What is a natural ruby gemstone?

A natural ruby gemstone is a variety of the mineral corundum, colored red by traces of chromium. It forms naturally in the earth and is not lab-created or synthetic.

Are your ruby gemstones certified?

Yes, all our ruby gemstones are certified by trusted gemological labs such as GIA or IGI. Each stone comes with full disclosure of origin and treatment status.

What is the difference between heated and unheated rubies?

Heated rubies have been thermally enhanced to improve color and clarity. Unheated rubies are completely natural and untreated, making them rarer and more valuable.

What countries do your rubies come from?

Our rubies are ethically sourced from renowned locations such as Burma (Myanmar), Mozambique, and Madagascar, each known for producing high-quality rubies.

How durable are ruby gemstones?

Rubies score 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them extremely durable and suitable for everyday jewelry like rings, earrings, and pendants.

What shapes are available in your ruby collection?

We offer rubies in a variety of cuts including oval, cushion, pear, round, and emerald. Each cut is chosen to enhance the gem's natural brilliance and color.

How do I care for my ruby gemstone?

To care for your ruby gemstone, clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Store it separately to prevent scratches.

Can I use a ruby for an engagement ring?

Absolutely. Rubies are a popular choice for engagement rings due to their symbolic meaning of love and strength, as well as their exceptional durability.

Discover the Legacy of Ceylon Sapphires

Ceylon sapphires are among the world’s most treasured gemstones. Hailing from Sri Lanka, an island famous for its gemological heritage, these sapphires are celebrated for their vibrant blue hues, clarity, and brilliance.

The name “Ceylon” dates back to colonial times. Portuguese explorers first named the island “Ceilão” in 1505. The Dutch later called it “Zeylan,” and during British rule, it became Ceylon. Though the country officially became Sri Lanka in 1972, the term Ceylon sapphire remains a symbol of quality and prestige in the jewelry world.

Why Are Ceylon Sapphires So Special?

Sri Lanka has over 2,500 years of gem trading history. Ancient traders called it “Rathnadweepa” – the Island of Gems. Persian merchants referred to it as “Serendip,” which inspired the word “serendipity,” highlighting the joy of discovering these radiant stones.

The island contains one of the world’s highest concentrations of gem-quality deposits. Over 90% of its landmass is made of gem-bearing Pre-Cambrian rock, making Sri Lanka a top source of high-quality gemstones. Among its many treasures, sapphire is the most celebrated export.

Ceylon Sapphire Colour & Quality

Ceylon sapphires are best known for their medium blue tones, often described as cornflower blue. Unlike darker sapphires from other regions, these stones offer a luminous glow, combining clarity, vibrant colour, and a unique brilliance.

These sapphires often contain trace elements that create subtle variations in their blue hues, adding to their charm. Most are untreated, which makes them even more valuable to collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Sri Lanka produces sapphires in nearly every hue, including:

Royal blue, pink, yellow, green, and purple
The rare Padparadscha – a lotus-blossom pink-orange sapphire named from Sanskrit

Famous Ceylon Sapphires Around the World

Some of the world’s most renowned blue Ceylon sapphires include:

Blue Giant of the Orient – 466 carats
Logan Blue Sapphire – 423 carats (Smithsonian display)
Blue Belle of Asia – 400 carats (sold for USD $17 million)

Star sapphires from Sri Lanka include:

Star of Lanka – 193 carats
Star of India – 563 carats

These gems have not only been high-quality natural wonders but also part of royal history and celebrity fashion. Ceylon sapphires have adorned:

The Imperial Crown of Russia
Prince Albert’s brooch for Queen Victoria
Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales

Hollywood has also celebrated Sri Lankan sapphires. The 171-carat “Heart of the Ocean” necklace, inspired by Titanic and worn by Celine Dion at the 1998 Academy Awards, features a Ceylon sapphire. Other famous pieces include the Hall Sapphire Necklace by Harry Winston and the Bismarck Sapphire Necklace, both displayed at the Smithsonian.

Shop Certified Natural Ceylon Sapphires at NashGems

At NashGems, we honor Sri Lanka’s gem legacy with a curated collection of certified, ethically sourced Ceylon sapphires. Each gemstone is hand-selected for its brilliance, colour sapphire quality, and rarity. Perfect for a piece of jewelry or custom engagement ring, every Ceylon sapphire is backed by generations of gem expertise.

https://www.elizabethjewellers.com/blogs/sapphire-jewelry/72919363-the-blue-giant-of-the-orient

https://www.valeriassecret.com/post/blue-giant-of-the-orient-the-world-s-largest-faceted-blue-sapphire-is-shrouded-in-mystery

https://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/education/fun-sapphire-facts/worlds-largest-sapphires/?srsltid=AfmBOop58H5xD7xqNtvJlZbsqYDo-RgbcDC5fWfw8inHx-fXQ9mW4AXf

https://www.geologyin.com/2023/06/the-largest-star-sapphire-in-world.html

What Is a Ceylon Sapphire?