Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
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

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

The organization also announced its board of directors.


Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.