A stunning colossal sapphire, touted as the largest globally, has been unveiled, potentially valued at a minimum of $300 million (£224m). The Purple Star Sapphire, weighing an impressive 3,563 carats, was showcased in Colombo, Sri Lanka, by its proprietors who are now prepared to sell it. Dubbed “Star of Pure Land,” the round gem is believed to be the biggest known natural purple star sapphire, as stated by renowned gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe, who emphasized its unique six-ray asterism distinguishing it from other stones.
Star sapphires are esteemed for their star-like pattern when illuminated, with purple variations being exceedingly rare. 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 near Rathnapura, Sri Lanka’s gem hub, the stone was initially procured alongside other gems, with its true value recognized only later. It took around two years for the team to realize its significance, leading to official verification and certification by two laboratories, validating its rarity and size.
International valuers estimate the sapphire’s value between $300 million and $400 million (£224 million and £298 million), positioning it among the most valuable gemstones ever found. Sri Lanka’s reputation for sapphires, renowned for their distinct colors, clarity, and natural brilliance, adds to the allure of this discovery.
The unveiling of the Star of Pure Land has caused a stir in the gem industry, attracting interest from global collectors and investors, potentially resulting in a historic gemstone sale. This gem is not the only one captivating attention worldwide, as recent years have witnessed remarkable jewels setting records in auctions and museums globally.
In 2025, The Regent Kashmir, a historic blue sapphire, broke price records by selling for $9.5 million (£7m) at Christie’s Hong Kong, establishing 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 extraordinary 854.95-carat green beryl cat’s eye from Madagascar.
These extraordinary discoveries, valued at over $500 million (£373m), represent some of the rarest natural gemstones documented. The surge in gem auctions, with Sotheby’s and Christie’s witnessing intense bidding on rare rubies, emeralds, and pink diamonds, underscores the growing demand for high-quality collectibles. From celebrity-adorned high-carat gems to legendary finds like historic blue beryls and record-breaking diamonds, rare gemstones continue to captivate and fascinate audiences worldwide.