The retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
Emerald Output Down, Ruby Output Soars for Gemfields
But the company said it’s on schedule to meet its production target for both emeralds and rubies within the next three years.

London--Gemfields reported that its emerald production was down in the first quarter while ruby production surged ahead as Montepuez continues to ramp up production.
In the three-month period ended Sept. 30, production from the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia was 6 million carats, with an average grade of 174 carats per ton, compared with a 7.5-million-carat production and an average of 237 carats per ton in the prior-year period.
The company attributed the decrease in emerald production to the varied nature of the mineralization and a higher grade zone mined in Q1 2015.
Total operating costs at the site were $10.2 million in the first quarter, compared with $11.4 million last year.
The emerald auction comprised predominately of commercial quality rough emeralds held in Jaipur, India, in September generated revenues of $10.7 million, at an average value of $3.28 per carat.
The next auction, which will include predominantly higher quality rough emeralds, is slated for December in Singapore.
Meanwhile, ruby production at the Montepuez mine in Mozambique rose from 0.5 million carats to 4.5 million in the first quarter due to the processing of higher grade, but lower value, amphibolite resources.
The company also commenced operations at two new pits in the Mugloto and Glass areas during the first quarter.
Total operating costs at Montepuez in the three-month period were nearly flat at $5.8 million.
Gemfields is scheduled to hold an auction of mixed quality rough rubies, which also will take place in Singapore in December.
There also was an auction of mostly higher quality rough amethysts in Singapore in September that generated revenues of $400,000 and realized an average of about 4 cents per carat.
According to the company, it is on schedule to meet its target production of 40 million carats of rough emeralds from Kagem and 20 million carats of rough rubies from Montepuez within the next three years.
Meanwhile, Gemfields-owned jewelry brand Fabergé saw confirmed sales orders fall 23 percent in the first quarter, largely due to tough comps caused by the opening of two large wholesale partners in July 2015.
However, the number of sales transactions during the period increased 67 percent and the average selling price per piece was up 2 percent when compared with the prior-year period, reflecting a positive response to the brand’s shift in product mix as well as consumer engagement with its marketing campaign, Gemfields said.
In terms of
The company said that five suppliers have been appointed as preferred suppliers so far.
In other company news, Gemfields announced that Chief Operating Officer Devidas Shetty stepped down from both his position and the company’s board of directors. Chief Financial Officer Janet Boyce took his place on the board.
The Latest

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.


“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.

The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.

It is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.

The initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.

The wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.

Foundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.

A Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.

The retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.

Applications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.

These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Mejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.

























