The priciest colored gemstone ever auctioned is a 55-carat ruby called the Estrela de Fura. Found in 2022 in Mozambique, this cushion-cut ruby is the largest high-quality ruby ever discovered and one of the most expensive ever sold.
Miners at the Fura Gems mine in Montepuez, Mozambique, uncovered a 101-carat rough ruby, from which the Estrela de Fura was cut. Recognizing its uniqueness, the rough stone was sent to the GĆ¼belin Gem Lab in Switzerland for grading. The lab gave it a flawless clarity grade and praised its vivid red color, often referred to as "pigeon's blood."
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| Estrela de Fura is the world's largest rough, gemstone-quality ruby. Photo: Fura Gems |
In September 2022, the Estrela de Fura made its public debut during a glamorous event in Dubai, receiving enthusiastic acclaim from both gem specialists and collectors. Following this, the ruby was presented for auction at the Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels sale in New York.
Taking the spotlight at the auction, the Estrela de Fura surpassed expectations. Initially projected to sell for a minimum of $20 million, it ultimately set a record by fetching an astonishing $34.8 million. The proud owner of the Estrela de Fura is a private collector hailing from the Middle East.
This sale marks a significant achievement for the ruby industry, as it is the first instance of a ruby selling for over $30 million. It also underscores the increasing significance of Mozambique as a prime provider of top-tier rubies.
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| The Estrela de Fury from Mozambique is the largest ruby to have been sold at a public auction.Sothebyās |
While diamond sales, especially colored ones, typically dominate record gemstone transactions, rubies are recognized as some of the world's scarcest and most precious gemstones. The prior auction record for a ruby was established by the Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat gem discovered in Myanmar, which achieved a remarkable $30.3 million in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2015.
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| The ruby, named Estrela de Fura, has been described as āexceedingly rare.ā |
Here are some additional facts about the Estrela de Fura ruby
- In Portuguese, the term "Estrela de Fura" translates to "Star of Fura."
- The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a distinguished institution, meticulously crafted the cut of this remarkable ruby.
- This ruby proudly holds a Type IIa certification, denoting the pinnacle of clarity achievable for rubies.
- Distinguished by its vibrant red hue, the ruby is celebrated as the coveted "pigeon's blood" color.
- At a remarkable auction event, the ruby fetched an unprecedented price, setting a record at an astonishing $34.8 million.