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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
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.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
