The name padparadscha is derived from the Sanskrit “padma raga”, which means lotus color. Sri Lanka is home to many varieties of gemstones, including alexandrite, chrysoberyl, garnet, moonstone, spinel, topaz, tourmaline and zircon, but perhaps the most sought after are the corundum gems, particularly padparadscha and Ceylon blue sapphires. Padparadscha Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Rough & Cut Arab, Indian, Dutch, and Portuguese spice traders also expanded the reach of gems from this precious isle. Local royalty and religious leaders wore jewelry encrusted with fine gems long before the trade expanded beyond the island itself, and Mukkuwars, a people devoted to mining gems in Sri Lanka, felt gems should be carried with them into the afterlife. King Solomon is said to have offered precious stones from Ceylon in his quest to win the heart of the Queen of Sheba. The nation’s gem trade dates back to the 6th century B.C., if not further. Mentions of gemstones are found throughout history, and Sri Lanka (also referred to historically as Ceylon, Sidhaleepa, Serendib and Taprobane) is central in these tales.
“Ceylon has all the fine cinnamon of the Indies and the best sapphires.”
“Island of Gems” 12ct Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka Exploring the Mines of Sri Lanka
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