The owners of a 3.563-carat purple star sapphire, the largest of its kind in the world, displayed the gemstone today in the Sri Lankan capital.
They want to sell the sapphire, whose value is estimated at at least $300 million.
The round gem, called the "Pure Earth Star," is the largest documented natural purple star sapphire in the world, said gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe, adding that the gem "exhibits well-defined asterism," with six rays.
The owners of the gem, which has been polished, wish to remain anonymous for security reasons.
One of the owners said that the gem was found in 2023 in a site near the city of Ratnapura in Sri Lanka, known as the "city of gems."
It was purchased along with other gems, and about two years later, the owners discovered that the stone was special.
Then they certified it in two laboratories.
Gemologist Amarasinge says international appraisers believe the stone is worth between $300 million and $400 million.
Sapphires from Sri Lanka are known for their unique color, clarity, and brilliance.
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