“Gems captivate with their natural beauty. Each stone tells a unique story. From diamonds to rubies, a world of splendor awaits. Explore the allure of gemstones today.”
“Exploring
Gemstones: Nature’s Precious Creations”
“Sri Lanka’s
Gem Legacy: Treasures of the Island”
“Sri Lanka’s Gem Legacy: Exploring the Riches of the Island’s Precious Stones”
The island nation is famous for producing
high-quality gemstones such as saphires,
rubies, and garnets.
Sri Lanka’s Exquisite Gems and jewelry
Golden Horizons:
Sri Lanka’s Stunning Sunset Beaches
Sri Lanka’s beaches: pristine sands, azure waters,
paradise found.
Discover Sri Lanka’s breathtaking waterfalls,
where cascading torrents meet lush greenery
in a symphony of nature’s beauty.
Nature’s Cascades:
Sri Lanka’s Spectacular Waterfalls
Sri Lanka the Gorgeous Pearl of The Indian Ocean is not only a beautiful Island nation veiled by the “Endless Sheets of Heaven” , The Magnificently Picturesque Nation is a “Treasure Island”, enriched with the astonishing splendor of vividly colored bewitching gem stones that glitter to outshine the twinkling stars of a cloudless night.
The brilliance of colored stones from the “Serendib” (Sri Lanka) have inspired ancient Kings, Infamous Silk Road Traders of Chinese & Arabian & Chinese origin as well as Historians of medieval ancestry to affectionately nick name their precious little Island as “Rathna Dveepaya” to mean “The Gemmed Island” in English.
Little has changed since Marco Polo’s time. Such references reflective of the Historical Heritage and Grand Antiquity of the Srilankan Gem Industry has indeed catalyzed the Iconic Recognition of the “Ceylon Sapphire” as the Premium colored Stone of the World.
The “Mahavansa”, the great historical chronicle of Ceylon whose authority is undoubted, refers to the singular reputation of this island for its “Wealth in Gems”. Precious Gemstones recovered from the shimmering belly of Sri Lanka have donned the Crowns, Thrones & Tiaras of many Emperors including the British Monarchy.
Sri Lankan Gemstones were positionned amongst the Priceless Exhibits in the Royal Museum of Great Britain. Precious and enticing spectrum of Blue Sapphires, Star Sapphires, Rubies, Star Rubies, Alexandrites, Cat’s Eyes, Garnets, Zircons, Tourmalines and Spinals of unsurpassed Quality and Quantities have been dotingly delivered in an uninterrupted continuum since the biblical days of Solomon & Sheba to this date from the gem rich soil of the phenomenally blessed Island nation. A few of the priceless treasures, whose origins are traceable to Sri Lanka, are Blue Giant of Orient (466 cts), Logan Blue Sapphire (423 cts), Blue Belle of Asia (400 cts), Rossar Reeves Star ruby (138.7cts) and Star of Sri Lanka (393cts) and the Ray of Treasure (105 cts) Also The Eye of lion (465 cts) Cat’s Eye.
THE GUINNESS STAR AND CRESCENT
(The Natural Black Star Sapphire & Natural Green Beryl Cat’s Eye)
On January 2024, Guinness World Records Confirmed the Natural Black Star Sapphire (Also known as: The Black Star of Eva) weighting 3621.35 Carats and the Natural Green beryl Cat’s Eye (Also Known as: The Eye of Hope) weighting 854.95 Carats. Together known as “The Guinness Star and Crescent.”
THE GUINNESS STAR AND CRESCENT CERTIFIED BY:
Harold Weinstein Ltd. Toronto, Canada.
National Gem and Jewellery Authority – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, Nuclear Analytical Services- Colombo, Sri Lanka
Lanka Gemmological Laboratary,LGL- Colombo, Sri Lanka
Advance Gem Testing Lab (PVT)Ltd,AGTL – Beruwala, Sri Lanka
Global Gem Testing Laboratory,GGTL- Colombo, Sri Lanka
Gemmological Institute of Colombo, GIC- Colombo, Sri Lanka
Black Sapphire Meaning & History
As a black stone, it’s unsurprising that black sapphire is often associated with the mysterious and mystical. Overall, black sapphire symbolizes protection, prestige, and power.
Medieval Europeans believed all black stones were lucky and protective. Similarly, an Italian myth claims that touching black diamonds would bring newlyweds good luck. Asteriated stones, historically called “asteria” or “asterion,” have led to various superstitions over time.
The Black Star of Eva
In January 2024, The Guinness World Records confirmed that the Black Star of Eva is the world’s largest Natural Black Star Sapphire.
The Black Star of Eva is a 3621.35 Carats (724.27 Grams) Natural Black Star sapphire with a notable silvery asterism (Star) effect against its homogeneous greyish-black body colour. The Black Star of Eva’s cabochon cut beckons us to explore its mysterious depths, much like unraveling the secrets of space. As light ballets on its surface, the star phenomenon emerges, revealing a celestial glamour that captivates the eye. The Black Star of Eva displays an air of mystique and sophistication. It’s a hue that directs thoughtfulness and captivates the imagination, a gem that represents the essence of luxury and power. Sourced from the legendary land of Ceylon/Serendib (Sri Lanka), this Black Star of Eva carries with it the essence of its origin. A place known for unearthing some of the world’s most exquisite gems. Sri Lanka is known for the finest and the largest sapphires in the world.
Testimonials are a social proof, a powerful way to inspire trust.
Consultant Gemmologist
Ashan S. Amarasinghe.
FGA (UK), DGA (UK), MGA (SL), BBA (UK), MBA (UK)
“LGL GemLab proudly announces its pivotal role in facilitating the Guinness World Record achievement for the ‘world’s largest Natural Black star sapphire, Also known as Black Star of Eva’ an awe-inspiring specimen weighing an impressive 3621.35 carats, unearthed from the storied gemstone mines of Sri Lanka and Natural Green Beryl Cat’s Eye , Also known as Eye of hope with 854.95ct Under the expert scrutiny of our esteemed gemmologist Ashan Amarasinghe, this magnificent gem underwent rigorous examination and authentication, ensuring its rightful place in the annals of history.
Sri Lanka boasts a rich legacy in gemstone lore, having birthed numerous world-renowned treasures since ancient times. However, this monumental discovery marks an unparalleled milestone – a testament to the unparalleled wealth of natural wonders harboured within the island’s depths. It is with immense pride that we acknowledge this achievement as not only the largest of its kind but also as the first instance where a Sri Lankan gemstone has been bestowed with the prestigious Guinness World Record accolade.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all involved in this remarkable journey. May this historic feat serve as a beacon, illuminating the boundless potential and enduring allure of Sri Lanka’s gemstone legacy.”
Lanka Gemmological Laboratory
LGL GemLab.
F
A Message From
Luigi A Berdusco
Appraiser/Gemmologist(s)
G.G (G.I.A.), C.G. (A.G.S)
Harold Weinstein Ltd. Toronto, Canada.
What Is Black Star Sapphire?
Many sapphires can display an optical phenomenon called asterism. These stones, called “star sapphires” or “asteriated sapphires,” have star-like rays of reflected light. Most have six-rayed stars.
The phenomenon comes from dense, parallel inclusions that reflect light differently than the sapphire base.
Typical star sapphire colors are black, pink, and blue. Yellow, orange, or green star sapphires are rare.
Black Star Sapphires most asteriated sapphires get their “star” from inclusions of rutile or diaspore, but black star sapphires get it from ilmenite or hematite inclusions. Sometimes, ilmenite and hematite inclusions criss-cross, creating exceptional black star sapphires.
The Eye of Hope
In January 2024, The Guinness World Records Confirmed that the Eye of Hope is the world’s largest Natural Green Beryl Cat’s Eye.
The world’s largest Natural Green Beryl Cat’s Eye, unearthed in Madagascar, weighs in at an extraordinary 854.95 Carats (170.99 Grams). The magnificent Beryl Cat’s Eye exhibits a very rare combination of size, excellent green body colour with a prominent display of silvery chatoyant (Cat’s Eye) effect and is fashioned on a cabochon cut with well-balanced proportion and symmetry. Shaped with meticulous precision, this gem highlights an outstanding polish that mirrors our reflection with every glance. As we hold this treasure in our hands, we will feel the artisanship that has gone into creating a gem of incomparable brilliance.
About BERYL
The Beryl family of gemstones include some of the most popular and expensive gemstones in the world including Emeralds and Aquamarines. Chemically pure beryl is colorless, but trace elements give rise to green, blue and pink/red colors. The most important variety is green emerald (colored by chromium or vanadium), followed by blue aquamarine and yellow heliodor (both colored by iron) and pink morganite (colored by manganese). Some beryls fashioned as cabochons exhibit asterism (a star-shaped pattern of reflections) or chatoyancy (a “cat’s-eye” seen in reflected light).
The most important gemstone of the Beryl family is Green Emerald, coloured by the presence of chromium or vanadium while the blue colour in Aquamarine is caused by the presence of Iron.
GEMSTONES FROM SRI LANKA
While there are 200 types of mineral found across the world, Sri Lanka is home to nearly 75 varieties of coloured and colourless gemstones belonging to ten main species.
CORUNDUM
The corundum family of gemstones consist of some of the most valuable and popular gemstones including ruby and sapphire. Compact, dense, and lacking gemstone cleavage corundums are also the second hardest natural mineral after diamond. These factors make both varieties of corundum some of the most highly desired jewellery stones. Ruby is the red variety of corundum. All other colours of corundum, including colourless corundum, are called sapphires. Gems belonging to corundum species can display asterism and chatoyancy due to the presence of oriented mineral inclusions, and in some cases, a change of colour when viewed under different light sources.
SAPPHIRE
Although blue is the colour most widely identified with sapphires, the colour of sapphire can range from blue to violet, green, yellow, black, orange, pink, purple, and intermediate hues known as fancy sapphires.
Sri Lanka is the top source of finest Ceylon Sapphires to the global market and exports Ceylon Blue Sapphire, Padparadscha, star sapphires, and range of fancy sapphires to the global gem markets.
GEM INDUSTRY IN SRI LANKA
As one of the world’s steadiest suppliers of top-quality Ceylon Sapphires and seventy-five other types of gemstones, Sri Lanka is one of the most important countries in the world when it comes to gem, despite its small size. Hailed as the mythical Tarshish, the legendary island of invaluable gemstones, Sri Lanka has been the source of many celebrated gemstones, pearls and luxury jewellery throughout history and has a long association with the international gem and jewellery trade.
Today, Sri Lanka is the ninth-largest exporter of precious stones to the global market and one of the five most important gem bearing nations of the world. In addition to our globally celebrated Ceylon Sapphires, Sri Lanka is also a celebrated destination for Rubies, Padparadscha, and Moonstones while Sri Lankan lapidaries excel at faceting gemstones and diamonds to its fullest lustre. Both the artisan culture of jewellery craftsmanship and Sri Lanka’s gem industry has been widely acclaimed in literary works dating as far back as 250 B.C.
Today Sri Lanka has made its mark in the international market as a world-class gem and jewellery hub and is known for quality gemstones and creating fine jewellery in a range of unique and exquisite designs. The entire industry employs approximately 600,000 people, including miners, cutters and polishers, dealers, jewellery designers, manufacturers and craftsmen, and marketing resources.
GEMS OF SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka has had a long association with the global gem and jewellery trade. As a country with the highest density of gems in the world, compared to the rest of the gem producing countries, mainly due to our high availability of precious gem resources in a relatively smaller geographical area, we mine, facet and supply nearly 75 types gemstones to the global market.
Due to our long association with precious gems, Sri Lanka had been referred to as the ‘Rathna Deepa’ in many ancient chronicles including an ancient Greek merchant and navigator guide called “Periplus of the Erythrean Sea” presumed to have been compiled during the first century.
Much of Sri Lanka’s gem deposits occur mainly in alluvial gravels found in valley bottoms into which flow tributary hillside streams which carry gem minerals released by weathering from the bedrock sources located at hilltops or hillsides. Apart from the sedimentary formation which carries gemstones, some rocks also have been shown to contain gemstones, particularly varieties of Corundum. There are also gemstones associated with pegmatite which constituted an important source.
Gemstones found in Sri Lanka can be categorized into ten main species;
- Beryl
- Chrysoberyl
- Corundum
- Feldspar
- Garnet
- Quartz
- Spinel
- Topaz
- Tourmaline
- Zircon
Mining of these gemstones continues to be a traditional and sustainable practice in Sri Lanka. A unique aspect of gem mines in Sri Lanka is that they yield a mixture of gemstones. Regulations ensure sustainable extraction of gems. While more than two-thirds of Sri Lanka’s landmass indicate the presence of gem deposits, but as yet, only up to 20% has been explored.
Owner’s statement
As a long-time gem dealer, I come from generations of gem traders in Sri Lanka. My family is well-known in the gemstone community. My father began as a gem miner and became a gem dealer in the 1980s. He has been in the gemstone business for over 40 years. During my teenage years, my father inspired my interest in the business of gemstones. My interest always focused on the unique stone; the one, which stood out from the rest.
“I always wanted to do something special to represent my country Sri Lanka and there is nothing more thrilling than being a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title holder for two titles. The World’s Largest Natural Black Star Sapphire, also known as – “The Black Star of Eva” and The Natural Green Beryl Cat’s Eye, also known as “The Eye of Hope” are the world’s rarest gem collections. Together known as “The Guinness Star & Crescent.” – Owner (Sri Lanka)
The world’s largest Natural black star sapphire, unearthed in Sri Lanka, weighs in at an astonishing 3621.35 Carats (724.27 Grams). The Black Star Sapphire was passed down to me from my ancestors. I named the extraordinary huge gemstone as “The Black Star of Eva.” referenced as full of life or mother of life.
The Black Star of Eva’s cabochon cut beckons us to explore its mysterious depths, much like unravelling the secrets of space. As light ballets on its surface, the star phenomenon emerges, revealing a celestial glamour that captivates the eye. The Black Star of Eva displays an air of mystique and sophistication. It’s a hue that directs thoughtfulness and captivates the imagination, a gem that represents the essence of luxury and power. Sourced from the legendary land of Ceylon/Serendib (Sri Lanka), this Black Star of Eva carries with it the essence of its origin. A place known for unearthing some of the world’s most exquisite gems.
The world’s largest Natural Green Beryl Cat’s Eye, unearthed in Madagascar, weighs in at an extraordinary 854.95 Carats (170.99 Grams). This magnificent Beryl Cat’s Eye exhibits a rare combination of size and excellent green body colour with a prominent display of a silvery chatoyant (Cat’s Eye) effect. Shaped with meticulous precision, this gem highlights an outstanding polish that mirrors our reflection with every glance. As we hold this treasure in our hands, we will feel the artisanship that has gone into creating a gem of incomparable brilliance.
The Eye of hope symbolizes “Hope.”; it is my hope and wish that all of us around the world grow as one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I also believe that the sparkling ray of “The Eye of Hope” endeavors one of the greatest gems found in the history of Mother Nature of gemmology. Today I am extremely proud to be able to say that I am the sole Guinness World Record titleholder of “The Black Star of Eva” and “The Eye of Hope”– Owner (Sri Lanka)
Contact Us
info@treasureofceylon.com