#USA #Toronto #Sotheby's #Paraiba Tourmaline #Kat Florence

The Unveiling of Kat Florence's Flawless Paraiba Tourmalines

Record-Breaking Auction Ahead

On September 17, 2026, at 2:00 AM EDT, the jewelry world will hold its breath as Sotheby's Hong Kong prepares to auction the 'Kat Florence Luminas,' the largest matched pair of flawless, unheated Paraiba Tourmalines ever presented. This extraordinary auction forms part of Sotheby's prestigious 'High Jewelry' event and highlights the unparalleled craftsmanship of renowned designer Kat Florence.

The showcased Paraiba Tourmalines have been meticulously shaped by Florence, achieving a stunning weight of 71.239 and 72.844 carats respectively. This marks a new milestone for gemstones, featuring the largest flawless stones of their kind to ever be available for auction. The original crystal, discovered in 2003 by the famous gem hunter Don Kogen in Mozambique’s Mavuco district, was an impressive 830 carats.

Expert Recognition

The quality and rarity of these gemstones have been affirmatively recognized by industry experts. On July 21, 2026, Swiss gem laboratory Gübelin gave Florence's matched pair an 'Outstanding' score, while also providing an exceptional rating of 92.1 points. In addition, French lab Bellerophon awarded the Paraiba set the Bellerophon Privilege Award, signifying an 'extremely rare' classification for these extraordinary gems. Martial Curti, CEO and Founder of Bellerophon Gemlab, remarked, "The possession of such a pair of natural Paraiba Tourmalines is a truly significant privilege. Exceptional in both size and quality, these magnificent paraibas represent extraordinary rarity."

A Legacy of Excellence

This is not the first time Kat Florence has garnered accolades for her remarkable pieces. The 'Kat Florence Lumina' matched pair represents the ninth world-record piece in her impressive portfolio. On the same auction day, her largest flawless Tanzanite necklace, weighing an astounding 424.80 carats, will also go on sale. Florence previously held the record for the largest flawless Tanzanite piece with her 'Namunyak' necklace weighing 423.56 carats, symbolizing her continuous dedication to achieving the highest standard in gemstone artistry.

An Artistic Haven in Canada

Kat Florence’s artistic journey began in Canada, where she opened her renowned atelier. Recently, she transformed a historic 1848 limestone building into ‘The Kat Florence Hotel.’ This exquisite space, originally intended as a retreat for her elite clientele, now features a rotating collection of extraordinary gemstones. From the largest flawless 424.8 carat Royal Velvet Blue Tanzanite to the largest flawless unheated Paraiba, the hotel artfully displays these treasures within its walls. Guests are invited to enjoy a unique experience of art and culture in a setting unlike any other.

Final Tour and Auction Details

Certified by both Bellerophon and Gübelin Gem Lab, the Kat Florence Lumina matched pair and the Tanzanite necklace will conclude their global exhibition tour with showings taking place in Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Taichung prior to the auction. Collectors and gemstone aficionados will have an exceptional opportunity to bid for these masterpieces at Sotheby's Hong Kong.

As the countdown to September 17 continues, the significance and beauty of the 'Kat Florence Luminas' grow ever more apparent. This auction promises to be an extraordinary event that will redefine the landscape of fine jewelry. The world awaits what price these breathtaking gems will fetch and who will emerge as their proud new custodian.