Bonhams to Sell 181-ct Paraiba Tourmaline
April 13, 25
(IDEX Online) - A 181.61-carat gem described as "the world's largest flawless Paraiba tourmaline" is to be auctioned at Bonhams Hong Kong, with an estimate of HK$3m to HK$5m ($386,000 to $644,000).
Gem hunter Don Kogen discovered the 830-carat rough crystal in Mozambique's Nampula province in 2003.
But it was only cut earlier this year, by his wife, jewelry designer Kat Florence, initially as a 315-ct gem, subsequently to its current weight, 181.61-cts.
The larger gem was "remarkable in size but compromised in brilliance," said Kat Florence, her eponymous jewelry company.
"Like many Paraibas over 100 carats, it displayed 'windowing,' a flatness that dulls fire and life at the center of the gem."
The re-cut stone, named the Kat Florence Lumina, will be offered for sale at the Hong Kong Jewels and Jadeite sale on 22 May.
"It is now the largest known Paraiba tourmaline of its kind: unheated, vividly saturated, and masterfully cut to ignite brilliance from every angle," said Kat Florence.
Tourmaline was first discovered in the 1500s in a variety of colors. But vivid blue/green examples of the gemstone were only discovered in 1989.
They are called Paraiba after state in Brazil where they were first found and can command significantly higher prices than diamonds, carat for carat.
Pic courtesy Kat Florence.