Description
Design Name: Helen Sapphire Set
Identity: Natural Corundum var. Sapphire
Origin: Madagascar
The Helen Set was designed by Punala Kiripitige, from The Gem Monarchy.
What are the 4Cs: Gemological Institute of America – The 4Cs
MADAGASCAN SAPPHIRE
The first find, although small, was in the early 1990s in the north of the island. Conjunctively, the discovery in the small southern village of Ilakaka increased the country’s relevance in the gemstone industry. Once a small, poverty-stricken hamlet with a population of just 40 residents, the town suddenly expanded exponentially. What was once a sleepy truck stop of small shacks, suddenly became the mecca of sapphire miners. Over a two-year period, hordes of people almost 60,000 strong descended on Ilakaka wishing to make a fortune. They came from impoverished towns all over the island and from Sri Lanka, Thailand and many other countries.
Before 1998 the largest producers of sapphires were Sri Lanka and Thailand. However, between 1998 and 2007 Madagascar became the largest producer of sapphires in the world. Additionally, the country houses many mines, owned by international companies that are mining gemstones commercially. Smaller mines run by locals who are using traditional mining methods sit right alongside these commercially owned mines in mutualism…
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