“World’s largest star sapphire cluster” worth only $10,000 not $100 Million: COPE

• Officials of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority informed COPE  that it has only an antique value, and was only worth as a museum piece

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera   

It was revealed at the recent COPE meeting that what was called the ‘world’s largest star sapphire cluster’ that was unearthed in Ratnapura was only worth US $ 10,000 whereas it was earlier claimed that it is worth more than US $ 100 million.   

Officials of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority informed the COPE that it has only an antique value, and was only worth as a museum piece.    

“It cannot be cut and polished. It has only an antique value. It is only worth as a museum piece,” the official said.   
COPE Chairman Ranjith Bandara said the officials of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority have misled the people and said it was wrong for professionals to do so.