Sri Lanka Sapphires
A legacy written in the earth
For over two thousand years, Sri Lanka has been revered as one of the world’s most important sources of sapphire. Known historically as Ceylon, the island’s gem deposits have produced stones prized for their color, clarity, and natural beauty — qualities that continue to define the finest sapphires today.
At Fire in Ice, we source directly from this origin, honoring both the land and the generations of craftsmanship behind each stone.
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Natural padparadscha sapphire from Sri Lanka, displaying a delicate blend of pink and orange hues and precise faceting.
Multiple natural padparadscha sapphires from Sri Lanka shown on the hand, illustrating variation in size, tone, and natural color.
A rare Ceylon padparadscha sapphire photographed in hand to convey scale, warmth, and the natural color blend prized by collectors and connoisseurs.
Natural padparadscha sapphire from Sri Lanka, displaying a delicate blend of pink and orange hues and precise faceting.
What Stone Speaks to You?
Choosing a sapphire is rarely just about color or size.
Often, a stone resonates for reasons that are harder to explain — a feeling, a memory, a sense of connection.
Some are drawn to the depth and strength of a Royal Blue Sapphire, timeless and quietly powerful. Others feel at home in the softness of a Cornflower Blue, luminous and calm. A Pink Sapphire may speak to warmth, joy, or personal meaning, while the rare glow of a Padparadscha often draws those who value nuance, rarity, and story above all else.
There is no right choice — only the stone that feels right to you.
Why Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka’s unique geology creates sapphires with a character unlike those found anywhere else.
Unlike volcanic sapphire deposits, Sri Lanka’s gems are formed through ancient geological processes and carried over time into alluvial deposits. These stones are typically recovered through careful, small-scale mining — a slower, more deliberate process that preserves both the gem and the landscape.
The result is sapphire known for:
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Exceptional transparency
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Luminous, natural color
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Minimal treatment requirements
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Enduring value and collectability
Color: A Natural Spectrum
Sri Lanka is one of the few places in the world where sapphires occur in such a wide and naturally vibrant range of colors.
These include:
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Classic royal and cornflower blues
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Soft pastel pinks
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Golden yellows
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Greens and violets
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And the exceedingly rare padparadscha, a delicate fusion of pink and orange found almost exclusively in Sri Lanka
Each stone’s color is shaped by trace elements present at formation — never manufactured, never forced.
Clarity & Light
Ceylon sapphires are especially valued for their clarity.
Many stones exhibit a level of transparency that allows light to pass through effortlessly, giving them a soft glow rather than a harsh brilliance. This quality makes them particularly striking in natural daylight — a hallmark of fine Sri Lankan sapphire.
Inclusions, when present, are often subtle and accepted as part of the stone’s natural fingerprint.
Mining Traditions
Gem mining in Sri Lanka is deeply rooted in tradition.
Rather than industrial extraction, many stones are recovered through methods passed down for generations. Small teams carefully excavate gem-bearing gravels, wash them by hand, and evaluate stones on site. This approach prioritizes sustainability, community livelihoods, and respect for the land.
These traditions are a vital part of the story each stone carries.
Treatment & Certification
Most Sri Lankan sapphires are either untreated or gently heat-treated — a widely accepted practice used to enhance color and clarity without altering the stone’s fundamental structure.
At Fire in Ice:
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Every stone is independently certified
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Treatment status is fully disclosed
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Origin is verified whenever possible
Transparency is not optional — it is essential.
Why It Matters
A sapphire from Sri Lanka is more than a gemstone. It is a piece of geological history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty brought together over millions of years.
Sourcing at the origin allows us to select stones with intention — not based on trends, but on integrity, rarity, and meaning.
To learn how we source Sri Lankan sapphires directly at the origin,
explore our process.
Royal blue sapphires are prized for their deep, saturated color and timeless presence. Stones from Sri Lanka are especially valued for their clarity and balance, offering richness without heaviness. This is a classic choice for those drawn to quiet strength and enduring elegance.
Royal Blue Sapphire
රෝයල් නිලම
Cornflower Blue Sapphire
කොර්න්ෆ්ලවර් නිලම
Pink Sapphire
රෝස යහන
Padparadscha Sapphire
පද්මරාග
Cornflower blue sapphires are celebrated for their soft, luminous blue—often described as bright yet gentle. Sri Lankan examples are admired for their natural light return and refined tone, making them feel vibrant without appearing overly dark. They appeal to clients who love color with subtlety and grace.
Pink sapphires range from delicate blush to richer rose tones, with Sri Lankan stones known for their transparency and warmth. Their color feels expressive yet refined, offering a romantic alternative to more traditional blues. This stone often resonates with those seeking something personal, joyful, and quietly distinctive.
Padparadscha sapphires are among the rarest gemstones in the world, defined by their distinctive and delicate blend of pink and orange. Found almost exclusively in Sri Lanka, the most prized examples are untreated, valued for a natural color intensity unique to this origin. Encountering a true padparadscha in the U.S. market is uncommon, and in larger carat sizes, exceedingly rare. These stones are chosen by collectors and clients drawn to nuance, rarity, and authentic provenance.
Cut to Your Vision
Every stone can be shaped to reflect your style, your meaning, and your story.
We have a team of expert cutters, ready to shape your stone to precicely y
Our Qualification Standards
Unheated & Untreated Only
We work exclusively with sapphires that are naturally colored and untreated. No heat, diffusion, or enhancement—ever.
Sri Lankan Origin Only
Every stone we source is native to Sri Lanka, chosen for its exceptional color, clarity, and provenance.
Trusted Mining Communities
Stones are sourced only through long-standing relationships with local miners and gem owners.
No Yellow Sapphires
This category is often associated with unreliable or unethical treatment practices and presents unnecessary risk for our clients.
Size Standards
Padparadscha sapphires are sourced exclusively between 1–5 carats, preserving rarity, balance, and natural color integrity.
All other sapphire varieties are sourced at 2 carats and above, ensuring visual presence, meaningful rarity, and long-term value.
If a stone does not meet every standard, we do not source it.