SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality Emeralds
The 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.
Gemfields’ recent mini auction of higher-quality emeralds was 77 percent sold by lot and by weight. Though market sentiment remains “clearly subdued,” Gemfields said, it noted improvement in both demand and pricing.
London—Gemfields reported its recent mini auction of higher-quality emeralds brought in $4.8 million.
The offering, 59,192 carats higher-quality emeralds in 13 lots, was comprised entirely of unsold lots from the miner’s November 2024 auction.
At the sale, held Feb. 19-21, 10 lots sold.
The auction was 77 percent sold by weight, with 45,864 carats sold.
The average price per carat price was $105.49.
The rough emeralds were sourced from the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, which is 75 percent owned by Gemfields and 25 percent by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia.
As of December, the miner has suspended mining at Kagem for up to six months to focus on processing the mine’s existing ore stockpiles.
The move was one of several cost-cutting measures recently outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
Related stories will be right here …
The offering, 59,192 carats higher-quality emeralds in 13 lots, was comprised entirely of unsold lots from the miner’s November 2024 auction.
At the sale, held Feb. 19-21, 10 lots sold.
The auction was 77 percent sold by weight, with 45,864 carats sold.
The average price per carat price was $105.49.
The rough emeralds were sourced from the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, which is 75 percent owned by Gemfields and 25 percent by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia.
As of December, the miner has suspended mining at Kagem for up to six months to focus on processing the mine’s existing ore stockpiles.
The move was one of several cost-cutting measures recently outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
Of the lots offered at the mini auction, Gemfields’ Managing Director of Product and Sales Adrian Banks said, “The composition of the schedules on offer remained unchanged, providing Gemfields with a rare opportunity to directly compare demand and pricing between two auctions.”
“It was pleasing to receive notably higher bids, resulting in 10 of the 13 unsold lots being successfully sold in this auction. Although market sentiment remains clearly subdued, it is encouraging to see improvement in both demand and pricing.”
The proceeds of this auction will be fully repatriated to Kagem in Zambia with all royalties due to the Government of the Republic of Zambia being paid on the full sales prices achieved at the auction, said Gemfields.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
