David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry
June 19th, 2014
A 31,308-carat blue sapphire, 5,905-carat brown sapphire and 508-carat tanzanite are just three of nine extraordinary specimens from the Ophir Collection recognized by Guinness World Records as being the largest cut gemstones in their class.

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The other record holders include a 65.22-carat serendibite, 25.92-carat painite, 23.66-carat hibonite, 22.64-carat musgravite, 15.43-carat neptunite and 4.32-carat grandidierite.

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The Delaware-based Ophir Collection is comprised of 40 rare and exquisite specimens, nine of which are current record holders and many others that are still in the process of being vetted by Guinness World Records.

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The collection includes what Ophir believes are the three largest cut musgravites in the world, as well as an impressive jadeite, coppertop tourmaline, fire opal, kunzite and black tourmaline.

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Officials from Ophir Collection LLC noted that the some of the minerals could be worth "upwards of $2 million per carat." This is a bold claim considering that the world record for the highest price paid per carat for a colored diamond at auction is $2.4 million. “The Orange,” a 14.82-carat fancy vivid orange diamond, fetched $35.5 million in 2013.

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Each of the minerals has been positively identified and certified by the Gemological Institute of America, with the exception of one. The curious dark green stone with veins of bright orange failed to yield a positive ID and is now known as the “Ophir Mystique.” GIA's trouble identifying the stone may signal the Ophir Collection's discovery of a brand new mineral.