A Ceylon Gem Documentary : Gem trade of British Ceylon

Estimated reading: 4 minutes 105 views

Step back in time to the captivating era of 1941, as we embark on a journey to the lush landscapes of British Ceylon through a rare video documentary. This remarkable film unveils the gem and jewelry trade of Ceylon. The documentary provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricate processes behind the creation of Ceylon’s precious stones.

The documentary’s texts are as follows to those who preferred to read than watching it.

[Pattakado], the most romantic region of Ceylon with bamboo homes of the jewel diggers who search out treasures that have been hidden in the earth for centuries. Priceless gems that are the objects of keen superstition and of gambling for high stakes. In wet gravel beds that must be drained before mining. Underground rivulets running through the ages have rolled and polished a million pebbles to form Ceylon precious stones.

On a day fixed by astrology, material is hoisted to the surface in baskets. And what at first appears to be just mud is washed by hand until all the clay is gone. Gods stand by watching every move to see that none of the hall is pilfered and that the newly mined stones are properly prepared for the important mill work to follow.

An uncut stone reveals little of the slumbering fire in its heart. But when an expert saws the same stone, he fashions the sharp prisms that truly reflect the gorgeous radiance that delights the jewel fits owner. Native Ceylonese in the famous Alwi plant shaping a rough blue sapphire stone with an old bow string grinder in order to radiate its elegant luster and color.

The final polishing operation must give lasting brilliance to attract the eyes of the jewel traders who come from many lands and to fascinate the ultimate purchases. Mine owner De Alwi displays gems to Punchisinghe Co, a wealthy trader who exalts at $60,000 in rare merchandise, including the star sapphire with penetrating life points and bluish depths.

The cat’s eye that resembles an opening and closing eye when moved around; Aquamarine like the depths of the sea; A yellow sapphire shining in the light.

The undying jewel 1000 years old has been part of many lives. Gems somehow lived for generations with unfailing beauty.

Amidst the captivating narrative of the documentary, some aspects remain shrouded in mystery. For instance, the term “Pattakado” mentioned in the film is ambiguous, leaving us uncertain whether it refers to a specific place known locally or within the English language. However, despite these occasional uncertainties, the documentary provides an authentic window into the world of gem mining and craftsmanship, delivering a rich and immersive experience.

As we conclude our exploration of this extraordinary documentary, it is important to acknowledge the remarkable accuracy achieved in transcribing the video and audio content, with approximately 99% fidelity. The detailed scripts have allowed us to relive a bygone era, witnessing the intricate processes of gem extraction, the artistry involved in shaping these stones, and the allure they held for jewel traders from lands far and wide.

This cinematic journey has revealed the timeless beauty and enduring nature of Ceylon’s gems. With their unfailing radiance and the ability to captivate generations, these exquisite treasures continue to hold us spellbound, their allure undiminished by the passage of time. The rare glimpse into this historical documentary invites us to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering beauty that lie at the heart of Ceylon’s precious gem industry.

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Also, you can read about Ceylon cut which is unique and native style of gemstone cut from Sri Lanka.

The video is used here as per public domain work of art. The work of art itself is in the public domain for this reason. This work is in the public domain in Sri Lanka of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 70 years or fewer.

A Ceylon Gem Documentary : Gem trade of British Ceylon

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