Bonhams will offer the largest ruby crystal ever auctioned at its Gems, Minerals, Lapidary Works of Art and Natural History sale in Los Angeles on May 20.
The crystal, in zoisite, was mined in Longido, Tanzania, and weighs 100 pounds, or 228,000 cts., and is estimated to bring between $100,000 and $150,000.
Another highlight of the auction is a 27-piece collection of rhodochrosites, also known as red gold, that is estimated to fetch between $200,000 and $250,000. The collection was mined over a period of years in the Kalahari Manganese Field in South Africa.
The auction offers fine minerals, fossils, unmounted and rare faceted gemstones, amber, petrified wood, meteorites, gold nuggets, and rare natural pearls. Jewelry and lapidary carvings by German masters are also on offer.
“Over the last ten years, Bonhams has established itself as market leader in selling lapidary works of art and exotic gemstone jewelry to a discerning international clientele, “ said Claudia Florian, co-consulting director of Bonhams’ Natural History department, in a statement.
The 431-lot auction can be viewed here.
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