Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, has recently announced its plans to auction the largest ruby in the world in June, adding to the excitement in the gemstone industry. Dubbed the Estrela de Fura, this colossal gem is estimated to fetch a staggering price of over $30 million, potentially surpassing the record for the most expensive ruby ever sold at auction.
Uni Kim, an expert from Sotheby’s jewelry department in Hong Kong, divulged some intriguing details about this extraordinary gemstone. Originating from Mozambique, the Estrela de Fura boasts an impressive weight of 55.22 carats, showcasing the growing popularity of rubies sourced from this region, alongside the more traditional Burmese stones.
This colossal ruby is poised to break the current auction record held by the “Sunrise Ruby,” a Burmese gemstone weighing 25.59 carats, which sold for an astounding $30.3 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva back in 2015. The Estrela de Fura has captivated the industry with its potential to surpass this benchmark, further elevating the anticipation surrounding its auction.
The discovery of this magnificent gemstone occurred in July 2022 at Fura’s ruby mine, located in the northern region of Montepeuz in Mozambique. Initially, it was found as a rough gemstone weighing 101 carats, making the eventual unearthing of the Estrela de Fura all the more remarkable. The CEO of Fura Gems, Dev Shetty, emphasized the rarity of this find, declaring that its quality and size are “almost unheard of” in the industry.
Before the grand auction in New York on June 8, the Estrela de Fura will embark on a global tour, delighting potential buyers and gem enthusiasts alike. Starting with a showcase in Hong Kong, it will then travel to Taipei, China, Singapore, Geneva, and Dubai, allowing admirers from around the world to marvel at its breathtaking beauty. Sotheby’s is confident that this exceptional gem will command a price surpassing $30 million and is hopeful that it will establish a new record for Mozambique rubies.
Sources:
– Sotheby’s Auction – Estrela de Fura
– Fura Gems Press Release – Estrela de Fura
