Padparaja is a very rare variety of sapphire in shades of pink, red, and orange. This gem symbolises energy locked in fire, and its colour is like a rising sun.
The word Padparaja comes from a Sinhalese word meaning 'lotus flower' [Padma (පද්ම) = lotus; Raga (රාග) = colour] due to the brightly coloured pink petals of this flower.
Padparaja sapphires, like the highest-grade blue stones, are native to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), where the Sinhalese people have lived and mined sapphires for centuries. This rare gem was placed in the spotlight when Princess Eugenie of England revealed that her engagement ring was a padparadscha sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
The immense energy contained in this stone inspired me to make a unique ring. I found the drop-shaped padparadscha sapphire in Sri Lanka. Having kept this spectacular gem under lock and key for several years, I was able to craft the composition in peace. The gem is surrounded by a halo set with diamonds. A V-shaped ring accentuates the central setting. The whole piece was made in 14k white gold.
