A 42.95 carats blue sapphire cabochon. The original rough

RATNAPURA, SABARAGAMUWA PROVINCE, SRI LANKA - 2019/03/27: A 42.95 carats blue sapphire cabochon. The original rough sapphire, before cutting and heating, weighed 81 carats. Most sapphire and other gems mining is done traditionally in Ratnapura area. Ratnapura means city of gems in Sinhala and tamil languages. Sapphires from Sri Lanka, mostly found in alluvial deposits, are known to be of the highest quality in the world. The country is also reputed to be a main international cutting and polishing centre. The total value of the gem and jewellery trade at export and retail points is estimated at about US$ 550 million annually (estimate from 2020). (Photo by Thierry Falise/LightRocket via Getty Images)