Sourcing

Gemfields’ Q2 Emerald Production Down 43%

SourcingFeb 08, 2017

Gemfields’ Q2 Emerald Production Down 43%

Ruby production also was down, though Gemfields CEO Ian Harebottle noted a “buoyant” start to the year for the luxury market.

2016_Gemfields-rough-emeralds.jpg
Emerald and beryl production was down by 43 percent in the second quarter for colored gemstone miner Gemfields.

London--Mining in lower grade areas during the fiscal second quarter brought down both emerald and ruby production for Gemfields.

In the three-month period ended Dec. 31, emerald and beryl production was 4.7 million carats, compared with 8.2 million carats in the prior-year period, marking a 43 percent decrease. The company attributed the difference to the “varied nature of the mineralization and a lower grade zone mined” during the quarter at the Kagem mine in Zambia.

Total operating costs fell from $12.1 million to $10.2 million.

The company originally was scheduled to have an auction of high quality rough emeralds from the Kagem mine in the second quarter but the sale was postponed from December 2016 to this month to allow its rough emerald customers, many of whom are from India, to adjust to the demonetization program.

The sale now is slated for Feb. 13 to 17 in Lusaka, Zambia.

Ruby and corundum production also was down for the company during the quarter.

Gemfields mined 1.1 million carats of ruby and corundum in the three-month period, down from the 1.6 million carats in the comparable period in 2015. This was due to lower grade, but higher value, material being processed.

Total operating costs for the Montepuez mine in Mozambique were nearly flat at $6.6 million.

Gemfields did hold an auction of both high quality and commercial grade rough rubies from Dec. 12 to 16 in Singapore, which brought in revenues of $30.4 million.

The next mixed quality auction of rough rubies and corundum from Montepuez is slated for June in the same location.

In a company press release about the second quarter results, CEO Ian Harebottle noted a “buoyant” start to the year for the luxury market, both with Fabergé showing solid January sales demand and a positive market sentiment among the company’s customers who attended the Tucson gem shows.

Fabergé reported a strong second quarter, with sales orders agreed (those the brand has agreed and confirmed with customers) up 95 percent when compared with the prior-year period.

The number of sales transactions during the quarter also was up, increasing by 48 percent, while the average selling price per piece was up 12 percent.

Total operating costs were up 2 percent due in large part to increased spending on marketing and events.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Van Clef & Arpels Diane (Diana) Clip
Events & AwardsFeb 04, 2025
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Astronomy-Inspired Jewelry to Land at AMNH

“Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry From the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels,” opens April 11 at the American Museum of Natural History.

Chocolate box ring by Mined + Found
SurveysFeb 04, 2025
Valentine’s Day Jewelry Spending Forecast to Hit Record High, Says NRF

Those celebrating Valentine’s Day this year are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on jewels, flowers, candy, and more.

Lady Gaga Tiffany & Co.  necklace worn to the 2025 Grammys
EditorsFeb 03, 2025
Best Jewelry Moments From the 2025 Grammy Awards

From Lady Gaga’s 1930s Tiffany & Co. necklace to Taylor Swift’s “T,” Michelle Graff recaps the night’s most memorable jewelry looks.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

HSN+ QVC+ logos on a television, laptop, and phone screen
MajorsFeb 03, 2025
Qurate to Close HSN’s Florida HQ Amid Restructuring

Layoffs will reportedly start next month as HSN plans to move into QVC’s location in Pennsylvania.

Weekly QuizJan 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelry designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey looking at colored gemstones
EditorsFeb 03, 2025
Q&A: 5 Jewelry Designers on Shopping the 2025 Tucson Gem Shows

A group of creatives talked to Associate Editor Lauren McLemore about their approach to the annual Tucson gem, mineral, and fossil shows.

Elizabeth Taylor diamond bracelet
AuctionsJan 31, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Bracelet Outshines Estimate at U.K. Auction

The auction also featured the sale of a Cartier necklace made when Egyptomania was sweeping Great Britain.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Lalaounis Blossom Rosette charm
CollectionsJan 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Good Luck Charm for 2025

The “Blossom Rosette” blooms with love, beauty, and hope for the year ahead.

Harvey Rovinsky, former owner of Bernie Robbins Jewelers
IndependentsJan 31, 2025
Harvey Rovinsky, Longtime Owner of Bernie Robbins Jewelers, Dies at 77

Rovinsky is remembered as a great mentor who made the employees of his stores feel like family.

Three diamonds in a row
Events & AwardsJan 31, 2025
Facets of Fire Has a Diamond Challenge for Retailers

For every jeweler who tries their luck, the company will make a donation to Jewelers for Children.

Women’s Jewelry Association logo
MajorsJan 30, 2025
WJA Chapter Leaders Resign as Fallout From DEI Remarks Snowballs

The boards of at least five chapters have resigned in response to controversial statements the WJA national board president made last month.

Jewelry writer and curator Melanie Grant
Policies & IssuesJan 30, 2025
RJC Executive Director Melanie Grant Is Stepping Down

An experienced jewelry writer and curator, Grant led the organization for two years.

Pharrell Williams and Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams Tahitian Pearl Necklace
CollectionsJan 30, 2025
Pharrell Williams Brings Tahitian Pearls to His New Tiffany & Co. Collection

Five new designs were added, all donning Tahitian cultured pearls and spear-like trident motifs, along with the new “Titan” setting.

Converge 2025 logo
Events & AwardsJan 30, 2025
Registration Open for Converge 2025

The inaugural event is being co-hosted by the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America.

Annie Doresca, Jake Duneier, John W. Ford Sr., Margot Grinberg, and Ivette Stephanopoulos
MajorsJan 30, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Elects 5 New Members

Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. are among the new members.

Boucheron Scarabée Rhinocéros ring/brooch and Chardon necklace
CollectionsJan 29, 2025
Boucheron’s High Jewelry Takes the Form of ‘Untamed Nature’

The jeweler’s latest high jewelry collection looks into the Boucheron archives to create a “living encyclopedia of high jewelry.”

Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Bone Cuff
FinancialsJan 29, 2025
LVMH Watch, Jewelry Sales End the Year Down

Watch and jewelry sales slipped 3 percent in 2024, though the luxury conglomerate did see business pick up in the fourth quarter.

Olivier Kessler-Gay
MajorsJan 29, 2025
Chanel Names New General Manager of Watches, Fine Jewelry for US

Olivier Kessler-Gay will take over the role on March 3.

Stock image of couple shopping for jewelry
SurveysJan 29, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips for Second Consecutive Month

It hit a four-month low in January due to concerns about the job market, though consumers remain bullish about the stock market.

Chris Ploof 6 Mokume Gane Rings
Events & AwardsJan 29, 2025
Chris Ploof To Teach Mokume Gane at AJS

The jewelry designer and master metalsmith will present on the ancient Japanese metalworking technique at the Atlanta Jewelry Show in March.

Bliss Lau As We Are Collection Campaign
CollectionsJan 28, 2025
Bliss Lau Celebrates the Intricate Mosaic of Identity in New Collection

The versatile “As We Are” collection features 14 pieces with interlocking designs allowing for 27 different looks worn around the body.

Olympic gold medalist and De Beers ambassador Letsile Tebogo
SourcingJan 28, 2025
Botswana’s First Olympic Gold Medalist Is Now a De Beers Ambassador

Letsile Tebogo will help to promote natural diamonds and the good they have done for his country.

Hargreaves Stockholm NouvelleBox
Events & AwardsJan 28, 2025
NouvelleBox Show Returns to New York City

The showcase, in its second year, will feature more than 20 international brands at its curated event from Feb. 2-4.

Graphic for “Predictions for the Year Ahead” webinar
Recorded WebinarsJan 28, 2025
Watch: Fine Jewelry Market Predictions for 2025

“My Next Question” guests Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan share their 2025 forecasts, from sales and marketing to what retailers should stock.

AGTA Seminar Series
Events & AwardsJan 28, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational Lineup

The seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.

A picture of the LeVian family including Larry LeVian
MajorsJan 27, 2025
Le Vian Corp. Chairman Larry LeVian, a Man of Faith and Family, Dies at 73

LeVian is remembered for his leadership in the jewelry industry and for being a selfless and compassionate person.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy