New York: The biggest ruby ever to come to auction has been sold in New York for a record sum of $34.8m (£28m). The 55.29-carat stone, known as the Sunrise Ruby, was sold by Christie’s auction house. It had been expected to fetch up to $30m, but the final price far exceeded expectations.
The buyer of the Sunrise Ruby has not been revealed, but it is believed to be a private collector from Asia.
The stone was mined in the Mogok region of Myanmar, which is known for producing some of the world’s finest rubies. It is a deep red color with a “purity and brilliance that is unmatched”, according to Christie’s.
The Sunrise Ruby is the largest ruby ever to come to auction, and its sale sets a new record for the highest price ever paid for a ruby at auction. The previous record was set in 2015, when a 302.4-carat ruby known as the Graff Ruby was sold for $8.3m.
The sale of the Sunrise Ruby is a sign of the growing demand for colored gemstones, particularly rubies. Prices for rubies have been rising steadily in recent years, and the Sunrise Ruby is likely to further boost demand for these precious stones.
The sale of the Sunrise Ruby is also a reminder of the importance of provenance. The stone has a well-documented history, which helped to increase its value. It was first sold in 1950, and it has been owned by a number of private collectors since then.
The Sunrise Ruby is a truly remarkable gem, and its sale is a major event in the world of jewelry. It is a testament to the beauty and rarity of colored gemstones, and it is sure to be admired by collectors for many years to come.