CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
SourcingAug 07, 2017
Pallinghurst Names New Gemfields CEO
Ian Harebottle, who resigned following the company’s takeover, will be succeeded by Gemfields executive board member Sean Gilbertson.
London--The new owner of Gemfields, Palllinghurst Resources, has named a new CEO for the colored stone miner following Ian Harebottle’s resignation.
Pallinghurst’s recent acquisition of the company led to the July 28 delisting of Gemfields from AIM, the London Stock Exchange’s market for smaller companies. It is now an unlisted subsidiary of Pallinghurst, which expects to own 100 percent of the company by the end of this month.
Harebottle’s departure is one of a number of executive changes as Pallinghurst takes over the colored gemstone miner--which it says is in a record amount of debt--and launches an analysis of its operations.
The company has named longtime Gemfields executive board member, and recently appointed Pallinghurst executive director, Sean Gilbertson as CEO to succeed Harebottle. Gilbertson is the son of Pallinghurst board Chairman Brian Gilbertson.
Sean Gilbertson is the longest-serving executive director of Gemfields, playing a vital role in the acquisition and redevelopment of the Kagem emerald mine as well as in the 2013 acquisition and relaunch of the Fabergé brand, the company said.
In addition, Chief Financial Officer Janet Boyce has resigned, as have the non-executive directors of the colored stone miner.
David Lovett, who joined the company’s finance team in 2008, replaces Boyce as CFO and also will join the board. Lovett has served as a senior financial manager across a number of operating subsidiaries during his nine-year tenure.
Pallinghurst board Chairman Brian Gilbertson, Sean’s father, and CEO Arne H. Frandsen have joined the board of Gemfields as chairman and deputy chairman, respectively. Frandsen also will be joining the boards of Kagem Mining Limited and Montepuez Ruby Mining Limitada.
Pallinghurst’s recent acquisition of the company led to the July 28 delisting of Gemfields from AIM, the London Stock Exchange’s market for smaller companies. It is now an unlisted subsidiary of Pallinghurst, which expects to own 100 percent of the company by the end of this month.
Harebottle’s departure is one of a number of executive changes as Pallinghurst takes over the colored gemstone miner--which it says is in a record amount of debt--and launches an analysis of its operations.
The company has named longtime Gemfields executive board member, and recently appointed Pallinghurst executive director, Sean Gilbertson as CEO to succeed Harebottle. Gilbertson is the son of Pallinghurst board Chairman Brian Gilbertson.
Sean Gilbertson is the longest-serving executive director of Gemfields, playing a vital role in the acquisition and redevelopment of the Kagem emerald mine as well as in the 2013 acquisition and relaunch of the Fabergé brand, the company said.
In addition, Chief Financial Officer Janet Boyce has resigned, as have the non-executive directors of the colored stone miner.
David Lovett, who joined the company’s finance team in 2008, replaces Boyce as CFO and also will join the board. Lovett has served as a senior financial manager across a number of operating subsidiaries during his nine-year tenure.
Pallinghurst board Chairman Brian Gilbertson, Sean’s father, and CEO Arne H. Frandsen have joined the board of Gemfields as chairman and deputy chairman, respectively. Frandsen also will be joining the boards of Kagem Mining Limited and Montepuez Ruby Mining Limitada.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Gemfields formed and launched on the AIM in 2005, setting out to be a standout in the colored gemstone industry. It eventually created a system to take the gems mine to market, acquired the iconic Faberge brand and launched marketing campaigns around colored gemstones to boost them in the market.
Other changes to the board and management made thus far are as follows.
--Adrian Banks, who joined Gemfields in 2009 and served as the group’s product director, responsible for grading, sorting and auctioning of emerald and ruby production, has joined the Gemfields board. He will continue to use his experience to help optimize the sale of rough gemstones.
--CV Suresh, who joined Gemfields in 2006 and ran Kagem prosperously from 2007 through 2015, also has joined the Gemfields board, taking overall responsibility for Gemfields’ Zambian assets.
--Kartikeya Parikshya, a leading gemstone geologist who joined Gemfields in 2004, has joined the Gemfields board and will be responsible for Gemfields’ Mozambican and Ethiopian operations, including the Montepuez ruby mine.
In its press release issued Friday, Pallinghurst said it has commenced a thorough review and analysis of Gemfields’ operations, including processes, plans, budgets and financial position. Its findings will inform an updated plan for developing the colored stone miner.
It added that Gemfields’ debt is “currently at record levels,” due in large part to a material drop in emerald production at Kagem, which resulted in a $54 million year-over-year decline in Kagem’s auction revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30.
Pallinghurst said it plans to report its findings of the review to the board by mid-September.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to RetireBernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
