【New York, US】55.22 Carats! Sotheby’s to Auction Unique Ruby

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Editor’s Note

This article details the upcoming auction of the “Estrela de Fura,” a record-breaking 55.22-carat ruby expected to fetch over €27 million. Its discovery in Mozambique in 2022 caused a major stir in the gemstone world.

A Gem of the Highest Class

The ruby named “Estrela de Fura” is set to go under the hammer in New York in June. Weighing 55.22 carats, it is the largest gem-quality ruby ever offered at auction. With an estimated value of 27 million euros, it is also likely to soon become the world’s most expensive ruby.
When FURA Gems announced the historic discovery in September 2022, it made global headlines and caused enormous excitement in the gemstone market. The ruby originates from FURA’s ruby mine in Montepeuz, Mozambique. The colored gemstone – with an original weight of an astonishing 101 carats – was named “Estrela de Fura,” which means “Star of FURA” in Portuguese.

A Unique Natural Treasure

Even in its rough state, experts considered the ruby a unique natural treasure due to its fluorescence, excellent clarity, and vibrant red color. The “pigeon’s blood” hue it exhibits is traditionally associated only with Burmese rubies. Its combination of rich color, pristine lack of heat treatment, highly crystalline appearance, and unparalleled size makes it the most valuable and significant ruby ever to come to market.
After numerous studies to determine the cutting possibilities, the “Estrela de Fura” was masterfully cut and faceted into a beautiful cushion shape.

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“The rough crystal,” states an expertise from the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), “shows particularly vivid red hues due to multiple internal reflections. The aforementioned gemstone is very rich in chromium, which, when exposed to ultraviolet light as found in sunlight, emits a fiery red fluorescence, giving it a vividness as if it were glowing from within.”
Ruby Set to Break Records

Only two specimens have ever exceeded the $15 million mark at auction. The current world record is held by the “Sunrise” ruby, which was auctioned in Geneva in May 2015 for $30.3 million to Heidi Horten. Experts believe the “Estrela de Fura” will break this record at its auction in June. Before that, it can be admired in several cities.
The jewel’s journey begins at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, from where it will be exhibited in Taipei, Singapore, Geneva, and Dubai (all dates to be announced in due course), before finally being auctioned at Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction on June 8th in New York.

Quality “Almost Unheard Of”
“We at FURA are incredibly proud of the discovery of Estrela de Fura. Important gemstones like this ruby are extremely rare, and a beautifully faceted, gem-quality ruby of 55.22 carats is almost unheard of,” explains Dev Shetty, founder and CEO of FURA Gems. “From the in-depth analysis and examination of the stone to the cutting and polishing, we have worked with the utmost care and respect for the ruby, recognizing its significance and magnitude. The completion of the Estrela de Fura 55.22 was a monumental achievement for all of us, and we are thrilled that a new chapter in the history of this incredible gemstone will be written with Sotheby’s.”
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⏰ Published on: April 25, 2023