The value of the world’s largest star sapphire cluster which was found in Sri Lanka has been downgraded from USD 100 Million to USD 10,000, the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) was informed on Thursday (25).
Officials from the National Gem and Jewellery Authority stated that the star sapphire cluster weighing around 510 kilograms was found in Ratnapura in July 2021.
They further stated that the Chairman of the Authority at the time had initially announced that the star sapphire cluster was worth around USD 200 Million, and downgraded it to USD 100 Million later.
However, after being sent overseas for testing it was found that the world’s largest star sapphire cluster was only worth USD 10,000, the officials revealed.
During a meeting with the COPE Committee, they pointed out that the said star sapphire cluster was only worth as an antique piece that could be placed at museums.
The remarks were made when members of the COPE Committee questioned why a large sum had been quoted for the star sapphire cluster at the time of discovery and later downgraded.
Sri Lanka made international headlines following the discovery of the world’s largest star sapphire cluster.
However, despite it being sent overseas to be auctioned, the world’s largest star sapphire cluster failed to be auctioned. (NewsWire)