Largest ever 55.22 carat giant ruby ​​sells for $34.8 million at Sotheby’s

The largest ruby ​​ever sold at auction fetched a record $34.8 million less than a year after being mined in Mozambique.

Named Estrela de Fra (fla star in Portuguese), the 55.22-carat ruby ​​was described as an “extraordinary treasure” at the Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels Sale in New York on Thursday. rice field.

The auction price of nearly $35 million set a new global auction record for not just rubies, but any colored gemstone.

The previous record was held by a 25.59-carat Burmese Sunrise ruby ​​that sold for $30.3 million at Sotheby’s in Geneva in May 2015.

It was discovered in July 2022 at a mine operated by Dubai, Mozambique-based mining company Fura.

The largest ruby ​​ever sold at auction sells for a record-breaking $34.8 million less than a year after being mined in Mozambique

The 55.22 carat gem is Unusual not only for its size and purity, but also for its location. Until the discovery of Estrella de Fra, Burma was thought to be the only country with rubies of such color and clarity.

Some analysts said the “once-in-a-century” discovery is shaking the jewelry industry.

The ruby ​​was recently quarried from a 101-carat rough discovered in July 2022 in Mozambique’s Ruby Mine, one of the world’s largest ruby ​​deposits.

Sotheby’s said rubies of this size were “extremely rare” and only two had ever reached the $15 million mark.

“Today, we have the history of not one but two of the most exquisite and important diamonds and gems ever to be auctioned,” said Quig Bruening, head of the Americas at Sotheby’s Jewelery. We have witnessed a dramatic sale,” he said.

“It’s hard to describe the emotions I felt when I first saw the Estrela de Fra 55.22, but simply put, it was mesmerizing.

“With its unprecedented size, sharp color, and rare level of optical clarity and clarity, this gem is today worthy of record prices and is now among the most legendary gems in the world. .”

Named Estrella de Fra (fla star in Portuguese), the 55.22-carat ruby ​​was described as an “extraordinary treasure” at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels Sale in New York on Thursday. .

This ruby ​​was recently cut from a 101 carat rough discovered in July 2022 in Mozambique’s Ruby Mine, one of the world’s largest ruby ​​deposits.

Reflecting on Pink Diamond’s achievements, he added: “It was an equal honor to be able to work with a diamond of such extraordinary character that it is as breathtaking as Eternal Pink, and its price today makes Sotheby’s the premier destination for the world’s rarest diamond creations.” I reconfirmed something.”

“On behalf of Sotheby’s global jewelery division, I am proud to say that it is a real honor to be the custodian of these ultra-rare gems. It’s further proof of the continued demand for the finest diamonds and gemstones.” “

Sotheby’s said that even in its 101-carat rough state, the ruby ​​”is considered by experts to be an extraordinary natural treasure”.

“It is celebrated for its fluorescence, outstanding clarity, and bright red hue known as ‘pigeon’s blood,’ a color traditionally associated only with Burmese rubies.”

The Gubelin Gem Lab, one of two laboratories that graded the gem, said the ruby’s size and quality were “almost unimaginable.”

“It was considered almost unimaginable to see an untreated natural ruby ​​of this size with such quality attributes,” said the New York-based company.

Sotheby’s said the ruby, even in its 101-carat rough state, was “considered by experts to be an extraordinary natural treasure”.

Experts said rubies found in Mozambique are changing perceptions of African stone quality.

“It is noted for its fluorescence, outstanding clarity, and bright red hue known as ‘pigeon’s blood. This color is traditionally associated only with Burmese rubies. “

“The 55.22 carat natural ruby ​​sets a new record not only for rubies from Mozambique, but for rubies in general.”

The Swiss Gemological Research Institute (SSEF), another New York-based gem research institute, writes that the gem exhibits a “brilliant red hue due to multiple internal reflections.”

“Natural rubies of this size and quality from Mozambique are extremely rare and are therefore considered an exceptional natural treasure,” they said.

The current world record for rubies sold at auction is held by a 25.59 carat Burmese Sunrise ruby ​​that was auctioned at Sotheby’s in Geneva in May 2015 for $30.3 million.

This price also set a new ruby ​​per carat record at the time ($1,185,451 per carat).

Rubies were found in an area in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, which has been attacked by Islamic extremists inspired by ISIS.

According to reports, the town of Montepuez was raided in October and hundreds of people fled their homes. Human Rights Watch.

Two mines operating in the area (not operated by Hula) were forced to shut down during the attack.