2kg ruby named as asset by Wrekin construction is worth "about 拢100"
The Gem of Tanzania, a 2kg ruby with a valuation of 拢11m that once underpinned the finances of failed building firm Wrekin Construction now looks to be worth closer to 拢100, according to reports.
The Financial Times said that the stone was rejected for sale by the big London auction houses because it was not worth enough. It claims the stone is incapable of being cut into jewellery. Instead, it will be sold in the pages of Rock 'n' Gem magazine, which is read by mineral collectors and New Age crystal healing enthusiasts.
Businessman David Unwin used the gem to buy out Wrekin in 2007 after presenting documents that indicated it was worth 拢11m. It had previously been valued at 拢300,000.
Wrekin went into administration earlier this year and the gemmologist whose name appears on the bottom of valuation documents told 好色先生TV they papers were forged.
The police said that they were considering whether to mount a fraud case.
Marcus McCallum, a Hatton Garden gem dealer, told the FT: 鈥淭he Gem of Tanzania may not be worth the cost of the advert.鈥
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