When it comes to precious gemstones, the world can’t help but be captivated by their rarity and beauty. And now, the grand stage of the auction world is about to showcase a gem that has everyone talking.
Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, recently presented the largest ruby ever discovered at a New York event in 2023. This announcement for this auction was made during an exclusive preview held in Hong Kong, stirring up excitement among gem enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Unveiling the Estrela de Fura
Step into the world of extravagance and brilliance as Sotheby’s prepares to unveil the Estrela de Fura, a mesmerizing 55.22-carat ruby expected to dazzle the world with its allure. This exceptional gem, with a name that translates to “Star of Fura” in Portuguese, hails from the depths of Mozambique.
A region rapidly gaining recognition for its exquisite rubies, Mozambique is positioning itself as a new contender in the world of precious gemstones. Uni Kim, a seasoned specialist in Sotheby’s jewelry department in the bustling financial hub of Asia, described the Estrela de Fura as a gem with a story.
“It is from Mozambique, which is also one of the new and more popular origins that we see for rubies, apart from the more traditional and the classic Burmese pieces,” Kim explained. This statement highlights the shifting landscape of gemstone origins and preferences in the ever-evolving market.
A Trail of Records
Breaking records seems to be in the DNA of exceptional gemstones, and the Estrela de Fura is no exception. In May 2015, the “Sunrise Ruby,” a splendid 25.59-carat Burmese ruby, made history by fetching a staggering $30.3 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva.
Fast forward to the present, and the Estrela de Fura surpassed this record by selling for $34.8 million in New York.
The Transformation of Estrela de Fura
The journey of the Estrela de Fura began deep within the earth, where it lay as a rough 101-carat gemstone. The initial discovery of this extraordinary rough gemstone sent ripples of excitement throughout the gem industry. Dev Shetty, the chief executive of Fura Gems, expressed his amazement at the quality and size of the gemstone, noting that such a combination is truly a rarity.
Uni Kim confidently stated, “We estimate Estrela de Fura to be sold more than $30 million.” This projection not only showcases the rarity and splendor of the gem but also hints at its potential to etch its name in the annals of history by setting a new record for Mozambique rubies.
The Path to Auction
Before taking center stage at the much-anticipated New York auction on June 8th, the Estrela de Fura embarked on a journey across the globe to be showcased to potential buyers. Following its debut in Hong Kong, the gem was to be displayed in Taipei, China, Singapore, Geneva, and Dubai.
This global tour provided collectors and enthusiasts from different corners of the world the opportunity to bask in the enchantment of the Estrela de Fura before it found its new home.