Description
Ancient Natural Blue & Violet Sapphire Mukkaru Bead from Ancient Galpaya Village
The ancient natural blue and violet sapphire Mukkaru bead from Galpaya, Sri Lanka, is a rare piece that tells the story of an age-old gem industry. These beads, mined and crafted by the Mukkaru people over 700 to 1,000 years ago, are steeped in history and showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of an ancient civilization. The Mukkaru were gem specialists who migrated to Sri Lanka during the reign of the ancient kings, specifically for mining and trading precious stones. Their knowledge of gemstones, paired with traditional polishing techniques, allowed them to create jewelry of remarkable beauty, often drilling stones to make necklaces and other adornments.
This specific Mukkaru bead collection includes two stones: a violet sapphire weighing 4.38 carats with dimensions of 9.5 x 7.05 x 6.5 mm and a blue sapphire weighing 3.00 carats, measuring 8.4 x 6.4 x 5 mm. Both stones are polished and unheated, preserving their natural state and enhancing their historical value. The violet sapphire has a notable asterism effect due to the silk inclusions within. This asterism adds a mystical quality, giving the stone a soft star-like glow in certain lighting conditions. Violet bead is Strongly redacted under UV short-wave light
The Mukkaru were known for their expertise in working with hard stones such as sapphire, which rates a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. They used kabarondum dust as an abrasive for polishing, a technique that, while simple by today’s standards, was highly advanced for its time. The Mukkaru’s knowledge and skill were so refined that many of the stones they polished and drilled still retain their beauty and integrity centuries later. These ancient people valued stones differently than we do today; some gems like spinel and garnet, considered low-value back then, have now become highly sought after in the gemstone market. This change in value and appreciation speaks to the evolving tastes and knowledge in the world of gemstones.
The Galpaya Mukkaru deposit in Sri Lanka is a treasure trove for discovering such ancient gems. While people continue to mine in areas once worked by the Mukkaru, many of the stones found today include gems that may have been abandoned or overlooked at that time. Now, these recovered gems are highly valued for their historical significance and natural beauty, carrying the legacy of a bygone era.
The unique blend of blue and violet sapphires in this collection is ideal for collectors or designers looking for gemstones that combine natural beauty with historical importance. The violet sapphire, with its asterism effect and medium silk inclusion, is particularly special, while the natural color and unheated state of both stones make them rare and desirable additions to any collection. This Mukkaru bead set is not just a gem; it is a piece of history that connects us to an ancient civilization known for its skill and artistry in the gem industry.
