A rare Paraíba-type tourmaline, weighing 181.61 carats, is set to be auctioned at Bonhams Hong Kong next month. The gemstone, named the “Kat Florence Lumina,” will be featured in the auction house’s “Hong Kong Jewels and Jadeite” sale on May 22.
Bonhams has estimated the stone’s value between HK$3 million and HK$5 million (roughly $386,100 to $643,500, or $2,126 to $3,543 per carat).
The tourmaline is named after jewelry designer Kat Florence, who runs her own brand. Florence’s husband, gem hunter Don Kogen, discovered the stone and later shaped it to meet her design specifications.
The original rough crystal was found in Mozambique’s Nampula province, specifically in the Mavuco district, back in 2003. At that time, the crystal weighed 830 carats. Kogen initially believed it could be cut into a clean gem of over 300 carats, but the stone remained uncut for many years.
Earlier this year, Florence encouraged Kogen to revisit the crystal. The first attempt resulted in a 315-carat gem, which was impressive but lacked the brilliance that is characteristic of Paraíba-type tourmalines. The large size caused “windowing,” a flaw that dulls the center of the gem, as explained in a press release from Florence’s brand.
After further refinement and careful recutting by the brand’s expert team, the gemstone now weighs 181.61 carats and is ready for auction.
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