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RAPAPORT... Gemfields recovered a 40.23-carat rough ruby at its Montepuez deposit in Mozambique. Given the significance of this stone, Gemfields committed to follow the gemstone from mine to market and its ultimate home. The gem was appraised in advance of Gemfields’ December ruby auction in Singapore by the Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland.
Ian Harebottle, the 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 percent of Montepuez, for the vision and commitment they have displayed." Daniel Nyfeler, the managing director of Gubelin, said, “Although difficult to judge in the rough state, the transparency and color 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.”
Joanna Hardy, a jewelry expert, added that a ruby gemstone of such quality, size and color 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,” she said.
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