#USA #Hong Kong #Sotheby's #Kat Florence #Paraíba Tourmalines

A Historic Auction at Sotheby’s

On September 17, 2026, at 2:00 AM EDT, the renowned auction house Sotheby's will present what many are calling a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: the auction of the largest matched pair of flawless, untreated Paraíba tourmalines. Each stone is part of a groundbreaking new collection known as Kat Florence Luminas, expertly crafted by artist Kat Florence herself. These magnificent ovals boast a staggering weight of 71.239 and 72.844 carats, respectively, making them the heaviest flawless Paraíba tourmalines to ever be auctioned.

These exceptional gems originated from Mozambique’s Mavuco district, discovered in 2003 by world-renowned gem hunter Don Kogen. This particular discovery stands out, given that the original crystal weighed an impressive 830 carats, hinting at the remarkable process that transformed it into the breathtaking tourmalines soon to be auctioned off.

Exceptional Recognition

In July 2026, these tourmalines were awarded the prestigious Outstanding rating by Gübelin Gem Lab, along with a score of 92.1 points, further emphasizing their remarkable rarity. Earlier in the same month, Bellerophon Gem Lab also examined the collection and honored it with the Bellerophon Privilege Award, a rare achievement that underscores the stones' exceptional quality.

Martial Curti, the founder and CEO of Bellerophon, remarked, “Owning such naturally beautiful Paraíba tourmalines is a true privilege. Both in size and quality, they are extraordinarily rare.” This isn’t Ms. Florence’s first time shattering records; this collection marks her ninth auction piece, a testament to her craftsmanship and pursuit of perfection in the field of fine jewelry.

Beyond Tourmalines: A Record-Setting Collection

Kat Florence’s Lumina pair will be supplemented by yet another record-setting piece at the same auction—her Tanzanite Necklace, a stunning 424.80-carat creation adorned with D-flawless lab-cut diamonds. This piece has garnered acclaim with its Exceptional rating and a Gübelin score of 91.9, setting the bar high for modern jewelry.

Both creations reflect Kat's lifelong quest for perfection, shaping her work into some of the finest in the world. The September auction will serve not only as a marketplace for these magnificent pieces but also as a celebration of the art of jewelry making.

A Unique Experience in Canada

Kat Florence, who hails from Canada, is also the proprietor of The Kat Florence Hotel, designed to offer an intimate refuge for various clients, including celebrities and lovers of precious jewels. This hotel features a constantly evolving collection of invaluable gems displayed in an environment that feels more like a living gallery than a traditional museum. The walls of the hotel, made from original 1848 limestone, frame a vibrant showcase of breathtaking pieces, including the largest-unheated tanzanite ever auctioned and the largest flawless jérémejevite, to name a few.

A Final Tour Before the Auction

The Lumina pair along with Kat Florence's Tanzanite Necklace are currently on their final tour, showcasing globally at Sotheby’s exhibitions. From Singapore to Tokyo, these rare gems will make stops in some of the world’s most vibrant cities before culminating in the Hong Kong auction. Collectors and connoisseurs alike will have the chance to acquire pieces that are as rare as they are beautiful, marking a significant moment in jewelry history.

This auction, set to take place at Sotheby's Hong Kong, represents a rare opportunity for jewel lovers and investors alike. Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making as these marvellous creations go under the hammer, proving once again that art and elegance can truly be captured in gemstones. For inquiries or to schedule private viewings, interested parties are encouraged to reach out through the official channels of Kat Florence and Sotheby’s.