The 55.22-carat Estrela de Fura sold for US$34.8 million at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels Auction in New York on June 8, setting a new world record for a ruby and any coloured gemstone sold at auction.

The record-breaking price surpasses that of the ‘Sunrise Ruby,’ a 25.59-carat Burmese stone that fetched US$30.3 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in May 2015.

Cut from a 101-carat rough discovered at Fura Gem’s ruby mine in Mozambique, Estrela de Fura is the world’s largest gem-quality ruby in existence. Its name – Star of Fura, in Portuguese – pays homage to its depth of colour and size while highlighting Mozambique as a rich source of premium-quality rubies. 

The largest gem-quality ruby ever to appear at auction was acquired by a Middle Eastern private collector.

Fura Gems Founder and CEO Dev Shetty said, “This remarkable achievement represents a monumental milestone in FURA Gems incredible journey. In just five years, our company has experienced extraordinary growth, culminating in a historic moment where we proudly set a world record for any Ruby or coloured gemstone sold at auction. Estrela de FURA 55.22 is a once in a generation discovery, the ultimate representation of FURA Mozambique rubies. This ruby is a gift from mother earth, and its new owners will carry an enormous legacy for many years to come.”

He added that the achievement sets a precedent for Mozambique rubies, elevating them to the esteemed status of their Burmese counterparts.