The Essence of Ceyvora & Co.
A Generational Gift: The Sapphire Legacy
A grandmother places the heirloom sapphire ring into her granddaughter’s hand, passing down a timeless treasure that carries the wisdom, love, and heritage of generations.
Ceylon (Sri Lanka), 1952
A gem mining scene in the famous Ratnapura District of Southern Ceylon, known for producing some of the world’s finest sapphires. The remarkable blue sapphire featured in our collection was sourced from this very mine, where the tradition of labor-intensive gem mining continues today.
From Ceylon to Ceyvora& Co.
At Ceyvora & Co., we are deeply rooted in the rich history and timeless craftsmanship of Sri Lanka, renowned for being the birthplace of some of the world’s most coveted sapphires. Known historically as Ceylon, this island nation has earned its prestigious reputation as the world's leading source of rare and stunning gemstones, with sapphires holding a place of unparalleled esteem.
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Sri Lanka's mining heritage dates back over 2,000 years, where artisanal miners have perfected the art of unearthing sapphires in some of the world’s most celebrated gem-bearing regions. The craftsmanship involved in mining and polishing these gems has been passed down through generations of skilled artisans, and at Ceyvora & Co., we proudly continue this tradition of excellence. Every sapphire we craft tells a story of Sri Lanka's rich mining culture, where age-old methods are blended with modern techniques to produce gemstones of exceptional beauty and quality.​
Below, we explore some of the key discoveries and significant milestones in Sri Lanka's sapphire heritage.
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The Serendipity Sapphire
The Serendipity Sapphire is the world's largest star sapphire cluster, weighing 510 kg (2.6 million carats). Discovered in July 2021 in Sri Lanka’s Ratnapura District, it is valued at up to $150 million AUD, cementing Sri Lanka’s status as a top source of exceptional sapphires.
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The Discovery of the Serendipity Sapphire
The Serendipity Sapphire is the world’s largest star sapphire cluster, weighing an astonishing 510 kilograms (2.6 million carats). It was discovered in July 2021 in the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka, a region known as the "City of Gems" due to its rich deposits of high-quality sapphires.
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The cluster was found unexpectedly when workers were digging a well in the backyard of a local gem trader’s home. Upon examination, experts confirmed that it was a massive formation of pale blue star sapphires, making it one of the most remarkable gemstone discoveries in history.
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Valued at up to $150 million AUD, the Serendipity Sapphire has drawn global attention, further solidifying Sri Lanka’s reputation as one of the world’s premier sources of exceptional sapphires. The cluster was tested and certified by international gem laboratories, including the Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland, and later entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest star sapphire cluster ever found.
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Its discovery highlights Sri Lanka’s deep connection to the gemstone industry, where rare and valuable sapphires continue to be unearthed, just as they have been for centuries.
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Origins of Sri Lanka’s Gem Cutting
First type of Faceting Machine providing evidence for early gem cutting and polishing Industry. Sri Lanka not only produced gems stones of remarkable variety, the mining, cutting, and polishing industry dates back to centuries. Almost all the stones that are found in Sri Lanka since the periods of the kingships are cut and polished before exported.
Sri Lanka's Gem Heritage: 2,000 Years of Legacy
Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon, has been at the heart of the gemstone trade for over 2,000 years, earning its reputation as the "Jewel Box of the Indian Ocean." Ancient records, including those of Marco Polo and Pliny the Elder, praise the island’s sapphires, which have adorned the crowns of royalty and the collections of discerning collectors for centuries.
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Unlike large-scale industrial mining seen in other countries, Sri Lanka’s sapphire industry is rooted in ethical, artisanal mining, where traditional hand-dug pit mining techniques have been preserved for generations. These techniques ensure minimal environmental disruption while maintaining the highest standards of gem recovery.
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The Ratnapura region, meaning “City of Gems,” remains the epicenter of Sri Lanka’s sapphire industry. It is here that some of the world’s most prestigious sapphires have been unearthed, including the 12-carat Ceylon sapphire in Princess Diana’s and Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, as well as the Serendipity Sapphire, the world’s largest star sapphire cluster, weighing over 2.5 million carats.
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Sri Lanka is one of the few places where over 90% of sapphires are still undiscovered, making it an enduring source of rare, high-value gemstones. With an astonishing 80% of the country’s landmass identified as gem-bearing, Sri Lanka’s sapphire legacy is far from over—each new discovery continues to add to its remarkable story.
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Ceylon's Royal Legacy
Both Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth wore iconic Ceylon blue sapphires, showcasing Sri Lanka’s unmatched legacy in producing the world’s most prized and beautiful gemstones.
Royal Connections to Ceylon Sapphires
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Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring: One of the most famous Ceylon sapphires is the 12-carat blue sapphire set in Princess Diana’s engagement ring. This sapphire, known as the Ceylon blue sapphire, was chosen by Prince Charles in 1981. The stone is a stunning deep blue and is surrounded by diamonds, making it one of the most iconic and enduring pieces of jewelry. After Princess Diana's passing, the ring was passed on to her son, Prince William, who presented it to Catherine Middleton (now the Duchess of Cambridge) as her engagement ring, further cementing its place in royal history.
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Queen Elizabeth’s Ceylon Sapphires: Queen Elizabeth II has been known to wear a variety of Ceylon sapphires in her jewelry collection, reflecting the gemstone's enduring connection to the British monarchy. The Queen’s sapphire collection, including a necklace and matching earrings, features sapphires that were cut from stones sourced from Sri Lanka. These pieces are frequently worn by the Queen at state functions and royal occasions, further solidifying the prestige of Ceylon sapphires in royal circles.
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The Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla: For the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005, Camilla wore a stunning Ceylon sapphire ring as a part of her bridal ensemble. This ring, which was a gift from her former husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, is another example of Ceylon sapphires being treasured by the British royal family.
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The Star of Adam
The Star of Adam is a 1,404-carat star sapphire from Sri Lanka, famous for its striking star pattern, which appears due to a unique optical illusion created by needle-like inclusions inside the gem. When exposed to direct light, the star shape becomes visible on its surface.
The Star of Adam: Sri Lanka’s Legendary Star Sapphire
The Star of Adam, discovered in the Ratnapura region of Sri Lanka, is a remarkable 1,404.49-carat blue star sapphire, weighing approximately 280 grams. Certified by Sri Lankan gemologists, it is the largest blue star sapphire they have ever encountered and is valued at an estimated $300 million. The gem’s name comes from a Muslim belief that Adam, the first man, was banished to a mountain in Sri Lanka, now known as Adam's Peak.
The sapphire's striking six-pointed star pattern is a result of asterism, created by light reflecting off tiny rutile inclusions within the crystal. At Ceyvora & Co., we proudly offer sapphires sourced from the same Ratnapura region, home to this extraordinary gem, reflecting Sri Lanka's rich gem heritage and craftsmanship.