Gemfields, the leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, has discovered a 40.23 carat rough ruby, believed to be one of the most important rubies unearthed in recent times.
The gemstone will set a new benchmark for the quality of African rubies and endorses the Montepuez deposit in Mozambique as the world’s most significant deposit presently in development. At 340 square kilometers, Montepuez is the largest ruby mining concession in private hands in the world today, and has already proven to be one of the most productive of all ruby mining concessions.
Ian Harebottle, CEO of Gemfields, said: “As an African by birth and at heart, I am exceedingly proud that possibly one of the finest rubies to have been discovered in recent generations has been unearthed from African soil, and even more so of the dedication and expertise that our exceptional team has deployed in bringing us to this moment in history. I’d also like to thank our local partner, Mwiriti, who own 25% of Montepuez, for the vision and commitment they have displayed. ” In keeping with Gemfields’ commitment of offering complete transparency from mine to market, the company will follow this exceptional gem from the mine to its ultimate home. Given its significance, the gem has been appraised in advance of Gemfields’ December ruby auction in Singapore by the Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland, one of the world’s foremost gemmological laboratories.
“Although difficult to judge in the rough state, the transparency and colour of the crystal indicate an important gemstone might be cut from this piece of rough. We are looking forward to following the development of this remarkable rough from its current state to a cut gem.” says Daniel Nyfeler, Managing Director of Gübelin.
Following the appraisal, jewellery expert and historian, Joanna Hardy, examined the gemstone to further highlight the qualities of the impressive gem. Hardy says a ruby gemstone of such quality, size and colour is incredibly rare. “It is not surprising that record-breaking prices are being achieved today as awareness and appreciation grows of just how rare these crystals are. The knowledge that the earth will not produce crystals of this outstanding quality and beauty very often, if ever again, has instilled in them the value that reflects their rarity.”
The rough ruby will soon travel to Singapore for Gemfields’ much anticipated second ruby auction, where it will be sold to the highest bidder before beginning the next chapter of its journey.
