In the captivating world of precious gemstones, which encompasses sapphires, garnets, and emeralds - rubies, also known as Manik stones and belonging to the corundum mineral family, distinguish themselves as enduring emblems of passion and prosperity. These gemstones have adorned the crowns of royalty and captivated civilizations for centuries, and in astrology, rubies are said to offer various benefits to its wearers. Among these captivating natural ruby stones, the Estrela de Fura Ruby emerges as a living testament to the brilliance and rarity inherent in these precious stones.
The name "Estrela de Fura," translating to "The Star of Fura" in Portuguese, is a true testament to the quality of this Mozambique ruby. The Estrela de Fura, with its record-breaking sale price, adds a new chapter to the legacy of natural ruby gemstones, embodying the timeless fascination that spans generations. This extraordinary ruby boasts unique features, including fluorescence, a vivid red color, outstanding clarity, minimal inclusions, and an exceptional size —contributing to its status as a once-in-a-generation pigeon's blood ruby. Join us on an enthralling journey as we unravel the captivating history, distinctive characteristics, and the ground-breaking sale that have made the Estrela de Fura a luminary in the illustrious world of gemstones and jewelry.
The Estrela de Fura ruby is the most expensive ruby ever sold at auction
Genesis at Fura Mines in Mozambique
The Estrela de Fura ruby was discovered in July 2022 at Fura Gems' mine in Mozambique and is the largest gem-quality ruby ever discovered, with a weight of 101 carats in its rough form. The discovery of this exceptional gem marked a significant milestone in the history of natural ruby gemstone mining. The raw and uncut 101-carat stone was promptly sent to the Swiss Gemmological Institute (GRS) for lab testing and origin verification. The Estrela de Fura's carat weight, color, and clarity make it a once-in-a-generation discovery. The gem's intense and vivid red color, as well as its exceptional size, have contributed to its status as a truly unique and treasured ruby gemstone.
The uncut Estrela de Fura ruby weighed in at a whopping 101 carats
Transformation From Rough to Radiant
Fura Gems is a leading, coloured gemstone mining company headquartered in Dubai, UAE. The company operates an emerald mine in Colombia, a sapphire mine in Australia, and a ruby mine in Mozambique. The Estrela de Fura natural ruby stone was initially mined as a rough gem of 101 carats, but after consulting trade experts and labs, Fura Gems chose to cut the ruby gemstone instead of selling it as a rough gem since this was a once-in-a-generation discovery, with a ruby of this carat size and clarity having never been found before.
The ruby then underwent precise cutting and polishing processes to remove impurities and enhance its color and brilliance. The resulting gemstone was described as "exceedingly rare" and "the most valuable and important" ruby stone ever. The resulting 55.22-carat ruby gemstone was described as having a highly saturated pure red color reminiscent of the purest color of pigeon's blood, a term used to describe the finest rubies – especially Burmese. This ruby's discovery has been hailed as one of the most important in the history of gemmology and has been described as a game-changer for the ruby stone industry
The GRS Certificate of the Estrela de Fura Ruby
The 4Cs of the Estrela de Fura Ruby
- Color: The Estrela de Fura is distinguished by its mesmerizing red hue, a rare Pigeon’s Blood vivid red as graded by GRS. This unique gem exhibits an intense and vivid red color, with saturation and uniform distribution that set it apart. Its fluorescence and red afterglow further contribute to its exceptional qualities, making it a standout in the world of gemstones.
- Clarity: The Estrela de Fura's clarity is truly remarkable, featuring minimal inclusions of rutile needles that enhance its overall brilliance. This is further complemented by the fact that the gem is not thermally enhanced or heated, and is devoid of any other artificial treatments. Praised by experts, the gem's clarity is a crucial factor contributing to its unique and valuable status, solidifying its place as a once-in-a-generation discovery.
- Carat Weight: Weighing an impressive 55.22 carats in its final cut form, the Estrela de Fura holds the title of the largest known gem-quality ruby or manik stone discovered to date. This significant carat weight not only adds to the gem's exceptional value but also enhances its majestic presence, making it a rare and coveted find in the realm of precious stones.
- Cut: The ruby has been beautifully fashioned into a classic cushion shape with a combination of a brilliant and step cut. The cut is well-proportioned and symmetrical, allowing the gem to showcase its full potential, and creating a visually stunning and harmonious appearance.
In summary, the Estrela de Fura ruby is a world-record pigeon's blood ruby, known for its exceptional color, well-balanced cut, outstanding clarity, and remarkable carat weight. Its intense red hue, combined with its large size and exceptional quality, has positioned it as the most valuable and sought-after rubies in the world.
The Gübelin Certificate of the Estrela de Fura Ruby
The Record-Breaking Sale at Sotheby’s
The Estrela de FURA began its world tour at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, then continued with exhibitions scheduled in Taipei, China, Singapore, Geneva and Dubai before becoming the undisputed star of the Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels Auction in New York on 8th June, 2023. Although the bidding for this gemstone started at $24million, it fetched a final record-breaking price of $34.8 million at this Sotheby’s auction. This incredible ruby stone was acquired by a private collector from the Middle East, and today, the Estrela de Fura ruby is considered the largest gem-quality ruby ever to appear in the market. It is also interesting to note that at the auction, this ruby shared the spotlight with another record-breaking gemstone "The Eternal Pink" - a 10.57-carat diamond in a vivid rosy color, which also sold for US$34.8 million.
The sale of the Estrela de Fura ruby highlights the rarity and value of high-quality rubies, as well as the importance of skilled craftsmanship in showcasing their beauty and potential. This sale not only set a new record for Mozambican rubies but also surpassed the previous auction record for a ruby, which was set by the Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat stone found in Myanmar that fetched $30.3 million in 2015.
Implications for the Gemstone Trade
The discovery of the Estrela de Fura ruby has had a significant impact on the gemstone industry. Its sale has not only reinvigorated the perception of Mozambican rubies by showcasing their exceptional quality and unique characteristics, but also serves as a testament to the fact that Mozambique rubies have become comparable with the renowned Burmese rubies in terms of quality. The gemstone industry now recognizes Mozambique as a formidable origin for rubies, offering gemstones that rival the best in the world. The discovery and sale of the Estrela de Fura has highlighted the potential of colored gemstones, such as rubies and sapphires, as valuable assets in the world of luxury jewellery and collectibles.
The Estrela de Fura has also helped demonstrate the quality of rubies or Manik stones that Fura mines produce, as it possesses exceptional characteristics such as fluorescence, vivid red color, and outstanding clarity. This natural ruby's origin and sale have also contributed to the growth of the natural ruby mining industry in Mozambique, where a significant industry emerged after a huge deposit of stones was found near the northern city of Montepuez.
The Estrela de Fura Ruby is mounted on a gold ring
Comparable Gemstones: A Glimpse Into the World of Rare Rubies
Embarking on a journey through rare gemstones, we encounter counterparts to the Estrela de Fura's allure. Among them, the Sunrise Ruby, Rosser Reeves Ruby, and DeLong Star Ruby stand as distinguished gems, each with unique qualities and histories that have earned them a coveted place in prestigious collections worldwide.
- The Sunrise Ruby: This nearly flawless 25.59-carat gemstone, with its rich "Pigeon's Blood" red hue, exemplifies the pinnacle of quality and rarity in the world of rubies. Its captivating color, and minimal inclusions, subtly illuminated by fluorescence, place it among the most coveted of all gemstones.
- The Rosser Reeves Ruby: The Rosser Reeves Ruby is a gemstone from Sri Lanka origin renowned for its great color and well-defined star pattern. It is one of the world’s largest and finest star rubies.
- The DeLong Star Ruby: The DeLong Star Ruby is a 100.32-carat star ruby residing in the Museum of Natural History in New York City. The deep red ruby stone with a 6-rayed star gets its name from Mrs. Edith Haggin de Long. She purchased the stone in 1937 from Martin Leo Ehrmann, the renowned gem and mineral collector and dealer.
The Sunrise Ruby
These rubies or manik stones, each with its unique characteristics and provenance, have captured the fascination of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether nestled in private collections or showcased in renowned museums, these gems continue to contribute to the rich tapestry of the world's most extraordinary rubies.
Beyond its record-breaking price tag and exceptional attributes, the Estrela de Fura leaves an indelible mark on the world of gemstones, redefining standards and setting a new pinnacle of luxury. The Estrela de Fura stands as a testament to the timeless allure of ruby gemstones, often revered as the birthstones for July. In astrology, rubies are considered powerful symbols of passion, energy, and protection. Astrologers frequently recommend wearing ruby stones for those seeking strength, courage, and prosperity, attributing these qualities of the gem to the vibrant energy of the sun.
