SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondSourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald Auction
It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.
Strong demand was “evident across the grades” at Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, according to Adrian Banks, managing director of product and sales at Gemfields.
London—Gemfields has announced that its latest auction of high-quality rough emeralds brought in $32 million.
All 38 lots offered sold, realizing an average per-carat price of $160.78.
The rough emeralds on offer, which included the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald, were mined at Kagem, which is 75 percent owned by Gemfields and 25 percent by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia.
The auction was the first high-quality emerald sale since the November 2024 auction, which yielded “disappointing” results. Unsold lots from that auction were re-offered for sale this past February.
Operations at Kagem were suspended in January of this year due to oversupply in the market but, following signs of recovery at the April commercial-quality auction, two mining points were reopened in May.
“While the wider market continues to navigate mixed sentiment and tariff uncertainty, today’s auction result has validated these decisions and delivered a highly positive outcome. Strong demand was evident across the grades, with robust prices achieved,” said Adrian Banks, Gemfields’ managing director of product and sales.
The auction was held Aug. 25-Sept. 11., taking place via an online auction platform specifically adapted for the miner that permits customers from multiple jurisdictions to participate in a sealed-bid process.
Lots were made available for private, in-person viewings by customers in Bangkok.
The 52 auctions of Kagem gemstones held since July 2009 have generated more than $1.12 billion in total revenues.
Related stories will be right here …
All 38 lots offered sold, realizing an average per-carat price of $160.78.
The rough emeralds on offer, which included the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald, were mined at Kagem, which is 75 percent owned by Gemfields and 25 percent by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia.
The auction was the first high-quality emerald sale since the November 2024 auction, which yielded “disappointing” results. Unsold lots from that auction were re-offered for sale this past February.
Operations at Kagem were suspended in January of this year due to oversupply in the market but, following signs of recovery at the April commercial-quality auction, two mining points were reopened in May.
“While the wider market continues to navigate mixed sentiment and tariff uncertainty, today’s auction result has validated these decisions and delivered a highly positive outcome. Strong demand was evident across the grades, with robust prices achieved,” said Adrian Banks, Gemfields’ managing director of product and sales.
The auction was held Aug. 25-Sept. 11., taking place via an online auction platform specifically adapted for the miner that permits customers from multiple jurisdictions to participate in a sealed-bid process.
Lots were made available for private, in-person viewings by customers in Bangkok.
The 52 auctions of Kagem gemstones held since July 2009 have generated more than $1.12 billion in total revenues.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
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.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
