Description
Ancient Natural Sapphire Mukkaru Bead from Ancient Galpaya Village
The ancient Mukkaru beads, discovered in Sri Lanka’s Galpaya Village, hold a significant place in the history of gem mining and craftsmanship. These remarkable beads, made from natural sapphires, are relics of the Mukkaru people, an ancient race that migrated to Sri Lanka between 700 and 1000 years ago. Skilled gem specialists, the Mukkaru people played a crucial role in the gem industry, establishing Sri Lanka’s legacy as a prime source of valuable stones.
These particular Mukkaru beads include sapphires in yellow and white hues, each polished and untreated, maintaining the natural beauty that has endured for centuries. The beads vary in weight, ranging from 3.02 to 1.72 carats, and feature the unique clarity and inclusions typical of unheated sapphires. The ancient Mukkaru artisans, known for their expertise, would drill and polish these hard stones—sapphires rate 9 on the Mohs hardness scale—using traditional polishing techniques, including tools made from kabarondum dust. Their craftsmanship allowed them to transform raw stones into polished beads, often used for necklaces and other jewelry items.
The Mukkaru’s mining legacy is evident in today’s gem market, as people continue to rediscover and mine areas that were once productive Mukkaru deposits. Many of the stones they abandoned or considered of lesser value at the time, such as spinels and garnets, are now recognized as highly prized gemstones. This shift in value is a testament to changing tastes and technological advances in gemology, which have uncovered the true potential of these ancient stones.
For collectors and historians, the Mukkaru sapphire beads are a rare find, representing a direct connection to an ancient civilization. The natural colors of yellow and white sapphires give these beads a timeless appeal, while their handcrafted quality and untreated state offer a raw elegance that is hard to find in today’s gem market. Each bead is a piece of history, embodying the Mukkaru’s craftsmanship and the enduring beauty of Sri Lankan gemstones.
