Ruby gemstone sells for record $34.8 million
New York (AFP) - A ruby sold at Sotheby's in New York on Thursday for $34.8 million, setting a new record price at auction for the precious stone. The 55.22-carat gemstone named Estrela de Fura was already the largest ruby ever to go under the hammer. It was cut from a 101-carat rough stone discovered in July last year at the Montepeuz ruby mine in Mozambique operated by the Fura Gems company. The stone was the star attraction of a sale offering 100 different pieces of jewelry. Offered at a starting price of $21 million, it sold for $30 million plus fees and commissions to an anonymous telepho...