Estrela de Fura is a 101-carat ruby, and in its rough shape, is considered amongst the largest gem quality rubies ever mined.[2][3][4] The stone is characterized by an extremely rare vivid red hue, fluorescence, and clarity.[3][5][6] The gem was originally discovered in the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique, and its name is a Portuguese translation derived from Mozambique's official language. Estrela da Fura means "Star of Fura."[5][7][1]
| Type of stone | ruby |
|---|---|
| Weight | 101 carats (initial), 55.22 carats (final)[1] |
| Colour | Vivid red "pigeon’s blood" |
| Country of origin | Montepuez, Mozambique |
| Discovered | July 21, 2022 |
| Estimated value | $34.8 million |
History
editThe ruby was discovered by Dubai-based FURA Gems in its mine in Mozambique on July 21, 2022.[2][3][4]
Before its unveiling and cutting, Daniel Nyfeler, managing director of Gübelin Gem Lab, stated: "the Estrela de Fura ruby is likely to yield an intense, saturated red colour once fully and properly faceted with adequate proportions, is relatively free of eye-visible inclusions. Considering its very large size, the vivid red colour, and clarity characteristics of this ruby give it an extraordinary potential to become one of the largest high-quality faceted rubies ever seen."[3]
On September 4, 2022, Estrela da Fura was unveiled at an event held by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) at the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE).[5]
Cutting
editIn January 2023, Fura sought the guidance of an international advisors, including French gem company Garaude, SAS and 3D engineers from Bellerophon Gemlab to assess cutting options. Garaude highlighted the rough had tremendous potential as well as significant challenges.[8]
After conducting a series of studies to determine the best weight, shape, and cutting angles, the ruby was cut and polished in Bangkok by the hands of master gem cutter, Chirapat Yingthawiphiphat from Garaude.[8][9] The outcome resulted in a 55.22-carat ruby.[2][10][8]
Sotheby's unveiled the faceted ruby in Hong Kong on April 5, 2023. Subsequently, its worldwide tour included exhibitions in Taipei, China, Singapore, Geneva, and Dubai.[11]
Auction
editOn June 8, 2023, the "Magnificent Jewels" sale took place in New York, organised by Sotheby's.[2][1][6][10] The ruby was successfully sold for $34.8 million, making it the largest and most expensive ruby ever to be auctioned.[7][1][6][10]
The bidding started at $21 million, and an anonymous telephone bidder acquired it for an additional $9 million, plus fees and commissions.[12]
Sotheby's auction house officially declared the Estrela de Fura as the most valuable and significant ruby ever offered for sale, emphasising its rarity and uniqueness.[1]
Previously, the auction record for a ruby was held by the "Sunrise Ruby," a 25.59-carat gemstone discovered in Myanmar, which achieved a sale price of $30.3 million in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2015.[2][7][1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Holland, Oscar (2023-06-08). "Largest ruby ever to come to auction sells for record-breaking $34.8 million". CNN. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ a b c d e "Estrela de Fura Ruby could shatter the $30m Record at Auction". Collector Mag. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ a b c d "Dubai firm Fura brings out 101-carat ruby, said to be world's largest such 'gem-quality' stone mined". gulfnews.com. 2022-09-14. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ a b Cohen, Howard (2022-09-26). "101-Carat Ruby Is 'Once-in-a-Century' Find". INSTOREMAG.COM. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ a b c "Meet "Estrela De Fura": The World's Largest Red Rough Ruby is Unveiled". Israeli Diamond Industry. 2022-09-28. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ a b c "World's largest gem-quality ruby, the 55.22 carat Estrela de FURA, fetches record $ 34.8 million at Sotheby's auction - The Retail Jeweller India". 2023-06-09. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ a b c "Video: World's priciest ruby - Estrela De Fura - from Dubai's Fura Gems gets sold for $34.8m in New York". gulfnews.com. 2023-06-08. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ a b c Lankarani, Nazanin (2023-07-02). "When It Comes to Rubies, Is Mozambique the New Star?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ Singh, Marisha (2023-05-22). "World's largest ruby, most vivid pink diamond unveiled". Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ a b c Brough, David (2023-06-09). "RUBY NEWS - Estrela de Fura sets world record for ruby sold at auction, at USD 34.8 million ". Jewellery Outlook. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ "World's Largest Ruby, Estrela De FURA 55.22, Unveiled at Sotheby's in Hong Kong, Embarks on a World Tour". INSTOREMAG.COM. 2023-04-21. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ "World's Largest Ruby Sells for Record USD 34.8 Million in New York Auction". News18. 2023-06-09. Retrieved 2024-06-27.