A massive sapphire, touted as the world’s largest of its kind, has been unveiled, with experts valuing it at a minimum of $300 million (£224m). The enormous Purple Star Sapphire, weighing an impressive 3,563 carats, was showcased in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, by its owners who are now prepared to sell the remarkable gem. Dubbed the “Star of Pure Land,” this round gem is believed to be the largest known natural purple star sapphire globally, as stated by renowned gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe, who emphasized its unique six-ray asterism.
Star sapphires are highly sought-after for the star-like pattern they exhibit under light, and purple variations are exceptionally scarce. The gem, already polished, is owned by a group known as the Star of Pure Land Team, opting for anonymity due to security reasons. Discovered in 2023 in a gem pit near Rathnapura, Sri Lanka’s renowned “city of gems,” the sapphire was purchased alongside other stones, with its true value recognized later on.
After realizing its significance, the team sought official verification, leading to certification by two laboratories confirming its rarity and size. International valuators have estimated the sapphire’s value between $300 million and $400 million (£224 million and £298 million), positioning it as one of the most valuable gemstones ever revealed. Sri Lanka’s reputation for sapphires, known for their unique colors, clarity, and natural brilliance, adds to the allure of this exceptional find.
Gem enthusiasts worldwide are anticipated to show interest in the Star of Pure Land, amplifying shockwaves in the gem industry and potentially setting the stage for a record-breaking gemstone sale. Beyond this discovery, the recent year witnessed a series of extraordinary jewels making headlines and setting records across global auctions and museums.
Notably, The Regent Kashmir, a historic blue sapphire, achieved a record-breaking sale of $9.5 million (£7m) at Christie’s Hong Kong in 2025, setting the highest price per carat for a sapphire at auction. Additionally, Guinness World Records acknowledged two colossal stones certified by Dubai labs: The Black Star of Eva, the largest natural black star sapphire at over 3,621 carats, and The Eye of Hope, an 854.95-carat green beryl cat’s eye from Madagascar.
These exceptional discoveries, valued at over $500 million (£373m), represent some of the rarest natural gemstones recorded. The surge in gem auctions, with fierce bidding on rare rubies, emeralds, and pink diamonds, underscores the growing demand for investment-grade collectibles. The public’s fascination with rare gemstones continues, from high-carat pieces worn by celebrities to legendary finds like historic blue beryls and record-breaking diamonds sourced from Botswana’s rich mines.