#mukkaru

ancient gem specialists who lived and mined in Sri Lanka long before modern tools existed.

Found again where history once slept.

In the heart of Sri Lanka lies the Galpaya "Mukkaru" Deposit, where the ancient Mukkaru people once thrived, renowned for their expertise in gemstone craftsmanship. Among the treasures unearthed from this historic village is a remarkable find—an uncommon Natural Violet Sapphire Mukkaru Bead, weighing 6.33 Ct and measuring 11.8 x 9.7 x 6.6 mm.

Crafted with precision and adorned with six drilled holes, this bead stands out as a testament to Mukkaru's mastery. The Mukkaru, an ancient race of gem specialists, migrated to Sri Lanka centuries ago during the reign of ancient kings. They utilized traditional polishing techniques with Kabarondum dust to transform the hardest stones, such as Sapphire with a Mohs hardness of 9, into exquisite jewelry pieces.

This particular bead's unique feature of six holes suggests it may have served as a central piece in a necklace, connecting the pendant to the strand. This indicates not only its functional role but also its cultural significance, possibly worn by Mukkaru elites or as ceremonial jewelry.

Today, as we revisit the mining grounds of the Mukkaru people, we rediscover overlooked treasures—gems that were once undervalued are now highly prized. Spinel and garnet, once considered common, now command substantial value in the market, reflecting a renewed appreciation for historical gemstones.

Each piece from the Mukkaru deposit tells a story of ancient craftsmanship and cultural heritage, offering collectors and enthusiasts alike a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich gemstone history. Whether for historical intrigue or modern jewelry design, the Mukkaru beads continue to inspire awe and fascination, bridging the gap between ancient artistry and contemporary appreciation.

In the heart of Sri Lanka's gem-rich history lies a remarkable relic - an Ancient Natural Sapphire Large Mukkaru Bead, weighing an impressive 19.85 carats. Its dimensions, measuring 16 x 12.5 x 11.2 mm, tell the story of an era long past.

This bead, with its very light blue hue, holds within it the secrets of a time when the Mukkaru people inhabited this land. These ancient gem specialists migrated to Sri Lanka during the reign of ancient kings, bringing with them their knowledge of mining and trading gems.

Intriguingly, this bead is more than just a gemstone; it is a window into a bygone era. It speaks of a people known as the Mukkaru, who were not native to Sri Lanka but came from another land, drawn by the promise of gemstone riches hidden beneath the island's soil. These experts in the art of gemology settled in a place now known as Galpaya, which has since come to be associated with the Mukkaru legacy.

The craftsmanship that went into creating this bead is a testament to the Mukkaru's unparalleled skills. They worked with some of the Earth's hardest stones, such as Sapphire, which boasts a remarkable Mohs hardness of 9. Using traditional polishing techniques involving kabarondum dust, they transformed rough stones into exquisite jewelry pieces, demonstrating a level of craftsmanship that continues to inspire awe.

As we marvel at this piece today, we are reminded that the Mukkaru people's contributions extend beyond their creations. They played a vital role in shaping Sri Lanka's gem industry, which remains one of the world's most renowned sources of precious gemstones.

Intriguingly, history tells us that not all of their gems were considered valuable during their time. Stones like spinel and garnet, now cherished for their beauty and rarity, were once considered of little worth. It is a testament to the changing perceptions of beauty and value in the world of gemstones.

In the heart of Sri Lanka's gem-rich soil lies a remarkable piece of history—a 35.35 Ct natural sapphire bead that once graced the adornments of Mukkaru, an ancient race of gem specialists. This extraordinary find from the Galpaya "Mukkaru" Deposit Mining area takes us on a journey through time, unraveling the captivating history of the gem industry.

Measuring 21 x 13.5 x 13 mm, this polished sapphire bead boasts a unique light yellow hue that reflects its age-old origins. Despite its inclusion, this bead retains an undeniable allure, harkening back to a time when gemstones were treasured for their raw beauty.

Mukkaru, a foreign race that migrated to Sri Lanka during the reign of ancient kings, brought with them unparalleled expertise in gemstone mining and trading. They mastered the art of polishing even the hardest stones, such as sapphires with a remarkable Mohs hardness of 9. Their traditional polishing techniques, involving kabarondum dust, were legendary.

Today, as we revisit the sites where the Mukkaru people once mined, we unearth not only gems they abandoned but also stones that were once undervalued. Spinel, once considered a low-value stone, now commands exorbitant prices in the market.

Among these treasures is the largest Mukkaru bead in our collection, weighing an impressive 35.35 Ct. Its sheer size and historical significance make it a testament to the ancient technology and craftsmanship of the Mukkaru people.

Unveiling the Rich History of the Mukkaru Bead: A Rhodolite Garnet Journey

Delve into the fascinating world of gemstone history as we unveil the tale of an ancient treasure—the Mukkaru Rhodolite Garnet Bead. With a weight of 6.32 carats, this singular piece hails from the enchanting lands of Sri Lanka.

The Mukkaru Bead stands as a testament to the ancient expertise of a race known as the Mukkaru. These skilled artisans originated from distant shores and migrated to Sri Lanka during the era of ancient kings. Their primary mission? To explore the world of gems, mining, and trade.

With deft hands and unwavering dedication, the Mukkaru people became renowned gem specialists. They employed traditional techniques, including the use of kabarondum dust, to polish even the hardest of stones, such as Sapphire with a remarkable Mohs hardness of 9. Their craftsmanship extended beyond polishing, as they meticulously drilled and transformed these gemstones into exquisite necklaces and jewelry.

Today, we find ourselves retracing the footsteps of the Mukkaru people by re-mining the very locations they once frequented. What we've discovered is truly remarkable—gemstones that were once abandoned and undervalued now shine brilliantly as highly sought-after treasures.

An exemplary case in point is the spinel. Once considered a low-value stone in the past, spinel has now ascended to a position of great prestige, commanding top-tier prices in the world of gemstones.