A private collector from the Middle East bought the gemstone.
Estrela de Fura 55.22
“It’s difficult to express the range of emotions I felt when I first laid eyes on the ‘Estrela de Fura 55.22’, but to put it simply, I was entranced. With its unprecedented size, piercing color and rare degree of optical transparency and clarity, it truly deserved the record-breaking price today, as it now joins the ranks of the world’s most legendary gemstones,” Bruning said.

The 55-carat ruby began as a 101-carat rough discovered at Fura Gems’ ruby mine in Mozambique in July 2022, one of the largest ruby deposits in the world.

It had begun collecting accolades before the jewelry auction when named the largest gem-quality ruby to ever appear at auction.

Rubies of this importance and magnitude are exceedingly rare, the auction house said. Only two examples having ever surpassed $15 million at auction, making the gem’s appearance itself a landmark event.

Fura Gems founder and CEO Dev Shetty called the achievement “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 colored gemstone sold at auction.”

The record previously was held by the 25.59-carat Burmese stone, the “Sunrise Ruby,” which garnered $30.3 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in May 2015 but recently was sold again at auction for much less. 

In Sotheby’s “First Look” for the gemstone prior to auction, it said even in its rough state, experts considered the Mozambiquan ruby to be, “an exceptional treasure of nature for its fluorescence, outstanding clarity and vivid red hue, known as ‘pigeon’s blood’—a color traditionally associated only with Burmese rubies.”

While Shetty said the 55-carat ruby is a “once-in-a-generation discovery” and “the ultimate representation of Fura Mozambique rubies,” he believes the sale could put Mozambique on the map as a significant source for the gemstone moving forward.

Its name means “Star of Fura” in Portuguese, a nod to one of the languages spoken in Mozambique.

“This ruby is a gift from Mother Earth, and its new owners will carry an enormous legacy for many years to come,” Shetty said.

“Today’s achievement not only validates our belief but also establishes a significant achievement for Fura Gems, and sets a precedent for Mozambique rubies, elevating them to the esteemed status of their Burmese counterparts.”

Sotheby’s previously said a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Estrela de Fura will be allocated toward setting up the Fura Training Academy, with the goal of promoting access to education and technical training in the fields of mining, engineering, carpentry and agriculture.