AuctionsMar 30, 2023
See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at AuctionAuctionsApr 06, 2023
This 55-Carat Ruby Could Fetch More Than $30M at Auction
The 55.22-carat “Estrela de Fura” is headed to Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale in June.
This 55.22-carat “Estrela de Fura” ruby is expected to break auction records at Sotheby’s New York in June.
New York—A pink diamond isn’t the only draw for color lovers at Sotheby’s this spring.
In addition to the 10.57-carat purplish pink diamond, called “The Eternal Pink,” headlining the June 8 Magnificent Jewels sale, an important ruby also will be up for sale.
The “Estrela de Fura” is a 55.22-carat Mozambican ruby cut from a 101-carat rough stone Fura Gems mined last year in Montepuez.
At the time of the discovery, Fura noted that such large scale rubies typically have “significant impurities or low cutting yield,” in contrast to the Estrela de Fura (Portuguese for “Star of Fura”), which has a vivid red hue and high clarity.
The Gübelin Gem Lab noted, “Already in its rough state, the Estrela de Fura showed its extraordinary quality traits with a potential to become a one-of-a-kind gemstone. The cutter was able to realize this potential and created a faceted ruby with an astounding 55.22-carat weight, displaying a saturated and homogenous red color, combined with a degree of clarity unseen in any other unheated ruby of comparable size.”
According to Fura, it is the largest gem-quality ruby ever uncovered.
The red hue is categorized as “pigeon’s blood,” a term typically reserved for Burmese rubies.
The cushion-shaped stone has, “vivid red hues due to multiple internal reflections,” per its report from the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF).
The ruby contains chromium, which, when exposed to ultraviolet light like sunlight, causes red fluorescence, giving the effect of a glow from within, Fura Gems and Sotheby’s said.
The auction house expects the Estrela de Fura to garner at least $30 million at the Magnificent Jewels sale on June 8.
The current world record for any ruby sold at auction is $30.3 million for the “Sunrise Ruby,” a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby sold at Sotheby’s Geneva in May 2015.
It also established the highest price per carat for any ruby sold at auction, at about $1.19 million per carat.
Interestingly, the Sunrise Ruby will hit the auction block again soon, this time at Christie’s New York as part of “The World of Heidi Horten” sale, which is expected to garner more than $150 million, topping the record for any private jewelry collection, a record held by Elizabeth Taylor’s estate that garnered $137.2 million in 2011.
Related stories will be right here …
In addition to the 10.57-carat purplish pink diamond, called “The Eternal Pink,” headlining the June 8 Magnificent Jewels sale, an important ruby also will be up for sale.
The “Estrela de Fura” is a 55.22-carat Mozambican ruby cut from a 101-carat rough stone Fura Gems mined last year in Montepuez.
At the time of the discovery, Fura noted that such large scale rubies typically have “significant impurities or low cutting yield,” in contrast to the Estrela de Fura (Portuguese for “Star of Fura”), which has a vivid red hue and high clarity.
The Gübelin Gem Lab noted, “Already in its rough state, the Estrela de Fura showed its extraordinary quality traits with a potential to become a one-of-a-kind gemstone. The cutter was able to realize this potential and created a faceted ruby with an astounding 55.22-carat weight, displaying a saturated and homogenous red color, combined with a degree of clarity unseen in any other unheated ruby of comparable size.”
According to Fura, it is the largest gem-quality ruby ever uncovered.
Another view of the Estrela de Fura
The red hue is categorized as “pigeon’s blood,” a term typically reserved for Burmese rubies.
The cushion-shaped stone has, “vivid red hues due to multiple internal reflections,” per its report from the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF).
The ruby contains chromium, which, when exposed to ultraviolet light like sunlight, causes red fluorescence, giving the effect of a glow from within, Fura Gems and Sotheby’s said.
The auction house expects the Estrela de Fura to garner at least $30 million at the Magnificent Jewels sale on June 8.
Head of Sotheby's Jewelry, Americas, Quig Bruning, said of the Estrela de Fura: “It is undoubtedly positioned to become the standard bearer for African rubies—and gemstones in general, bringing global awareness to their ability to be on par with, and even outshine, those from Burma, which have traditionally been the most desirable and recognizable source for rubies.”
The current world record for any ruby sold at auction is $30.3 million for the “Sunrise Ruby,” a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby sold at Sotheby’s Geneva in May 2015.
It also established the highest price per carat for any ruby sold at auction, at about $1.19 million per carat.
Interestingly, the Sunrise Ruby will hit the auction block again soon, this time at Christie’s New York as part of “The World of Heidi Horten” sale, which is expected to garner more than $150 million, topping the record for any private jewelry collection, a record held by Elizabeth Taylor’s estate that garnered $137.2 million in 2011.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
