Estrela de fura 55.22 at Sotheby’s Auction

 «An exceptional treasure of nature due to its fluorescence, extraordinary clarity and vivid red hue, known as “pigeon blood”, a color traditionally only associated with Burmese rubies,» was how the Estrela de Fura ruby (Star of Fura in Portuguese) was described by experts at the time of its exceptional discovery last July 2022 in the Fura Gems ruby mine in Montepeuz, Mozambique. The extraordinary gemstone - weighing an impressive 101 carats - was later cut and faceted by a team of craftsmen who transformed it into a beautiful, 55.22-carat specimen. According to a report by the Swiss Gemological Institute (SSEF), thanks to its cushion cut, it is able to emit «vivid shades of red due to multiple internal reflections.» The report also states that «a natural Mozambique ruby of this size and quality can be considered extremely rare and therefore an exceptional treasure of nature.» Characteristics that make it one of the most sought-after colored gems at a time when colored gemstones are dominating the jewelry world and their rarity is driving the market.

Seven months after its discovery, Estrela de Fura looks set to make history as it prepares to surpass at auction The Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat ruby of Burmese origin, which sold for $30.3 million ($1,185,451 per carat) at Sotheby's in Geneva in 2015, and which still holds the world auction record for a ruby. The world of gems and collectors is waiting to discover its fate, which will be determined on 8^th June in New York at Sotheby's Magnificent auction, before that the ruby will stop at Sotheby's in Geneva from 12 to 15 May.

«We, at Fura, are incredibly proud of the discovery of Estrela de Fura at such an early part of our Mozambican journey. Important gemstones are extremely rare, and a beautifully faceted gem-quality ruby of 55.22 carats is almost unheard of. From the in-depth analysis and study of the stone – through the process of cutting and polishing – we have worked with the utmost care and respect for the ruby, recognizing its importance and stature. Witnessing the completion of Estrela de Fura 55.22 was a monumental achievement for all of us and we are excited that a new page in the story of this incredible gem and Mozambican rubies is about to be written with Sotheby’s,» said Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dev Shetty, who set up Fura Gems only a few years ago in 2017. The mining company is the first and only to explore and mine all three categories of colored gemstones, namely emeralds, rubies and sapphires, with mining subsidiaries in Colombia, Mozambique and Australia, and is fast establishing itself as one of the most promising players in the field, thanks to a bold, progressive and ethical approach, which aims to use the best technology to set new standards and create more culture in a sector that is still developing.