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World’s largest star sapphire cluster to be sold at gem auction in China

28 July 2021 01:50 pm - 14     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The world's largest star sapphire cluster which was found in a backyard in Pelmadulla is expected to be sold at a gem auction in China in November, the Daily Mirror learns.

State Minister of Gem & Jewellery related Industries Lohan Ratwatte told Daily Mirror that the cluster would be sold at a foreign auction at the discretion of the owner. 

He said the National Gem and Jewellery Authority has already commenced the process of assessing its value before selling it at an auction.

The government will get 10 per cent of the money from the sale of the stone. 

The State Minister said that the stone is currently with the owner under special security.

The cluster weighs around 510 kilograms or 2.5 million carats and has been named the "Serendipity Sapphire".

The stone was found by workmen who were digging a well in his home at Pelmadulla in Ratnapura.

According to the experts, the stone, which is pale blue in colour, has an estimated value of up to $100 million in the international market. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)


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  Comments - 14

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  • Sorry Son Wednesday, 28 July 2021 02:08 PM

    HA Ha ... why am I not surprised China of all countries, finder will have to say buy buy to his find... Rajapaksasanthakai .. lol

    Bernard Wednesday, 28 July 2021 02:22 PM

    There could be many valuable gemstones to be extracted from gem veins but unlike the present cluster, it is next to impossible to obtain a gem mining licence from the Gem

    prabath uduwella Wednesday, 28 July 2021 03:11 PM

    10% in action again.

    Sambo Wednesday, 28 July 2021 03:13 PM

    Every thing "CHINA" whats going on. I wonder if China will demand to buy the area where the gem was found.

    Sammy Wednesday, 28 July 2021 03:19 PM

    It is China for everything now!

    Lumbini Wednesday, 28 July 2021 03:41 PM

    What is the hurry? There may be better options. If this is the largest found in the world, why do we sell it so quickly?

    robert Wednesday, 28 July 2021 03:42 PM

    Can not say China will retain the balance 90% for their loans repayments.

    Laughing gem Wednesday, 28 July 2021 05:31 PM

    Who will buy

    Bernard Wednesday, 28 July 2021 06:39 PM

    How about giving Chna a 99-year lease of the gem mining areas to set off loans obtained from them?

    Bernard Wednesday, 28 July 2021 06:48 PM

    Why not allow China to convert Ratnapura and its adjoining areas as a Gem City Development Project?

    Bernard Wednesday, 28 July 2021 06:51 PM

    Just like that. Within 24 hours China became the king maker to claim the most valuable gem cluster in the world.

    Bernard Wednesday, 28 July 2021 06:53 PM

    This is the road to "Vistas of Prosperity".

    Asoka Wednesday, 28 July 2021 10:21 PM

    bad decision. should have auctioned it in New York.

    BigRed Thursday, 29 July 2021 07:58 PM

    So much for sovereignty .


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