Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Gemfields Aug. auction of emerald, beryl nets $16M
Gemfields recent auction of predominantly lower-quality rough emerald and beryl generated $15.5 million for the gemstone miner, the second-highest amount achieved at one of the miner’s lower-quality auctions.
Lusaka, Zambia--Gemfields recent auction of predominantly lower-quality rough emerald and beryl generated $15.5 million for the gemstone miner, the second-highest amount achieved at one of the miner’s lower-quality auctions.
The auction, held from Aug. 5 to 8 in Lusaka, Zambia, marked the first in the company’s fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2015. Of the 21 lots offered, 17 were sold, with 21 companies in attendance and bidding.
The auction was 96 percent sold by carat weight but only 88 percent sold by value. Including the low-grade beryl, the auction realized a per-carat price of $1.34.
Excluding the sale of the 1.5 tons of rough beryl (since no beryl was sold in the three previous auctions of lower quality), the per-carat price was $3.61. This is a 9 percent increase on the $3.32 achieved at the most recent lower-quality auction, held in November 2013.
Total sales for the August auction, however, were lower than the company record set for lower-grade auctions last November, which reached $16.4 million.
Sixteen auctions held since July 2009 featuring emerald and beryl mined at the Kagem mine in Zambia have generated $276 million in total revenues.
“Gemfields has now completed five successful auctions in Zambia, all during the last 17 months. We were pleased to see a significant quantity of our low-grade beryl sold at this auction, something we have not seen at auction since November 2011. Excluding the effect of this material, we set a new record unit price of $3.61 per carat for our lower-quality auctions, underlining yet again how robust demand remains for our Zambian emeralds,” said CEO Ian Harebottle.
Gemfields’ next auction of emeralds is slated to take place before Dec. 31.
The Latest

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.


The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “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.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.





















