SourcingJan 04, 2022
2021 Diamond Sales Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels for De Beers, Alrosa SourcingJan 06, 2022
Here’s Who Bought This 7,525-Carat Zambian Emerald
Eshed-Gemstar was the winning bidder for the “Chipembele” during Gemfields’ latest Zambian emerald auction.
Israel-based Eshed-Gemstar now owns the 7,525-carat emerald dubbed “Chipembele.” It was recovered from Gemfields’ Kagem mine in Zambia this past summer.
Ramat Gan, Israel—Israel-based diamond and emerald supplier Eshed-Gemstar has purchased the largest high-quality emerald to come out of Gemfields’ Kagem mine in Zambia.
The 7,525-carat rough stone was discovered in July by geologists Manas Banerjee and Richard Kapeta and his team.
At the time of discovery, Kapeta shouted, “Look at this rhino horn!” in excitement, Gemfields said, which led them to name the large piece “Chipembele,” which means “rhino” in the local indigenous dialect, Bemba.
Gemfields said it is the largest significant gemstone discovered at Kagem.
Eshed-Gemstar is now the owner of the Chipembele after winning the rough stone during Gemfields’ recent emerald auction.
Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
A portion of the sale’s proceeds will support the North Luangwa Conservation Programme in Zambia, which aids black rhinoceros conservation efforts.
Related stories will be right here …
The 7,525-carat rough stone was discovered in July by geologists Manas Banerjee and Richard Kapeta and his team.
At the time of discovery, Kapeta shouted, “Look at this rhino horn!” in excitement, Gemfields said, which led them to name the large piece “Chipembele,” which means “rhino” in the local indigenous dialect, Bemba.
Gemfields said it is the largest significant gemstone discovered at Kagem.
Eshed-Gemstar is now the owner of the Chipembele after winning the rough stone during Gemfields’ recent emerald auction.
Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
A portion of the sale’s proceeds will support the North Luangwa Conservation Programme in Zambia, which aids black rhinoceros conservation efforts.
Chipembele features DNA nanoparticle tagging developed by Gübelin Gem Labs as part of its Provenance Proof program, which ensures the resulting cut and polished gems can be identified and certified as having originated from the big piece of rough and the Kagem emerald mine.
Eshed-Gemstar said it also won an “ultra-fine” 935-carat emerald crystal at the auction, which is expected to yield “notable” gems.
Gemfields’ recent emerald sale was comprised of a series of five mini-auctions held from Nov. 1-Dec. 6, which totaled $37.8 million—a record for Kagem auctions—and was 100 percent sold by lot.
The discovery of Chipembele follows two other notable Kagem finds: Insofu, a 6,225-carat emerald discovered in 2010, and Inkalamu, a 5,655-carat emerald found in 2018.
The emerald mine is owned by Gemfields in partnership with the Zambian government’s Industrial Development Corporation.
The Latest
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
