Elahera, the realm of blue sapphires
Elahera, the realm of blue sapphires. Here, in 1940, the Gemforest 35,91 carats sapphire was found. Sri Lanka is often called and known as the “jewel box” of the Indian Ocean. An island permeated with spiritualism, Buddhism and Vedic tradition, where gems have always been part of the life of the inhabitants.
In the past the gueda, the palest and least valuable gems, were buried near villages as a blessing.
In the past, the gueda, the palest and least valuable gems, were buried near villages as a blessing.
Traditionally, mining cannot start before doing an astrological consultation and a religious ritual with offerings to Baitirwaya, the spirit in charge of the richness of the earth.
In Sri Lanka the mining remains artisan and family-run and the tools used in the deep gem pits or surface excavations are the same as those of the rice paddies farmers: cane baskets, picks and shovels.
This exceptional blue Sapphire displays a warm and soft blue, typical of the sapphires of this area, with no trace of gray or darkness in it.
Perfectly clean and untreated it bears an antique brilliant step cut.
Sri Lanka gemstones are found in most of the crown jewels of Europe as well as in China’s Ming Dynasty precious artefacts.
A miner sips his tea during a break from his work.
A simple habit able to connect people around the world, is part of the journey of each Gemstone around the globe and came, impressed in its DNA, in our hands: here, now.
Sapphires are often unearthed around small rivers and water sources. Only expert human eyes can recognize from a dirty rought a potential treasure. This is why this miner is using a sieve, an ancient but useful tool, that helps him look at the gravel on the shores of the river.
