires are mined in such places as Australia, Thailand, Columbia, Cambodia, Africa and even the United States. Heat treatments to all sapphires, no matter their origin, adds clarity and intensity to the color.

Other Places Mine Sapphires But Not Like the Ceylon Sapphire

Though you can purchase sapphires mined in Australia, Thailand, Colombia, Kampuchea (Cambodia), Kenya, Tanzania and Montana USA, you will find none with the variety of size and blue color as the sapphires of Sri Lanka. Australia and Thailand are known for the poorer quality, often overly dark and inky-colored sapphires.

Heat Treatment is Applied to 99% of Sapphires

Your Ceylon Sapphire, though known for its size and color that beat out all others mined around the world, may be one of the 99 percent of sapphires that has been treated with heat applications to enhance and stabilize the color. The process does not lessen the value or function of your Ceylon Sapphire. This ancient and accepted practice when applied to the Ceylon Sapphire usually refers to the wood fire low-heat application. Similar gemstones from surrounding lands such as Burma use the hotter-fire method.

The Cut of the Sapphire Affects Quality and Price

Even your Ceylon Sapphire's quality and price is affected by the cut of the gemstone. The cornflower blue Ceylon Sapphire is cut to reflect light to enhance the pale blue color by reflecting the light evenly across the smooth face of the gemstone. The darker the blue the less important the cut because the stone generates its own dynamic. The clearer the stone the higher the price of Ceylon Sapphires.

Ceylon Sapphires Has Another Desirable Quality

Your Ceylon Sapphire is not only desirable for its superior color and size that add to its value but next to the diamond it is the second hardest gemstone. It measures 9 on the hardness scale which is only one less than the diamond at 10. This makes the sapphire a jeweler's delight because of the practicality of using it in jewelry that can be worn on a daily basis.

Politics Plays a Hand in the Cost of the Ceylon Sapphire

Your Ceylon Sapphire ring bought five years ago has a smaller stone and cost more than the new one you just purchased this year. Cost of this valuable gemstone varies because of availability due to the continuing political unrest in Sri Lanka.