Top 10 Most Famous Sri Lankan Gems in History: Legendary Stones from the Gem Island

The island of Sri Lanka — known historically as Ceylon and Serendib — has produced some of the most extraordinary and storied gemstones ever recorded. From stones weighing hundreds of carats that now rest in the world's greatest museums, to historic rubies embedded in royal crowns, to remarkable colour-change sapphires that read differently in every light — Sri Lankan gems have shaped the history of human adornment, royalty, and commerce across civilisations. Here are ten of the most famous gems ever to emerge from this remarkable island.

1. The Blue Belle of Asia — 392.52 Carats

One of the largest and finest blue sapphires ever found, the Blue Belle of Asia was reportedly discovered in a paddy field in the Ratnapura district in 1926. The stone has been described as possessing the "cornflower blue" colour widely regarded as the ideal for Ceylon sapphires. It sold at Christie's Geneva in 2014 for approximately $17.3 million, setting a world record price per carat for a blue sapphire at that time. According to GIA's Gems & Gemology journal, this extraordinary stone is one of the most important sapphires ever documented from Sri Lanka.

2. The Star of India — 563.35 Carats

The world's most famous star sapphire, the Star of India is a grayish-blue cabochon displaying a sharp six-rayed star on both faces — a uniquely rare characteristic. Found in Sri Lanka and donated to the American Museum of Natural History in New York by J.P. Morgan in 1900, it remains one of the most visited gems in the world. The stone is 90% opaque, with its star remaining sharp and centred under a single light source. Our full guide to this phenomenon: What Is a Star Sapphire? The Gem with a Star Inside.

3. The Logan Blue Sapphire — 423 Carats

The Logan Blue Sapphire, housed in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, is one of the largest faceted blue sapphires in the world. The stone originated in Sri Lanka and was donated to the Smithsonian in 1960. Its deep, rich blue is considered an excellent example of the finest Ceylon blue colour. The Wikipedia overview of Sri Lanka's gem heritage lists the Logan Blue as one of the most significant stones ever produced by the island.

4. The Blue Giant of the Orient — 466 Carats

Reportedly mined near Ratnapura in 1907, the Blue Giant of the Orient is one of the largest faceted blue sapphires in existence. Its ownership history has been traced through Asia and Europe. The stone's sheer size — nearly half a kilogram of faceted blue sapphire — represents the extraordinary scale of crystals the Sri Lankan illam gravels have produced.

5. The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby — 138.7 Carats

This exceptional star ruby, also housed in the Smithsonian Institution, originated in Sri Lanka and was once carried by advertising executive Rosser Reeves as a "lucky stone." It is considered one of the world's finest large star rubies, displaying a strong, sharp six-rayed star across its deep red cabochon surface. The NGJA's official gemstone registry notes Sri Lanka's historical importance as a source of large star corundum. Explore our ruby buying guide: The Complete Ruby Buying Guide.

6. The Star of Lanka — 363 Carats

Owned by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka itself, the Star of Lanka is a remarkable blue star sapphire of national significance. Its retention by the NGJA is symbolic of Sri Lanka's pride in its gemmological heritage and its commitment to preserving the most exceptional specimens produced by the island.

7. The Pride of Sri Lanka — 850 Carats

Found in Ratnapura in June 1998, the Pride of Sri Lanka is one of the largest blue sapphires ever unearthed. This massive rough stone is a testament to the extraordinary crystal sizes that the Sri Lankan illam gravels occasionally produce — a geological gift from the island's ancient Precambrian formations.

8. The Black Prince's Ruby (Spinel)

Mounted in the front of the British Imperial State Crown and one of the most famous "rubies" in history, the Black Prince's Ruby is in fact a large red spinel. Originating likely from Sri Lanka or nearby South Asian sources, this stone demonstrates how Sri Lankan gems have shaped royal regalia for centuries. Our detailed feature on this remarkable gem family: Spinel: The World's Most Underrated Gemstone.

9. The Midnight Star — 116 Carats

Alongside the Star of India in the American Museum of Natural History, the Midnight Star is a remarkable deep purple star sapphire from Sri Lanka that was stolen in the famous 1964 "Murph the Surf" jewel heist — and subsequently recovered. Its dramatic history and extraordinary colour make it one of Sri Lanka's most storied gems.

10. Princess Diana's Engagement Sapphire

While not the largest or most expensive sapphire in history, perhaps no single gem has done more to bring worldwide attention to Ceylon sapphires than the oval blue sapphire in Princess Diana's — now Princess Catherine's — engagement ring. This 12-carat oval Ceylon blue sapphire, purchased from Garrard jewellers in 1981, is a classic example of fine Sri Lankan blue with the characteristic vibrant medium-blue colour that has made Ceylon sapphires the world's most beloved. The GIA's sapphire education pages describe Diana's ring as "the world's most famous engagement ring."

The Legacy Continues

These legendary stones were not freaks of geological fortune — they reflect the extraordinary richness of Sri Lanka's gem deposits, which continue producing exceptional material today. The Sri Lanka Export Development Board notes that Sri Lanka produces nearly 75 varieties of gemstone — more variety per square kilometre than almost any other gem-producing region on Earth.

The next legendary stone from Sri Lanka may already be in a miner's hand in the Ratnapura plains. And the certified, beautiful gems available today from licensed Sri Lankan dealers like Praveen Gems come from the same ancient deposits that produced these historic treasures. Browse our collection: The Ultimate Guide to Sri Lankan Gems.