A magnificent ruby gemstone named Estrela de Fura has recently made history by selling for a staggering $34.8 million at an auction held by Sotheby’s in New York. This incredible price set a new record for the highest amount ever paid for a precious ruby gem.
What makes Estrela de Fura even more remarkable is not only its impressive size, weighing 55.22 carats, but also its exceptional quality and rarity. This gem was expertly cut from a rough stone weighing 101 carats, which was discovered at the Fura Gems operated Montepeuz ruby mine in Mozambique in July of the previous year.
The auction, which featured a total of 100 different jewelry pieces, witnessed intense bidding activity for the Estrela de Fura. Initially priced at $21 million, the gem quickly garnered attention and escalated in value due to its unparalleled beauty and uniqueness. Ultimately, it was sold for an astounding $30 million, with additional fees and commissions, to an undisclosed buyer who participated through a telephone bid.
This groundbreaking sale surpasses the previous record set by a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby, which sold for a total of $30.33 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva in 2015. The demand for exceptional rubies has been steadily rising over the years, making this particular sale a significant milestone in the gemstone market.
Quig Bruning, the head of jewelry for Sotheby’s in the Americas, described Estrela de Fura as a “true wonder of nature.” He highlighted the rarity of large polished rubies, emphasizing that anything over five carats is considered rare, while rubies over 50 carats are seen as once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
In addition to the Estrela de Fura, Sotheby’s also auctioned another exceptional gemstone, a unique pink diamond named “The Eternal Pink.” This 10.57-carat diamond fetched the same record-breaking price of $34.8 million, setting a new record per carat for a diamond of its color. The previous highest price paid for a pink diamond was $71.2 million, which was for the 59.60-carat “Pink Star” in Hong Kong in 2017.
The successful sale of these extraordinary gemstones at such remarkable prices highlights the enduring allure and value of rare and exceptional natural stones. It speaks to the passion and admiration that collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry have for these unique treasures. With the gemstone market continuing to grow, it will be fascinating to see what extraordinary pieces will captivate the world in the future.
To learn more about exquisite gemstones, you can visit the links below:
1. GIA – Gemological Institute of America
2. Sotheby’s Jewelry Department
