Gemfields discovers ‘exceptionally’ rare matching rubies

Gemfields, the coloured gemstone supplier, has said it has discovered an ‘exceptionally’ rare pair of matching rubies from its Montepuez mine in Mozambique. 

With a combined weight of 45 carats, the two rough rubies will now form one of the highlights at the company’s ruby auction, taking place in Singapore between June 16 and 21.

CEO Ian Harebottle said: “It is extremely rare to find two matching rubies of this size, colour and quality. Their discovery underscores the importance of the Montepuez deposit as a source of some of the highest quality rubies the world has seen in generations.”

The find follows the discovery of the 40-carat ‘Rhino Ruby’ last year at the Montepuez which sold for an undisclosed sum.

The coloured gemstone market has seen several records broken in recent months, most notably a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby sold at Sotheby’s in Geneva for 28.3m Swiss Francs (£19.4m), setting three new auction records including price for a ruby, price per carat for a ruby and price for any stone by Cartier.