A remarkable giant sapphire, touted as the largest globally, has been unveiled, with experts valuing it at a minimum of $300 million (£224m). The Purple Star Sapphire, weighing an incredible 3,563 carats, made its debut in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, presented by its owners who are now looking to sell the exceptional gemstone. Named “Star of Pure Land,” this round gem is believed to be the largest known natural purple star sapphire, as confirmed by expert gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe, who described it as a one-of-a-kind specimen.
Mr. Amarasinghe highlighted the unique quality of the stone, noting its well-defined asterism with six rays, a distinguishing feature setting it apart from other stones. Star sapphires are highly sought after for their star-like pattern when illuminated, and the rarity of purple examples adds to their allure. The polished gem, owned by the Star of Pure Land Team, has attracted attention due to its exceptional size and quality, prompting interest from international collectors and investors.
Discovered in 2023 near Rathnapura, Sri Lanka’s renowned “city of gems,” the sapphire was initially acquired alongside other stones, with its true value recognized later on. Following official verification from two laboratories, the gem’s rarity and substantial size were confirmed, leading to estimates of its value ranging between $300 million and $400 million (£224 million and £298 million).
Sri Lanka’s reputation for producing high-quality sapphires with unique colors and clarity has positioned it as a gemstone hub, drawing gem enthusiasts and investors to the region. The unveiling of the Star of Pure Land has created a buzz in the gem industry, with expectations of a significant gemstone sale in the near future.
This extraordinary sapphire joins a list of notable gemstones making headlines globally, including The Regent Kashmir, a blue sapphire that set auction records by selling for $9.5 million (£7m) at Christie’s Hong Kong in 2025. Other remarkable stones like The Black Star of Eva and The Eye of Hope from Dubai have also gained recognition, further highlighting the allure of rare and valuable gemstones in the market.
The surge in gem auctions, featuring coveted stones like rubies, emeralds, and pink diamonds, underscores the growing demand for investment-grade gemstones. With a vibrant market for exceptional gemstones, from celebrity-adorned high-carat pieces to historic discoveries, the gemstone industry continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.