The true beauty and charm of a padparadscha sapphire rests in its unique colour, or more precisely, colours. To befit the esteemed title of ‘padparadscha’, a sapphire must possess an orange and a pink hue at the same time, somewhat elusive in description, but hauntingly memorable to the eye. This unique chromatic combination is often compared to the sunset sky, and even more frequently to the blooming lotus flower (Nelumbo Nucifera ‘Speciosa), padma in Sinhalese, from which the name padparadscha was derived.
Known as the ‘Island of Gems’, Sri Lanka is the earliest origin known to mankind for the world’s finest sapphires. Gem deposits from this historical origin encompass almost every colour one’s imagination allows. For the same reason, Sri Lanka has also been the most prominent and a classic source of padparadscha sapphires throughout history, delighting gem connoisseurs with their cheery colours.
According to Sanskrit and Sinhalese accounts, padparadscha were described as ‘ruby-like, resembling the fire and molten gold’, it has a reddish body colour. However in modern days --- lost partly in translation, partly in culture --- the colour that defines a padparadscha no longer leans toward red-orange or orange-red. In an article published by GIA in 1982, Robert Crowningshield clarified the laboratory’s stance on the gemstone, ‘it is the GIA’s opinion that this colour range should be limited to light to medium tones of pinkish orange to orange-pink hues.’ The trade nowadays agrees predominantly on this colour description, but remain divided on the tone, saturation and proportion of the two hues. This ambiguity becomes an integral part of a padparadscha’s enigma.
Colour of preference is indeed a very personal choice, however, whether it is an orangy pink sapphire or a pinkish orange gem, a fine, clean and lively Sri Lankan padparadscha of over 10 carats is an extremely rare occurrence in nature. This oval padparadscha, weighing a stunning 21.20 carats, is one of such exceptional calibre and merit. Certified to be of Sri Lankan origin and completely free of heat treatment, it displays a vibrant pink colour complemented by an orange hue. Such a rare specimen is extremely hard to come by even at prestigious international auction markets. While a lot of coloured gemstones compromise their shapes and cut in order to retain maximum weight, this padparadscha possesses a well-proportioned outline and pavilion which makes it even more desirable.
Few people know that padparadscha belongs to the same corundum family where blue sapphires and rubies are from. It is also among the most precious and attractive varieties of corundum. While sapphires and rubies are long known for their affiliation to kings and queens, padparadscha sapphire made its royal début earlier this year, when Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York announced her engagement to Jack Brooksbank with an oval padparadscha ring.
Just like the blushing cheeks of a bride-to-be, the colour of a padparadscha is a little less electric than a pink sapphire and a little gentler than an orange sapphire, filled with serenity that soothes and calms the eyes, and surely the heart of its blissful wearer.