gems, corundum, Sri Lanka.12, gem trade, history of gemology

The blue variety of corundum, which is termed sapphire, was and is the flag-bearer of the gem trade in Sri Lanka. This gem has been well respected since ancient times. Sapphire was recognised as an auspicious and royal gem from the time of Devanampiya Tissa, who ruled Sri Lanka during the third century B.C. Even when political upheavals took place, sapphire retained its status and importance. During Sri Lanka’s colonial period (1550–1948), when the country was ruled successively by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British, sapphire decisively penetrated the European gemstone market. However, as the trade in sapphires is determined by the world market, its sale over the centuries has been subject to many fluctuations. Yet another recent constraint on world sales of sapphire has been the comparatively recent entry of geuda onto the market. Traditionally, other coloured varieties of corundum, except red (ruby), have the name sapphire suffixed to their particular colour.