A ruby mined in Mozambique was auctioned off for a record $34.8 million
The largest faceted ruby ever put up for international auction sold for a record sum of $34.8 million.
The 101-carat stone was mined in July 2022 in northern Mozambique at a mine near the town of Montepuez by FURA Gems, a company registered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ruby was named Estrela de Fura. After being cut, the stone’s weight was reduced to 55.33 carats.
The ruby was sold on June 8 at an auction in New York by Sotheby’s. It was the highest price ever paid at an auction of colored gemstones.
Mozambique is one of the world’s leading producers of rubies. The town of Montepuez is home to the world’s largest ruby mine operated by the British Gemfields Group.