Description
Ancient Natural White Sapphire Blue Hue Mukkaru Bead from Ancient Galpaya Village
The ancient Mukkaru people, known for their exceptional gem mining and jewelry-making skills, left behind a treasure trove of unique gemstones and beads. Among these rare finds is the Ancient Natural White Sapphire with a Blue Hue Mukkaru Bead, sourced from the historical gem deposit of Galpaya, Sri Lanka. This bead is not only a beautiful piece of gemstone but also a symbol of the ancient craftsmanship of the Mukkaru people, who lived in Sri Lanka between 700 to 1000 years ago.
This bead weighs 7.18 carats, with dimensions of 9.6 x 9.6 x 7.1 mm, making it a substantial piece for anyone interested in ancient gemstones or historical jewelry. The white sapphire exhibits a slight blue hue, which adds an intriguing and subtle color shift under different lighting conditions. Its natural and unheated condition means that the bead has retained its original beauty, untouched by modern enhancement methods. The bead’s clarity is included, which is typical for stones from ancient times, showing the authenticity of the piece.
The Mukkaru people, who migrated to Sri Lanka during the reign of the ancient kings, were experts in gem mining and trading. They had developed their own traditional techniques for polishing and cutting even the hardest stones like sapphire, which has a Mohs hardness of 9. Using natural abrasives like kabarondum dust, they drilled and polished beads and gemstones to create intricate necklaces and jewelry.
Today, the areas where the Mukkaru once mined are being re-explored, and these long-lost treasures are being rediscovered. Gems that were once overlooked, such as spinel and garnet, have gained immense value in the modern market. The Mukkaru bead with a slight blue hue is a rare find, highlighting the ancient technology of bead-making, where the diameter of the drilled hole was 1.5 mm on one side and 1.7 mm on the other. This type of craftsmanship offers a glimpse into the sophisticated techniques that the Mukkaru people employed to make jewelry over a millennium ago.
For gem enthusiasts, collectors, and historians, this bead represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of ancient gem history. It combines both the raw beauty of a natural sapphire with the rich cultural heritage of an ancient civilization.
As more and more Mukkaru artifacts are uncovered through modern mining efforts, it’s clear that the ancient gems and jewelry crafted by these people are as valuable and awe-inspiring today as they were centuries ago. Whether for historical interest or as part of a unique jewelry design, this white sapphire bead with a blue hue is a timeless piece that bridges the past and present in the world of gemstones.
