The Stunning Melody of the Serendip Blue Sapphire, a Siren of Remarkable Allure
The Siren of Serendip, a stunning 422.66-carat blue sapphire, has captivated the world since its discovery over a century ago in Sri Lanka, a nation renowned for its fine-quality blue sapphires.
The sapphire's origins can be traced back to the alluvial deposits or mines known for exceptional corundum in Sri Lanka. After its discovery, the gem was meticulously cut by skilled gem cutters, both in Sri Lanka and internationally, to maximize its natural colour, clarity, and carat weight. The result was a mixed-cut cushion-shaped gem that highlights its deep blue hue.
In late February 2019, the Siren of Serendip was set into an exquisite 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace by Henn of London's master stone setter. The necklace, designed to showcase the sapphire's size and colour, was crafted at Henn of London's workshop in England.
A high-precision 3D cast of the sapphire was made as a reference for the manufacturing process. The gold structure of the necklace was handmade for posterior rhodium-plating, while the sapphire's claws were specifically made in platinum for a safer setting procedure. A total of 913 colourless diamonds (E colour - VVS clarity) with a combined weight of 36.3 carats were selected and set on the necklace and the mount.
The Siren of Serendip masterpiece was acquired by the Houston Museum of Natural Science with the help of generous anonymous donors. The sapphire, which was cut from a 2,670-carat rough found in Sri Lanka, was dubbed 'The Siren of Serendip' by the museum.
Sri Lanka's gem potential has been mentioned in ancient texts as early as 543 BCE, highlighting the country's long history as a source of some of the world's finest blue sapphires. The Siren of Serendip stands out for its exceptional size and origin, adding to Sri Lanka's rich legacy in the gem industry.
Despite the sapphire's journey to Houston for the final setting, it could not leave the city during the manufacturing process. The completed diamond-set necklace was carefully wrapped in protective tape and taken back to Houston for the final sapphire setting. The Siren of Serendip blue sapphire is now a prized exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, a testament to the beauty and allure of Sri Lanka's blue sapphires.
- The Siren of Serendip, originally found in Sri Lanka's renowned gem mines, has been displayed at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, thanks to generous anonymous donors.
- As a nod to Sri Lanka's extensive gemmology history, the Siren of Serendip has been added to the museum's publications, showcasing its significance.
- To demonstrate the necklace's impact, various events, including workshops and courses, have been organized by the foundation to educate the public on its creation, science, and lifestyle elements.
- The Houston Museum of Natural Science, known for its diverse exhibits ranging from fashion-and-beauty to home-and-garden, technology, and sports, now boasts the Siren of Serendip blue sapphire as part of its treasured collection.
- Given the Siren of Serendip's auspicious origins and dramatic transformation, it has inspired an entire series of publications among the global gemmology community.
- The necklace's grand design and intricate craftsmanship, featuring 913 colorless diamonds and a platinum setting, have been celebrated in many finance-focused publications, highlighting the investment potential of rare gems.
- As a result of the Siren of Serendip's captivating beauty, it has sparked an increased interest in Sri Lanka's remarkable blue sapphires, with many wondering if another massive gem awaits discovery in the fascinating world of gemmology.
