If you are a gemstone enthusiast, the words “Estrela de Fura” might not be new to you. The ruby, which means “Star of Fura” in Portuguese, is a gemstone that has been in the news lately for its remarkable size and value. Unearthed from the Fura Gems mine in Mozambique, Estrela de Fura 55.22 is the largest gem-quality ruby to ever appear at an auction, weighing a staggering 55.22 carats. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of Estrela de Fura, exploring its origin, history, and significance.
The Discovery of Estrela de Fura
Fura Gems, a mining company that holds nine ruby mining licenses in Mozambique, discovered Estrela de Fura in July 2022. The gemstone was cut from a 101-carat rough stone, making it the largest gem-quality ruby ever discovered. The rough stone was transparent and vivid, making it a remarkable find. The miners at the Montepuez ruby mine where the stone was found immediately recognized its value. The stone was sent to a gemstone expert for analysis, and it was confirmed to be an exceptional treasure of nature for its fluorescence, outstanding clarity, and vivid red hue.
The Significance of Estrela de Fura
Estrela de Fura is not only the largest gem-quality ruby ever discovered, but it is also the most valuable. The ruby was sold for a whopping $34.8 million at Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong on April 5, 2022. Its combination of rich saturation of color, untouched by heat treatment, highly crystalline appearance, and incomparable size places Estrela de Fura as the most valuable and important ruby ever to come to market. Its estimate exceeded $30 million, and it surpassed the previous record held by Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby that sold for $30.3 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2015.
The Characteristics of Estrela de Fura
Estrela de Fura 55.22 is a true wonder of nature, with a rich saturation of color, highly crystalline appearance, and unparalleled size. The ruby has a vivid red hue known as “pigeon’s blood,” which is traditionally associated only with Burmese rubies. However, Estrela de Fura’s discovery has put Mozambique on the map as a rich source of premium quality rubies. The ruby has not been subjected to any heat treatments, making it an even more exceptional find. The ruby’s fluorescence and outstanding clarity make it a gemstone of unparalleled beauty.
The Journey of Estrela de Fura
After its discovery, Estrela de Fura went on a worldwide tour, with exhibitions scheduled in Taipei, China, Singapore, Geneva, and Dubai. Its unveiling at Sotheby’s “The Exceptional Luxury Evening Auction” in Hong Kong on April 5, 2022, marked its official entry into the gemstone market. The ruby is set to surpass Sunrise Ruby’s world auction record for a ruby, and it will be the star of Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction in New York on June 8, 2022.
FURA Gems: The Company Behind Estrela de Fura
FURA Gems is a mining company that started its journey in Mozambique in 2017. The company holds nine ruby mining licenses in the country and is committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. FURA is the fastest-growing colored gemstone mining company in the world, with sister emerald and sapphire mines in Colombia and Australia. FURA’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices sets it apart from other mining companies, and its success in discovering Estrela de Fura is a testament to its dedication to responsible mining and exceptional gemstone quality.
The Future of Estrela de Fura
Estrela de Fura’s discovery has put Mozambique on the map as a rich source of premium quality rubies. The ruby’s exceptional size, value, and quality have also opened up new possibilities for the gemstone market, particularly in Africa. Estrela de Fura is a true wonder of nature, and its journey from discovery to auction has been nothing short of remarkable. As it continues to captivate the world with its unparalleled beauty, it is safe to say that Estrela de Fura has secured its place in history as one of the most significant gemstones ever discovered.
Conclusion
Estrela de Fura 55.22 is the largest and most valuable ruby ever discovered, and its journey from discovery to auction has been nothing short of remarkable. The ruby’s exceptional size, value, and quality have put Mozambique on the map as a rich source of premium quality rubies, and its discovery has opened up new possibilities for the gemstone market, particularly in Africa. FURA Gems’ commitment to sustainability and ethical practices sets it apart from other mining companies, and Estrela de Fura’s discovery is a testament to the company’s dedication to responsible mining and exceptional gemstone quality. As Estrela de Fura continues to captivate the world with its unparalleled beauty, it is safe to say that it has secured its place in history as one of the most significant gemstones ever discovered.
