Sotheby’s to auction off world’s largest ruby for $30 million

Schenelle Dsouza 

Over the years, Sotheby’s has managed to auction off some of the rarest gemstones. However, the Estrela de Fura has to be one of their best! A massive 55.2-carat ruby, the Estrela de Fura Ruby is said to be the largest ruby in the world. Given its status, the gemstone is expected to go for no less than US $30 million at the auction house’s upcoming Magnificient Jewels sale.

Unearthed in FURA’s ruby mine in Montepeuz, Mozambique, the precious stone was discovered last year in July and originally weighed a whopping 101 carats. The brilliance of the ruby earned it its name Estrela de Fura which translates to “Star of FURA” in English.

Post discovery, the rough crystal was cut and faceted into a cushion-shaped stone which resulted in the vivid red hues cast from the multiple internal reflections. Estrela de Fura’s outstanding clarity and striking pigeon’s blood colour is typically associated with Burmese rubies, which adds to the appeal of the stone.

“It is undoubtedly positioned to become the standard bearer for African rubies – and gemstones in general, bringing global awareness to their ability to be on par with, and even outshine, those from Burma, which have traditionally been the most desirable and recognizable source for rubies,” said Quig Bruning, Head of Sotheby’s Jewelry, Americas.

The ruby is currently on display at Sotheby’s Hong Kong but will soon embark on a worldwide tour, with exhibitions scheduled in Taipei, China, Singapore, Geneva, and Dubai (dates will be released shortly). It will finish up in New York where it will become the largest gem-quality ruby to ever appear at auction, according to Sotheby’s.

“From the in-depth analysis and study of the stone – through the process of cutting and polishing – we have worked with the utmost care and respect for the Ruby, recognizing its importance and stature,” said Dev Shetty, Founder and CEO of Fura Gems. “Witnessing the completion of Estrela de Fura 55.22 was a monumental achievement for all of us, and we are excited that a new page in the story of this incredible gem and Mozambican rubies is about to be written with Sotheby’s.”

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