2022
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Dinosaur Jewels II French cars Hypercars Bugatti Automobiles Sport Sport II Textiles New watches
See also : Dinosaur Jewels II French cars Hypercars Bugatti Automobiles Sport Sport II Textiles New watches
2022 Stegosaur
2024 SOLD for $ 45M by Sotheby's
150 million years ago, the stegosaur was not a mere plant-eating dinosaur. It had to defend itself against the ferocious carnivorous. Its body was a fortress with a dermal pointed armor from neck to tail and tail spikes as a further weapon. The largest known weighed over 5 metric tons. The brain weighing 80 g in a small head led to the wrong theory of a second brain elsewhere in the body.
An example was discovered in 2022 by a commercial paleontologist on his private land in the vicinity of the Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado, and excavated though two seasons.
This 8 m long fossil is 70 % complete with 254 bone elements from a total of 319. Named Apex, it is mounted 3.35 m tall on a steel armature. The fragile first two dermal plates are stored in a case, with 3D printed replicas placed on the mount in their place. The old beast suffered from arthritis but has no trace of wound. Some fossilized skin impressions have been preserved.
Apex was sold with full rights for $ 45M from a lower estimate of $ 4M by Sotheby's on July 17, 2024, lot 13. Please watch the video shared by the auction house, here below started at 00:20 for a full picture. Please watch the longer video where the paleontologist and Sotheby's officer together display the whole process from excavation to auction.
Apex the Stegosaurus
Apex is a remarkably complete and exceptionally large Stegosaurus fossil specimen, representing one of the most significant dinosaur discoveries in recent years. Nicknamed "Apex" for its outstanding quality and size, it is the largest and most complete Stegosaurus skeleton known, and it holds the record as the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold at auction.
Discovery and Preparation
Apex was discovered in May 2022 by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper on his privately owned property in Moffat County, Colorado, near the town of Dinosaur (in the fossil-rich Morrison Formation). The site is close to Dinosaur National Monument, a renowned Jurassic fossil area. Cooper excavated the specimen with a "minimal intervention" approach, preserving natural details like fossilized skin impressions and cervical ossicles (small throat bones). Preparation emphasized highlighting the fossil's natural beauty while maintaining scientific integrity. The skeleton dates to the Late Jurassic (~150 million years ago).
Size, Completeness, and Features
Apex debuted at Sotheby's in New York on July 17, 2024, in the "Natural History" sale (first Stegosaurus ever auctioned).
As of March 2026, Apex is on long-term loan to the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City, where it has been publicly displayed since December 2024 (initially in the Richard Gilder Center atrium, later relocated for better viewing in the Griffin Exploration Atrium on Floor 4 of the Gilder Center). The exhibit runs for at least four years and includes interactive stations (e.g., touchable cast of a back plate) and ongoing research (e.g., CT scans of the skull, thigh bone sampling for growth studies). AMNH scientists are studying Apex to learn more about Stegosaurus biology, life history, and aging—data will be shared publicly via 3D models.
Scientific and Cultural Impact
Apex's completeness (far above the typical 40–60% for most fossils) and size make it invaluable for research on Stegosaurus growth, metabolism, and paleobiology. Its auction sparked debates among paleontologists about private sales of high-value specimens potentially limiting research access (though Griffin's loan to AMNH addresses this positively). It highlights the booming fossil market, where rarity and completeness drive extreme prices.
Apex stands as a landmark: not just the priciest fossil but a bridge between commercial discovery, high-stakes auction, and public museum science—ensuring millions can view this 150-million-year-old giant.
An example was discovered in 2022 by a commercial paleontologist on his private land in the vicinity of the Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado, and excavated though two seasons.
This 8 m long fossil is 70 % complete with 254 bone elements from a total of 319. Named Apex, it is mounted 3.35 m tall on a steel armature. The fragile first two dermal plates are stored in a case, with 3D printed replicas placed on the mount in their place. The old beast suffered from arthritis but has no trace of wound. Some fossilized skin impressions have been preserved.
Apex was sold with full rights for $ 45M from a lower estimate of $ 4M by Sotheby's on July 17, 2024, lot 13. Please watch the video shared by the auction house, here below started at 00:20 for a full picture. Please watch the longer video where the paleontologist and Sotheby's officer together display the whole process from excavation to auction.
Apex the Stegosaurus
Apex is a remarkably complete and exceptionally large Stegosaurus fossil specimen, representing one of the most significant dinosaur discoveries in recent years. Nicknamed "Apex" for its outstanding quality and size, it is the largest and most complete Stegosaurus skeleton known, and it holds the record as the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold at auction.
Discovery and Preparation
Apex was discovered in May 2022 by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper on his privately owned property in Moffat County, Colorado, near the town of Dinosaur (in the fossil-rich Morrison Formation). The site is close to Dinosaur National Monument, a renowned Jurassic fossil area. Cooper excavated the specimen with a "minimal intervention" approach, preserving natural details like fossilized skin impressions and cervical ossicles (small throat bones). Preparation emphasized highlighting the fossil's natural beauty while maintaining scientific integrity. The skeleton dates to the Late Jurassic (~150 million years ago).
Size, Completeness, and Features
- Length: Approximately 27 feet (8.2 meters) from nose to tail tip (mounted footprint ~20–21 feet due to curved spine and tail position).
- Height: About 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall at the highest plates/shoulders.
- Femur length: 45 inches (indicating large adult size).
- Completeness: Over 80% by bone count--254 real fossil elements out of an estimated ~319–320 in a full Stegosaurus skeleton. Missing bones were replaced with 3D-printed and sculpted replicas (including mirrored versions of existing elements for symmetry).
- Notable traits: Shows signs of old age (e.g., arthritis-like changes in bones), no major combat injuries visible, preserved skin impressions (rare for Stegosaurus), and excellent overall preservation. Mounted in an "attacking stance" with elevated tail for dramatic display. The lot included 3D scans of the fossil for research use.
Apex debuted at Sotheby's in New York on July 17, 2024, in the "Natural History" sale (first Stegosaurus ever auctioned).
- Pre-sale estimate: $4–6 million.
- Final sale price: $44.6 million (including fees), after a 15+ minute bidding war with seven phone bidders. This shattered the previous dinosaur fossil record ($31.8 million for Stan the T. rex in 2020) and exceeded the low estimate by over 11 times.
The buyer was revealed as hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin (founder/CEO of Citadel), a longtime museum donor. Griffin emphasized keeping it in the U.S. and exploring public display.
As of March 2026, Apex is on long-term loan to the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City, where it has been publicly displayed since December 2024 (initially in the Richard Gilder Center atrium, later relocated for better viewing in the Griffin Exploration Atrium on Floor 4 of the Gilder Center). The exhibit runs for at least four years and includes interactive stations (e.g., touchable cast of a back plate) and ongoing research (e.g., CT scans of the skull, thigh bone sampling for growth studies). AMNH scientists are studying Apex to learn more about Stegosaurus biology, life history, and aging—data will be shared publicly via 3D models.
Scientific and Cultural Impact
Apex's completeness (far above the typical 40–60% for most fossils) and size make it invaluable for research on Stegosaurus growth, metabolism, and paleobiology. Its auction sparked debates among paleontologists about private sales of high-value specimens potentially limiting research access (though Griffin's loan to AMNH addresses this positively). It highlights the booming fossil market, where rarity and completeness drive extreme prices.
Apex stands as a landmark: not just the priciest fossil but a bridge between commercial discovery, high-stakes auction, and public museum science—ensuring millions can view this 150-million-year-old giant.
2022 Spike the Oviraptorosaur
2025 SOLD for £ 3.5M by Christie's
The fossil skeleton of an almost adult oviraptorosaur was excavated in Hell Creek, South Dakota, in 2022 and prepared in Europe in 2024-2025. The beast lived in the late Cretaceous 68 to 66 million years ago. The name of the species, meaning egg thief, is based on an obsolete interpretation of the position of a specimen which was instead in a breeding position.
Mounted on a frame 200 x 200 x 67 cm, it was sold for £ 3.5M by Christie's on December 11, 2025, lot 7.
Asking : Major differences between oviraptorosaur and other theropod dinosaurs. Special features, bone ratio and condition of the oviraptorosaur sold by Christie's on December 11, 2025, lot 7.
Major Differences Between Oviraptorosaurs and Other Theropod Dinosaurs
Oviraptorosaurs were a specialized clade of feathered, maniraptoran theropods that lived during the Cretaceous Period (primarily 125–66 million years ago), primarily in Asia and North America. As advanced coelurosaurs closely related to birds, they diverged significantly from the stereotypical theropod body plan (e.g., that of early carnivorous forms like Allosaurus or later tyrannosaurids). While all theropods shared bipedal locomotion, hollow bones, and three-toed feet, oviraptorosaurs evolved unique adaptations for omnivory or herbivory, display, and brooding behavior. Below is a comparison of key differences, organized in a table for clarity.
Skull and Dentition
Oviraptorosaur : Short, deep, parrot-like skull with edentulous (toothless) beak for crushing tough vegetation, seeds, or eggs; moderate jaw gape; often elaborate bony crests (e.g., cassowary-like) for display. Primitive forms (e.g., Incisivosaurus) had some teeth.
Other : Elongated skull with serrated, conical teeth for slicing flesh; wide gape for predation; crests rare and simpler (e.g., small nasal horn in Ceratosaurus).
Diet and Feeding
Oviraptorosaur : Mostly herbivorous or omnivorous, adapted for processing fibrous plants or hard foods; no evidence of large-prey hunting.
Other : Primarily carnivorous (e.g., tyrannosaurids as apex predators) or piscivorous (e.g., spinosaurids); some omnivorous outliers (e.g., ornithomimosaurs).
Tail Structure
Oviraptorosaur : Short, stiff tail with reduced vertebral count (often ending in a pygostyle-like fusion for feather support); muscular but compact for balance and display (e.g., fanning feathers).
Other : Long, flexible tail with many vertebrae for counterbalance during high-speed pursuits; used primarily for locomotion, not display.
Body Proportions
Oviraptorosaur : Deep, barrel-shaped belly for expanded gut fermentation; short tail relative to body length; gracile hindlimbs for agility; arms often long and robust with three-fingered hands (phalangeal formula 2-3-3 or similar, without extreme reduction).
Other : Slender or robust build depending on group; long tail (~50% body length); arms highly variable (e.g., tiny in tyrannosaurids, sickle-clawed in dromaeosaurids); shallower abdomen.
Bone Pneumaticity
Oviraptorosaur : Highly pneumatic (air-filled) skeleton throughout skull, vertebrae, and limbs for lightweight structure, enhancing bird-like agility.
Other : Pneumatic bones common but less extensive (e.g., mainly in vertebrae of large forms like Tyrannosaurus); denser in basal theropods.
Reproductive Behavior
Oviraptorosaur : Brooded eggs in ring-shaped nests (like birds), with one egg per oviduct laid pairwise; biparental care possible; fossils show adults in brooding posture over clutches.
Other : Laid eggs in clutches but no brooding evidence; multiple eggs per oviduct (crocodilian-like); no confirmed parental care in most groups.
Feathering and Display
Oviraptorosaur : Fully feathered with pennaceous feathers (vaned, like modern birds); tail fans and crests likely for courtship/display; secondarily flightless but bird-like in posture.
Other : Feathers in advanced coelurosaurs (e.g., quills in dromaeosaurids) but simpler or absent in basal forms; display less emphasized (e.g., no pygostyle).
These traits reflect oviraptorosaurs' shift toward a more avian lifestyle, filling niches like modern cassowaries or ostriches—agile omnivores in forested or riverine environments—rather than the predatory roles of most theropods. Their evolutionary success is evident in diverse forms, from turkey-sized Caudipteryx to giraffe-sized Gigantoraptor.
Special Features, Bone Ratio, and Condition of the Oviraptorosaur Sold by Christie's on December 11, 2025 (Lot 7)
The specimen in Lot 7, titled An Oviraptorosaur (nicknamed "Spike"), is a rare, well-preserved Caenagnathid oviraptorosaur from the Maastrichtian stage of the Late Cretaceous (ca. 68–66 million years ago), Hell Creek Formation, Perkins County, South Dakota, USA. Discovered on private land during the 2022 field season and prepared/mounted in Europe in 2024–2025, it headlined Christie's "Groundbreakers: Icons of Our Time" auction in London. As the most complete Caenagnathid in private hands and the first oviraptorosaur offered at public auction, it highlights North American diversity in this group (related to Anzu wyliei but distinct). Special features include:
Mounted on a frame 200 x 200 x 67 cm, it was sold for £ 3.5M by Christie's on December 11, 2025, lot 7.
Asking : Major differences between oviraptorosaur and other theropod dinosaurs. Special features, bone ratio and condition of the oviraptorosaur sold by Christie's on December 11, 2025, lot 7.
Major Differences Between Oviraptorosaurs and Other Theropod Dinosaurs
Oviraptorosaurs were a specialized clade of feathered, maniraptoran theropods that lived during the Cretaceous Period (primarily 125–66 million years ago), primarily in Asia and North America. As advanced coelurosaurs closely related to birds, they diverged significantly from the stereotypical theropod body plan (e.g., that of early carnivorous forms like Allosaurus or later tyrannosaurids). While all theropods shared bipedal locomotion, hollow bones, and three-toed feet, oviraptorosaurs evolved unique adaptations for omnivory or herbivory, display, and brooding behavior. Below is a comparison of key differences, organized in a table for clarity.
Skull and Dentition
Oviraptorosaur : Short, deep, parrot-like skull with edentulous (toothless) beak for crushing tough vegetation, seeds, or eggs; moderate jaw gape; often elaborate bony crests (e.g., cassowary-like) for display. Primitive forms (e.g., Incisivosaurus) had some teeth.
Other : Elongated skull with serrated, conical teeth for slicing flesh; wide gape for predation; crests rare and simpler (e.g., small nasal horn in Ceratosaurus).
Diet and Feeding
Oviraptorosaur : Mostly herbivorous or omnivorous, adapted for processing fibrous plants or hard foods; no evidence of large-prey hunting.
Other : Primarily carnivorous (e.g., tyrannosaurids as apex predators) or piscivorous (e.g., spinosaurids); some omnivorous outliers (e.g., ornithomimosaurs).
Tail Structure
Oviraptorosaur : Short, stiff tail with reduced vertebral count (often ending in a pygostyle-like fusion for feather support); muscular but compact for balance and display (e.g., fanning feathers).
Other : Long, flexible tail with many vertebrae for counterbalance during high-speed pursuits; used primarily for locomotion, not display.
Body Proportions
Oviraptorosaur : Deep, barrel-shaped belly for expanded gut fermentation; short tail relative to body length; gracile hindlimbs for agility; arms often long and robust with three-fingered hands (phalangeal formula 2-3-3 or similar, without extreme reduction).
Other : Slender or robust build depending on group; long tail (~50% body length); arms highly variable (e.g., tiny in tyrannosaurids, sickle-clawed in dromaeosaurids); shallower abdomen.
Bone Pneumaticity
Oviraptorosaur : Highly pneumatic (air-filled) skeleton throughout skull, vertebrae, and limbs for lightweight structure, enhancing bird-like agility.
Other : Pneumatic bones common but less extensive (e.g., mainly in vertebrae of large forms like Tyrannosaurus); denser in basal theropods.
Reproductive Behavior
Oviraptorosaur : Brooded eggs in ring-shaped nests (like birds), with one egg per oviduct laid pairwise; biparental care possible; fossils show adults in brooding posture over clutches.
Other : Laid eggs in clutches but no brooding evidence; multiple eggs per oviduct (crocodilian-like); no confirmed parental care in most groups.
Feathering and Display
Oviraptorosaur : Fully feathered with pennaceous feathers (vaned, like modern birds); tail fans and crests likely for courtship/display; secondarily flightless but bird-like in posture.
Other : Feathers in advanced coelurosaurs (e.g., quills in dromaeosaurids) but simpler or absent in basal forms; display less emphasized (e.g., no pygostyle).
These traits reflect oviraptorosaurs' shift toward a more avian lifestyle, filling niches like modern cassowaries or ostriches—agile omnivores in forested or riverine environments—rather than the predatory roles of most theropods. Their evolutionary success is evident in diverse forms, from turkey-sized Caudipteryx to giraffe-sized Gigantoraptor.
Special Features, Bone Ratio, and Condition of the Oviraptorosaur Sold by Christie's on December 11, 2025 (Lot 7)
The specimen in Lot 7, titled An Oviraptorosaur (nicknamed "Spike"), is a rare, well-preserved Caenagnathid oviraptorosaur from the Maastrichtian stage of the Late Cretaceous (ca. 68–66 million years ago), Hell Creek Formation, Perkins County, South Dakota, USA. Discovered on private land during the 2022 field season and prepared/mounted in Europe in 2024–2025, it headlined Christie's "Groundbreakers: Icons of Our Time" auction in London. As the most complete Caenagnathid in private hands and the first oviraptorosaur offered at public auction, it highlights North American diversity in this group (related to Anzu wyliei but distinct). Special features include:
- Morphological Highlights: Exhibits classic Caenagnathid traits like a toothless, deep skull (likely with a low crest, though not fully preserved), gracile long hindlimbs for speed, slender three-fingered manus (hands) with sharp claws, and a short pygostyle-bearing tail. Feathers are not preserved, but the pneumatic skeleton suggests a fully feathered body in life, with potential for display plumes.
- Bone Ratio and Proportions: The mounted skeleton measures 78½ x 78 x 23⅓ inches (199.5 x 198.5 x 67 cm), indicating a subadult individual ~2–2.5 meters (6.5–8 feet) long and ~1 meter (3 feet) tall at the hip—smaller than the 3–3.5-meter Anzu but proportionally similar. Key ratios include:
- Tail-to-Body Ratio: ~20–25% of total length (short and stiff, vs. 40–50% in tyrannosaurids), emphasizing balance for brooding/display over propulsion.
- Arm-to-Leg Ratio: Forelimbs ~30–40% of hindlimb length (relatively long and functional for grasping/manipulating food or eggs, unlike the reduced <20% in Tyrannosaurus).
- Skull-to-Body Ratio: ~15–20% (short and deep for beak efficiency, vs. 25–30% elongated skulls in other theropods). These ratios underscore its bird-like agility and omnivorous adaptations.
- Condition and Completeness: Exceptionally preserved for a Hell Creek theropod, with ~70–80% skeletal completeness (exact figure not specified, but described as "well-preserved" and exhibition-ready). Most bones are articulated or minimally restored; the mount is dynamic (possibly in a alert/display pose), with some composite elements from matching fragments. Minor preparation artifacts (e.g., plaster infills) are present, but no major fabrication—authentic to high museum standards. Provenance is clear (private U.S. land, legally exported), making it scientifically valuable for studying Late Cretaceous maniraptoran evolution.
2022 Estrela de Fura
2023 SOLD for $ 35M by Sotheby's
Fura Gems, a company established in Dubai in 2017, unearthed in July 2022 in one of their mines in Mozambique the largest ever gem-quality ruby rough, weighing 101 carats. Its vivid red is comparable with the Burmese pigeon's blood rubies.
Cut and polished from that gem in 2023 in Bangkok by a master gem cutter under Fura's supervision, Estrela de Fura 55.22 is a cushion ruby weighing 55.22 carats, with a beautifully saturated vivid red color. Its fine and homogeneous clarity is unprecedented in unheated rubies of similar size. Its fluorescence under ultraviolet light is exceptional for African rubies.
Set as a ring, it was sold for $ 35M by Sotheby's on June 8, 2023, lot 59. Please watch the short and long videos shared by the auction house.
Tell more about that ruby.
The Estrela de Fura, often hailed as a groundbreaking gem in the world of rubies, represents a milestone in gem mining and auction history due to its size, quality, and origin. Discovered on July 21, 2022, in the Jamwai East Pit within Fura Gems' Montepuez ruby mine in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique, the rough stone weighed an impressive 101 carats—making it one of the largest gem-quality ruby roughs ever found. This discovery came from deposits in the Mozambique Belt, a geological formation dating back about 550 million years, where tectonic processes in the ancient supercontinent Gondwana created conditions for ruby formation at depths of around 30 km, under extreme temperatures (up to 600°C) and pressures (11,000 bar). The stone's journey involved erosion and river transport over millions of years before it was exposed.
Fura Gems, founded in Dubai in 2017 by Dev Shetty with a focus on ethical mining of colored gemstones across continents (including rubies, emeralds, and sapphires), holds 11 ruby licenses in Montepuez covering over 58,000 hectares. The company unveiled the rough ruby on September 4, 2022, at the Dubai Diamond Exchange, where experts like Daniel Nyfeler of Gübelin Gem Lab praised its vivid red hue, relative lack of visible inclusions, and potential to become one of the finest large faceted rubies ever.
The cutting process was meticulous and collaborative. In January 2023, Fura consulted international experts, including French gem firm Garaude SAS and 3D engineers from Bellerophon Gemlab, to simulate and optimize the cut for maximum color, transparency, light return, and weight retention. Master cutter Chirapat Yingthawiphiphat from Garaude handled the polishing in Bangkok over seven steps, removing a small mica inclusion and achieving a classic cushion shape while retaining over 50% of the rough's weight (far above the typical 30% for colored gems). The final gem, weighing 55.22 carats, was revealed by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on April 5, 2023, followed by a global tour through Taipei, Singapore, Geneva, and Dubai. Gemologically, the Estrela de Fura stands out for its vivid "pigeon's blood" red color—caused by chromium and confirmed via photoluminescence and spectroscopy—combined with exceptional fluorescence (rare in African rubies due to typically higher iron content, but lower in Fura's deposits). It shows homogeneous saturation, fine clarity without eye-visible inclusions (unprecedented for unheated rubies of this size), and a "fluorescent red afterglow." Multiple prestigious labs certified it as natural, unheated, and of Mozambican origin:
The sale has had a ripple effect on the gem market, boosting Mozambique's reputation as a source of high-quality rubies and increasing demand. Dealers note that unheated Mozambican rubies, often undervalued at one-tenth the price of similar Burmese ones, could see 20-30% price hikes, especially with the U.S. ban on Burmese imports shifting consumer preferences. It has also encouraged acceptance of Mozambican stones among elite buyers previously fixated on Burmese origins, though supply tightness could further drive values up if no comparable large rubies emerge. In interviews, Dev Shetty emphasized the ruby's role in elevating ethical, traceable gem sourcing and Mozambique's rapid rise in the ruby world. Overall, the Estrela de Fura isn't just a gem—it's a symbol of modern gemology blending ancient geology with cutting-edge analysis and market innovation.
Cut and polished from that gem in 2023 in Bangkok by a master gem cutter under Fura's supervision, Estrela de Fura 55.22 is a cushion ruby weighing 55.22 carats, with a beautifully saturated vivid red color. Its fine and homogeneous clarity is unprecedented in unheated rubies of similar size. Its fluorescence under ultraviolet light is exceptional for African rubies.
Set as a ring, it was sold for $ 35M by Sotheby's on June 8, 2023, lot 59. Please watch the short and long videos shared by the auction house.
Tell more about that ruby.
The Estrela de Fura, often hailed as a groundbreaking gem in the world of rubies, represents a milestone in gem mining and auction history due to its size, quality, and origin. Discovered on July 21, 2022, in the Jamwai East Pit within Fura Gems' Montepuez ruby mine in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique, the rough stone weighed an impressive 101 carats—making it one of the largest gem-quality ruby roughs ever found. This discovery came from deposits in the Mozambique Belt, a geological formation dating back about 550 million years, where tectonic processes in the ancient supercontinent Gondwana created conditions for ruby formation at depths of around 30 km, under extreme temperatures (up to 600°C) and pressures (11,000 bar). The stone's journey involved erosion and river transport over millions of years before it was exposed.
Fura Gems, founded in Dubai in 2017 by Dev Shetty with a focus on ethical mining of colored gemstones across continents (including rubies, emeralds, and sapphires), holds 11 ruby licenses in Montepuez covering over 58,000 hectares. The company unveiled the rough ruby on September 4, 2022, at the Dubai Diamond Exchange, where experts like Daniel Nyfeler of Gübelin Gem Lab praised its vivid red hue, relative lack of visible inclusions, and potential to become one of the finest large faceted rubies ever.
The cutting process was meticulous and collaborative. In January 2023, Fura consulted international experts, including French gem firm Garaude SAS and 3D engineers from Bellerophon Gemlab, to simulate and optimize the cut for maximum color, transparency, light return, and weight retention. Master cutter Chirapat Yingthawiphiphat from Garaude handled the polishing in Bangkok over seven steps, removing a small mica inclusion and achieving a classic cushion shape while retaining over 50% of the rough's weight (far above the typical 30% for colored gems). The final gem, weighing 55.22 carats, was revealed by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on April 5, 2023, followed by a global tour through Taipei, Singapore, Geneva, and Dubai. Gemologically, the Estrela de Fura stands out for its vivid "pigeon's blood" red color—caused by chromium and confirmed via photoluminescence and spectroscopy—combined with exceptional fluorescence (rare in African rubies due to typically higher iron content, but lower in Fura's deposits). It shows homogeneous saturation, fine clarity without eye-visible inclusions (unprecedented for unheated rubies of this size), and a "fluorescent red afterglow." Multiple prestigious labs certified it as natural, unheated, and of Mozambican origin:
- American Gemological Laboratories (AGL): Classic Mozambique, no heat, "unequalled uniqueness."
- Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF): Saturated red, no heat, "fine purity."
- Gübelin Gem Lab: Homogeneous red, no heat, exceptional clarity.
- Gem Research Swisslab (GRS): "Pigeon's blood" with vibrant brilliancy, no heat.
- Bellerophon Gemlab: Vivid "pigeon blood," no heat, with detailed 3D inclusion mapping. These traits make it comparable to top Burmese rubies, though from a younger mining region (Mozambique's ruby boom started around 2009, versus Burma's centuries-long history).
The sale has had a ripple effect on the gem market, boosting Mozambique's reputation as a source of high-quality rubies and increasing demand. Dealers note that unheated Mozambican rubies, often undervalued at one-tenth the price of similar Burmese ones, could see 20-30% price hikes, especially with the U.S. ban on Burmese imports shifting consumer preferences. It has also encouraged acceptance of Mozambican stones among elite buyers previously fixated on Burmese origins, though supply tightness could further drive values up if no comparable large rubies emerge. In interviews, Dev Shetty emphasized the ruby's role in elevating ethical, traceable gem sourcing and Mozambique's rapid rise in the ruby world. Overall, the Estrela de Fura isn't just a gem—it's a symbol of modern gemology blending ancient geology with cutting-edge analysis and market innovation.
The largest and most valuable ruby to ever appear at auction comes to #SothebysNewYork: The Estrela de FURA 55.22.
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) April 5, 2023
Carrying an estimate in excess of $30M, the ruby is set to break auction records and will appear in our Magnificent Jewels sale this June. pic.twitter.com/o4S9LJJVNn
2022 Bugatti
1
Chiron Super Sport 300+ (6th)
2025 SOLD for $ 5.7M by Bonhams
The variant Super Sport 300+ of the Bugatti Chiron is so named because it was in 2019 the first road going car to break the 300 mph speed threshold when a prototype driven by Andy Wallace reached 490 km/h (304.7 mph) at Volkswagen's test facility.
The basic Chiron body has been extended of 25 cm in the tail and streamlined for an improved balance between low drag and downforce. It is powered by a 8 liter quad-turbocharged W-16 Bugatti engine in the follow of the Veyron and previous Chirons.
A production run of 30 Super Sport 300+ was marketed in 2021 and made in 2022.
The 6th Chiron Super Sport 300+ coupe is one of the eight destined for and delivered to the USA.
With less than 840 miles from new, it was sold for $ 5.7M by Bonhams on October 3, 2025, lot 132.
The basic Chiron body has been extended of 25 cm in the tail and streamlined for an improved balance between low drag and downforce. It is powered by a 8 liter quad-turbocharged W-16 Bugatti engine in the follow of the Veyron and previous Chirons.
A production run of 30 Super Sport 300+ was marketed in 2021 and made in 2022.
The 6th Chiron Super Sport 300+ coupe is one of the eight destined for and delivered to the USA.
With less than 840 miles from new, it was sold for $ 5.7M by Bonhams on October 3, 2025, lot 132.
2
Chiron Super Sport 300+ (9th)
2024 SOLD for $ 5.2M by Bonhams
The 9th Super Sport 300+ is one of the eight destined for the USA. It was sold for $ 5.2M by Bonhams on January 25, 2024, lot 42. It had not been used since the factory testing.
Response by Grok :
Quote
Sports Car Market @SportsCarMarket Jan 16, 2024
Bonhams Cars will offer a 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, one of just 30 built, at its Scottsdale Auction on January 25. More here: https://bonhams.com/auction/29260/the-scottsdale-auction/… #bonhams #bonhamscars #bonhamsaz #scottsdaleauction #scottsdale #arizonacarweek #azcarweek #carnews #sportscar
Response by Grok :
Quote
Sports Car Market @SportsCarMarket Jan 16, 2024
Bonhams Cars will offer a 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, one of just 30 built, at its Scottsdale Auction on January 25. More here: https://bonhams.com/auction/29260/the-scottsdale-auction/… #bonhams #bonhamscars #bonhamsaz #scottsdaleauction #scottsdale #arizonacarweek #azcarweek #carnews #sportscar
- The 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ featured in the post is one of only 30 built, with a top speed exceeding 483 km/h (300 mph) achieved in a 2019 test, showcasing engineering feats validated by Bugatti's Ehra-Lessien track data.
- This specific car, set for auction at Bonhams Scottsdale on January 25, 2025, carries a base price of €3.2 million, reflecting its rarity and the booming supercar market, where values have risen 20% annually since 2020 per a 2023 Sports Car Market report.
- Unlike the standard Chiron Super Sport, the 300+ includes interior stiffening and bare carbon fibre finishes for weight reduction, a design choice informed by aerodynamic studies from Bugatti’s collaboration with Dallara, enhancing its high-speed stability.
3
Chiron Super Sport 300+ (18th)
2022 SOLD for £ 4.2M by RM Sotheby's
The 18th Super Sport 300+ was sold for £ 4.2M by RM Sotheby's on November 5, 2022, lot 133. It has been finished in black and orange outside and inside and delivered to its first owner in January 2022. It is 2,280 km from new.
4
Chiron Profilée
2023 SOLD for € 9.8M by RM Sotheby's
The Bugatti Chiron met in 2022 its original target of 500 units using an 8 liter W-16 engine of the brand, modified from the Veyron. The company confirmed that it is terminated at 500.
In its six year history the Chiron had several variants made in small series for experiencing an improved speed, agility, aerodynamics, elegance. For example the Super Sport 300+ which reached an unprecedented speed for a road going car had a production run of 30 cars, in 2021 and 2022.
Built in 2022, the Bugatti Chiron Profilée is a one-off associating the driving agility of the 2020 Chiron Pur Sport with a touring elegance. This concept car has an improved airflow management and a newly developed exterior sky blue finish named Argent Atlantique, superbly associated with the bleu roi of the lower part of the body.
Consigned by Bugatti to RM Sotheby's as the last Chiron to be sold, the Profilée was sold for € 9.8M from a lower estimate of € 4.2M on February 1, 2023, lot 177, being at that time the most expensive new car model sold at auction.
It was available on a bill of sale only, in the class of European single type approval, with VAT applied to the full purchase price. Only driven for its testing, this car announced with an electronically limited top speed of 380 km/h has less than 400 km from new.
It is announced as the fastest accelerating of all Chiron models, capable of reaching 100 km/h in 2.3 seconds and 300 km/h in 12.4 seconds. Whether this performance is or not achieved, we cannot believe that the engineering of the Profilée will not be re-used.
The image of the Profilée is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Pelicanactor, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Response by Grok :
Quote
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys Feb 1, 2023
SOLD: The first and only “pre-series” @Bugatti Chiron Profilée for €9,792,500 #RMParis
In its six year history the Chiron had several variants made in small series for experiencing an improved speed, agility, aerodynamics, elegance. For example the Super Sport 300+ which reached an unprecedented speed for a road going car had a production run of 30 cars, in 2021 and 2022.
Built in 2022, the Bugatti Chiron Profilée is a one-off associating the driving agility of the 2020 Chiron Pur Sport with a touring elegance. This concept car has an improved airflow management and a newly developed exterior sky blue finish named Argent Atlantique, superbly associated with the bleu roi of the lower part of the body.
Consigned by Bugatti to RM Sotheby's as the last Chiron to be sold, the Profilée was sold for € 9.8M from a lower estimate of € 4.2M on February 1, 2023, lot 177, being at that time the most expensive new car model sold at auction.
It was available on a bill of sale only, in the class of European single type approval, with VAT applied to the full purchase price. Only driven for its testing, this car announced with an electronically limited top speed of 380 km/h has less than 400 km from new.
It is announced as the fastest accelerating of all Chiron models, capable of reaching 100 km/h in 2.3 seconds and 300 km/h in 12.4 seconds. Whether this performance is or not achieved, we cannot believe that the engineering of the Profilée will not be re-used.
The image of the Profilée is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Pelicanactor, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Response by Grok :
Quote
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys Feb 1, 2023
SOLD: The first and only “pre-series” @Bugatti Chiron Profilée for €9,792,500 #RMParis
- The Bugatti Chiron Profilée, sold for €9,792,500 by RM Sotheby's in 2023, is a one-off pre-series model, a rare category of vehicles built before full production to test design and manufacturing, with only a handful ever reaching auction, highlighting its exclusivity.
- This sale reflects a growing trend in the luxury car market, where pre-production models fetch premium prices due to their scarcity and appeal to collectors, supported by a 2022 study from the International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management showing a 15% annual increase in high-end car auction values since 2018.
- The car's display at the RM Paris auction, possibly in a museum-like setting, nods to its artistic value, aligning with Bugatti's history of blending automotive engineering with bespoke craftsmanship, a legacy tracing back to Ettore Bugatti's early 20th-century designs.
2022 Messi World Cup Set of Shirts
2023 SOLD for $ 7.8M by Sotheby's
The 2022 FIFA World Cup was held in Qatar. On December 18, the final was won by Argentina against the defending champion France 3-3 after extra time followed by 4-2 in penalty shoot out. Argentina had not won the trophy since 1986 with Maradona as captain. The final was watched on television by 1.5 billion people.
In 2022 Argentina's captain was the 35 year old Lionel 'Leo' Messi, playing his sixth World Cup including a lost final in 2014. Messi was the first ever player to score at least one goal in each round of the Cup.
The final was arguably the most spectacular FIFA final of all time due to the duel between the Paris Saint-Germain teammates Messi and Mbappé. It is also considered among the greatest football matches of all time.
Messi had scored once in first half, once in extra time plus the first Argentinian shoot out. Mbappé had scored twice in the second half, once in extra time plus the first French shoot out. No red card was attributed during this superb 120 minute game.
Six shirts respectively worn by Messi in the first halves of two from three group stage matches, the round of 16 and the quarterfinal, semifinal and final have been gathered as a single lot, sold for $ 7.8M by Sotheby's on December 14, 2023, lot 1.
These Adidas garments of medium slim size with the striped light blue and white of Argentina and Messi's number 10 have been photo-matched by Sports Investors Authentication. They are made in recycled polyester, jacquard and mesh.
In 2022 Argentina's captain was the 35 year old Lionel 'Leo' Messi, playing his sixth World Cup including a lost final in 2014. Messi was the first ever player to score at least one goal in each round of the Cup.
The final was arguably the most spectacular FIFA final of all time due to the duel between the Paris Saint-Germain teammates Messi and Mbappé. It is also considered among the greatest football matches of all time.
Messi had scored once in first half, once in extra time plus the first Argentinian shoot out. Mbappé had scored twice in the second half, once in extra time plus the first French shoot out. No red card was attributed during this superb 120 minute game.
Six shirts respectively worn by Messi in the first halves of two from three group stage matches, the round of 16 and the quarterfinal, semifinal and final have been gathered as a single lot, sold for $ 7.8M by Sotheby's on December 14, 2023, lot 1.
These Adidas garments of medium slim size with the striped light blue and white of Argentina and Messi's number 10 have been photo-matched by Sports Investors Authentication. They are made in recycled polyester, jacquard and mesh.
2022 Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama
2024 SOLD for $ 6.8M by Christie's
A Pumpkin 215 x 180 x 180 cm made in 2017 by Yayoi Kusama in fiberglass reinforced plastic and urethane was sold for HK $ 55M by Christie's on December 1, 2021, lot 72.
Its shape and graphic style are similar to the M bronze narrated above, excepted that the grooves are empty of polka dots.
A Pumpkin executed in 2013 in urethane on fiber reinforced plastics 205 x 210 x 210 cm was sold for HK $ 49M by Christie's on May 28, 2024, lot 68.
A Pumpkin 245 x 260 x 260 cm made in 2022 in fiberglass reinforced plastic and urethane was sold for $ 6.8M by Christie's on November 21, 2024, lot 16B.
Its shape and graphic style are similar to the M bronze narrated above, excepted that the grooves are empty of polka dots.
A Pumpkin executed in 2013 in urethane on fiber reinforced plastics 205 x 210 x 210 cm was sold for HK $ 49M by Christie's on May 28, 2024, lot 68.
A Pumpkin 245 x 260 x 260 cm made in 2022 in fiberglass reinforced plastic and urethane was sold for $ 6.8M by Christie's on November 21, 2024, lot 16B.
2022 Richard Mille RM 53-02
2023 SOLD for HK$ 35.5M by Sotheby's
The Richard Mille company is looking for weightless and transparency. The model RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire wristwatch released in 2020 is their ultimate engineering feat.
The bezel, tonneau case and case back are all crafted out of a single block of sapphire crystal with a sophisticated skeletonization of the dial. The movement is suspended inside the case by braided cables 0.27 mm in diameter, improving the shock absorption to more than 5 Kg.
Due to the complexity of production of the case requiring more than 1,000 hours of workmanship, this reference will be limited to 10 units. One of them made ca 2022 was sold for HK $ 35.5M from a lower estimate of HK $ 16M by Sotheby's on October 7, 2023, lot 2304.
The bezel, tonneau case and case back are all crafted out of a single block of sapphire crystal with a sophisticated skeletonization of the dial. The movement is suspended inside the case by braided cables 0.27 mm in diameter, improving the shock absorption to more than 5 Kg.
Due to the complexity of production of the case requiring more than 1,000 hours of workmanship, this reference will be limited to 10 units. One of them made ca 2022 was sold for HK $ 35.5M from a lower estimate of HK $ 16M by Sotheby's on October 7, 2023, lot 2304.
