The Dubai-based company revealed the historic discovery at an event organised by DMCC at the Dubai Diamond Exchange. According to Fura Gems, the ruby whose Portuguese name translates to “Star of Fura” is “unrivalled”. This is thanks to its extremely rare vivid red hue, brightness and clarity.
The ruby also promotes Mozambique as a source of high quality rubies. For centuries the best rubies have been synonymous with Mogok in Burma. But recent scientific research has revealed that Mozambique's rubies are over 475 million years older than those of Burma.
Dev Shetty, founder and CEO of Fura Gems, noted the aforementioned. “With over two years of production, we have proven that our ruby mine in Mozambique is a world-class deposit. This discovery is a historic event.”.
Industry experts have confirmed the exceptional characteristics of Estrela de Fura. Dr. Daniel Nyfeler, managing director of Gübelin Gem Lab, explained that the ruby is likely to yield an intense, saturated red colour once polished.
Compared to most rubies, this ruby is relatively free of eye-visible inclusions. They usually have several inclusions when they reach sizes over 5 carats. Among them are those from Burma
Its very large size, vivid red colour and the purity characteristics of this ruby give it great potential. Consequently it will become one of the largest high quality rubies ever to see the light of day, Nyfeler noted.
Dr. Adolf Peretti, owner and CEO of GRS GemResearch Swisslab, agreed. He called it “the most consistent and promising gemstone he has ever examined” in his career. Ruby's characteristics - its fluorescence, vivid red colour and exceptional clarity - are usually only found in Mogok mines.
Estrela de Fura may achieve a new world record of the finest ruby ever found in gem quality. A stone with a size of more than 50 carats once it has gone through the final cutting process, Peretti noted.
The ruby will be presented in Dubai by appointment only, before the private auction in October. Fura Gems will donate 2% of the proceeds from the sales to establish the Fura Training Academy in Mozambique.
