Gemstone Archives -

Transforming Raw Beauty into Timeless Elegance: Custom-Cut Natural Sapphires by City of Gem

At City of Gem, we take pride in offering our clients the highest quality natural sapphires sourced directly from the renowned gem-rich region of Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. Our recent exclusive offer of facet-grade natural/unheated sapphire roughs has captivated the interest of gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry designers worldwide. These 15 pieces of rough sapphires, with a weight range of 2.96 carats and below, represent the best of what nature has to offer, each with its own unique charm and potential. The rough sapphires we offered came in a stunning array of colors, inclu

Gemstone

Ceylon Natural Yellow Sapphire & Blue Pair for Jewelry Designs

The allure of natural sapphires has captivated jewelers and collectors alike for centuries. Among the gems that stand out, Ceylon sapphires are renowned for their beauty and quality. Our Ceylon Natural Yellow Sapphire & Blue Pair is a fine example of the elegance and versatility these stones can bring to any jewelry design. This collection features three stunning faceted gemstones, perfect for a range of exquisite jewelry pieces. The center stone, a yellow sapphire weighing 1.20 carats, boasts impressive dimensions of 6.7 x 4.8 x 3.7 mm. This cushion-cut sapphire ex

Gemstone, History

Ancient Natural Tourmaline Mukkaru Bead: A Symbol of Prosperity

The ancient Mukkaru people, a mysterious race believed to have migrated to Sri Lanka during the reign of ancient kings, were renowned for their expertise in gemstone mining and trading. Among the many treasures they left behind, one of the most intriguing is the ancient natural Dravite Tourmaline Mukkaru Bead carving, famously known as the "symbol of prosperity." This bead, which dates back 700 to 1000 years, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the gem industry in Sri Lanka. This exceptional piece weighs 5.65 carats and measures 12.05 x 9.85 x 5.

Gemstone

A Royal Treasure: The 5.00 ct Plus Vivid Royal Blue Sapphire from Ratnapura, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, often referred to as the "Island of Gems," has long been celebrated for its rich deposits of some of the world's most exquisite gemstones. Among these, the sapphires from Ratnapura stand out as true treasures, renowned for their exceptional quality and unparalleled beauty. One such gemstone, a 5.00 ct plus vivid royal blue sapphire, embodies the finest attributes that make Sri Lankan sapphires highly coveted in the world of fine jewelry. This sapphire, with its rich and deep royal blue hue, is a masterwork of nature and human craftsmanship. The color is

Gemstone

The Timeless Art of Cabochon Gem Cutting: Sri Lankan Style

In the heart of Sri Lanka, an ancient tradition of gem cutting continues to thrive, passing down from generation to generation. This image captures the essence of that enduring tradition, featuring an old Sri Lankan craftsman meticulously cutting and polishing cabochon gems using a traditional, hand-operated gem polishing machine. Sri Lanka, known as the "City of Gems," boasts a rich heritage in gemstone craftsmanship. Among the most cherished skills is the cutting of star stones and cat's eye gems, which requires not only a deep understanding of the stones but al

Gemstone, History

Ancient Natural Blue Sapphire Mukkaru Bead with Old Carvings

In the realm of Sri Lanka's gemstone heritage lies a remarkable artifact from the past: the Ancient Natural Blue Sapphire Mukkaru Carving Bead. This rare gem hails from Galpaya, where the Mukkaru people thrived over 700 to 1000 years ago. Known for their mastery in gemstone craftsmanship, the Mukkaru were esteemed for their ability to polish even the hardest stones, like Sapphire with a Mohs hardness of 9, using traditional techniques involving Kabarondum dust. This expertise allowed them to create intricate carvings and drill beads for necklaces and jewelry. This