Deep within the gem-rich lands of Madagascar, where the Indian Ocean kisses ancient riverbeds, a small parcel of alluvial rough sapphires was unearthed — 13 natural pieces, each carrying its own story of time, pressure, and transformation. These weren’t crystal-shaped formations from hard rock deposits, but river-worn stones, shaped by nature’s flow over millions of years before finding their way into human hands.
To an untrained eye, these rough sapphires might look simple — cloudy, irregular pebbles of blue, teal, or bi-color tones. But to a skilled lapidary, they hold limitless potential. Each rough piece offers clues about color zones, internal clarity, and depth of hue. Under the daylight, their bluish-green tones reveal natural transparency, untouched by heat. This is what gem professionals call unheated alluvial sapphire rough — pure, natural, and genuine.
The stones, averaging 0.40 to 0.15 carats each with a total of 3.30 carats after cutting, Carefully selected for color consistency and clarity. Before the cutting even began, they were meticulously examined under torchlight — observing inclusions, color centers, and symmetry to determine the right orientation for faceting. In the world of gem cutting, such preparation defines the difference between a good stone and a masterpiece.
Each piece was then mounted on dops, the cutting process beginning with precision laps. Slowly, facets started to emerge, transforming the natural matte surfaces into windows of brilliance. The cutters maintained balance between yield and light return, allowing the blue and teal tones to shine while retaining as much carat weight as possible. Every turn of the wheel, every drop of cooling water, was guided by steady hands and years of expertise.
After the final polish, the parcel unveiled its true identity — a collection of 13 sparkling round-cut sapphires from Madagascar, glowing with multiple shades of blue, teal, bi-color, and multicolor tones. Each gem measures between 5.1 mm and 3.5 mm, proportioned for perfect harmony in jewelry settings. Whether viewed under daylight or LED, these gems reflect the balanced character of Madagascar’s geology — bright, calm, and deeply alluring.
Beyond their appearance, these sapphires tell a geological and human story. Madagascar’s alluvial gem deposits are known worldwide for producing sapphires with fascinating color variations — the result of iron and titanium traces within corundum, combined with millions of years of natural erosion and transportation. Unlike synthetic or overly enhanced gems, these sapphires retain a character that feels alive — nature’s own artistry preserved through human craftsmanship.
At Liyanage Lapidary, every gemstone is approached with respect for its origin and potential. These 13 stones may be small in size, but they represent the essence of lapidary art — patience, precision, and passion. From the miner’s hand in Madagascar to the cutter’s wheel in Sri Lanka, their journey embodies international collaboration rooted in trust and craftsmanship.
Each finished sapphire reflects a perfect balance of tone and brilliance. Together, they form a vibrant calibrated parcel, ideal for fine jewelry such as earrings, pendants, or luxury watch accents. But more than that, they stand as a testament to the beauty that lies beneath the surface — waiting to be revealed by skill, care, and vision.
From the rivers of Madagascar to the lights of the workshop, this is the story of transformation — where rough becomes radiant, and earth becomes elegance.
🔹 Liyanage Lapidary — Beautiful colours at the bottom of the earth, in your hand.