Geneva: A rare Burmese ruby weighing 25.59 carats has set a new world record, fetching $30.3 million USD (28.25 million Swiss Francs) at a Sotheby’s auction. On the phones, two private collectors battle it out for the “Sunrise Ruby,” the winner choosing to remain anonymous.
The Burmese ruby sold for world record of $30.3 million (USD) in Geneva
Sotheby’s auctioneer David Bennett said the buyer now owns the most expensive gem stone ever sold that is not a diamond.
Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division Chairman and Auctioneer David Bennett says, “A pigeon-blood red Burmese ruby over 20 carats is amongst the rarest of all gem stones. I mean, you just couldn’t find them. I mean in 40 years I have only ever seen one, this colour, this size. So, they are beyond rare, really.”
From a private collection of Cartier jewels, it had been estimated to fetch $12 to $18 million.
A fancy vivid pink diamond came in near its estimate, selling for $15,903,422. The gem is believed to have belonged to Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, Napoleon’s niece.
Another record selling stone – a Cartier Kashmir sapphire and diamond brooch, topped out at more than $6,161,000.
David Bennett says, “It is yet more proof that the gemstone and jewelry market is very healthy for fine and particularly (inaudible) pieces. So it is going from strength to strength. I personally believe that rubies have been undervalued for my entire career of 40 years, so it’s nice to see colour stones finally achieving the recognition that they deserve.”
In all, the Sotheby’s jewellery sale netted more than $160 million dollars.
Ventuno