Today remove gold taxes

Mar 13, Colombo: In an effort to boost the jewellery industry in the country, the government has removed the taxes and other levies applicable on gold imports, effect from March 1, 2010, the Central Bank announced. The Bank hopes that the removal of all applicable import taxes and other levies on gold imports will reduce the gold prices in the market and contribute to promote gold and jewellery industry in the country. Accordingly, commercial banks and other authorized persons can now increase their gold imports to meet the industry requirements, it said. Gold prices rose sharply in recent times as investors have looked for safe alternative investment vehicles due to fears of global recession. The prices rallied throughout February and into early March closing at US$ 1102 for an ounce today

Monday, February 22, 2010

Gem Item

Padparadscha Sapphire from Sri Lanka


Sri Lanka is known for its Ceylon Blue, and padparadscha (aka padmaraga, pathmaraga) sapphire, named after the island's lotus flower, and its unique soft pastel orange-pink color. The name "Padparadscha" or "Pathmaraga" comes from the Sanskrit or Singhalese "padma raga" meaning "lotus blossom." The traditional mining areas of Ceylon were located in the vicinity of Ratnapura, about 100 kilometers south-east of the capital of Colombo.



Although padparadscha sapphire is synonymous with Sri Lanka, the use of the name is no longer limited to gems found in this single geographic region. The seven members of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC) now define padparadscha as a "variety of corundum from any geographical origin whose color is a subtle mixture of pinkish-orange to orangey-pink, with pastel tones and low to medium saturations" [9].



Pushparaga Sapphire from Sri Lanka

Yellow sapphire from Sri Lanka is called "pushparaga" in Singhalese ("pukhraj" in Hindi), and can be comparable in value to the finest Mogok sapphire. Pushparaga, also known as "Oriental topaz" or "hyacinth" has a golden or honey yellow color with brownish secondary hues.











The 'Logan Sapphire' (422.99 carat) from Sri Lanka





Yellow Ceylon 'Pushparaga' Sapphire (115.72 carat)







Heat Treated Gem Material from Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a two thousand year history of heating their rubies to enhance the reddish-pink color, and remove any bluish or purplish hues. Sri Lanka's "burners" traditionally apply heat treatment using a blow-pipe and charcoal burner, to super-heat the stone
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