CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem Mine
Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
“Even under the beam of a strong light that is necessary to illuminate a gemstone of this remarkable size, ‘Imboo’ reveals an intense, verdant green with golden warmth and a clarity that captivates the eye,” said Adrian Banks, Gemfields’ managing director of product and sales. (Photo courtesy of Gemfields)
Bangkok—Kagem, the emerald mine Gemfields operates in partnership with the Zambian government, has yielded its biggest gem-quality stone yet—a 11,685-carat gemstone dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald.
Recovered Aug. 3, the gigantic gemstone is being offered in Gemfields’ latest high-quality emerald auction, which began Monday and runs to Sept. 11.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Gemfields did not provide an estimated sale price for the rough emerald, with a company spokesperson noting the miner never provides the value of individual lots offered at auction, only the auction total.
However, Gemfields Managing Director of Product and Sales Adrian Banks speculated in the statement that the Imboo could produce several fine-quality polished emeralds of “significant size.”
“Such a rare collection could form an entire high jewelry suite from this single gemstone,” he said, which is what Chopard did with the 6,225-carat “Insofu” emerald, also recovered from Kagem.
Recovered Aug. 3, the gigantic gemstone is being offered in Gemfields’ latest high-quality emerald auction, which began Monday and runs to Sept. 11.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Gemfields did not provide an estimated sale price for the rough emerald, with a company spokesperson noting the miner never provides the value of individual lots offered at auction, only the auction total.
However, Gemfields Managing Director of Product and Sales Adrian Banks speculated in the statement that the Imboo could produce several fine-quality polished emeralds of “significant size.”
“Such a rare collection could form an entire high jewelry suite from this single gemstone,” he said, which is what Chopard did with the 6,225-carat “Insofu” emerald, also recovered from Kagem.
“In my 30 years at Kagem, I’ve rarely seen such a remarkable formation of large, high-quality crystals. This is a true masterpiece carved by nature’s hand.” — Jackson Mtonga, Kagem sort house
According to Gemfields, geologist Dharanidhar Seth and Justin Banda, a veteran miner said to be “instrumental” in the extraction of many noteworthy gems, discovered the over 11,000-carat emerald in the mine’s Chama pit.
The pit is the portion of the mine that has yielded large emeralds in the past.
The Insofu was discovered there in 2010, followed by the 5,655-carat “Inkalamu” emerald in 2018, and the 7,525-carat “Chipembele” emerald in 2021.
Gemfields said the composition of Chama is a classic example of what’s known as a triple junction, where three distinct lithological and structural domains converge.
In the case of Kagem, which is located in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, they are a talc-magnetite schist, or TMS, layer; a concordant quartz-tourmaline, or QT, vein; and a discordant quartz-feldspar, or QF, vein.
This setting creates ideal conditions for the formation of emerald crystals, particularly large-sized crystals, Gemfields said.
In addition to the individual Imboo, Insofu, Inkalamu, and Chipembele emeralds, the Chama pit also produced the “Kafubu Cluster,” a group of emeralds weighing nearly 190,000 carats found in 2022.
In addition to coming from the same area of mine, the Imboo emerald shares another similar with the other large emeralds recovered from Kagem in the last 15 years—its name.
Imboo, pronounced “im-bow,” translates to “buffalo” in the local Bemba and Lamba dialects and continues Gemfields’ tradition of nodding to Zambia’s wildlife when naming exceptional emeralds, it said.
Insofu means “elephant,” while Inkalamu translates to “lion,” and Chipembele to “rhino.”
Gemfields said it named this particular stone with the buffalo’s “determination, endurance, sense of community, and, of course, its sheer size” in mind.
African buffalos, which are divided into four distinct sub-species, are about 4-5 feet tall and can weigh anywhere from 660 to nearly 2,000 pounds, according to the African Wildlife Foundation.
“In my 30 years at Kagem, I’ve rarely seen such a remarkable formation of large, high-quality crystals,” said Jackson Mtonga, the Kagem sort house’s grading manager.
“The immense size and nature of the crystal formation makes it fitting that this unique piece is given the name ‘buffalo,’ or ‘Imboo’ in our local languages. This is a true masterpiece carved by nature’s hand.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
