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Gemfields puts 11 685 ct emerald up for auction

The 11 685 Imboo emerald

The 11 685 Imboo emerald

Photo by Gemfields

26th August 2025

By: Creamer Media Reporter

     

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Gemstone miner Gemfields is putting the 11 685 ct Imboo emerald, discovered at its 75%-owned Kagem mine, in Zambia, up for auction during the company's latest high-quality emerald auction being held from August 25 to September 11.

The Imboo, which means buffalo, is the largest exceptional gemstone ever discovered at Kagem.

"Even under the beam of a strong light that is necessary to illuminate a gemstone of this remarkable size, Imboo reveals an intense, verdant green touched with golden warmth and a clarity that captivates the eye. It is easy to imagine Imboo giving rise to several fine-quality cut emeralds of significant size.

"Such a rare collection could form an entire high jewellery suite from this single gemstone. This remarkable find may tempt its new owner to see it not only as a source of extraordinary gems, but as a unique investment destined to be remembered in the annals of exceptional emeralds," Gemfields product and sales MD Adrian Banks comments.

The gemstone miner points out that the buyer of the Imboo will be given the opportunity to deploy unique nanoparticle tagging of the emerald courtesy of Gemfields’ longstanding partner Provenance Proof. This will ensure full traceability of the gemstone, even after it has been cut and polished.

The Imboo was discovered at Kagem's Chama pit by geologist Dharanidhar Seth and veteran chiseller Justin Banda on August 3.

Gemfields points out that Banda has been instrumental in the successful recovery of various noteworthy gemstones at Kagem, adding that the mine's staff use gentle, hand-based extraction techniques to preserve crystal integrity and minimise environmental impact.

In addition to the Imboo, a number of noteworthy gemstones have been recovered from Kagem over the years. This includes the 7 525 ct Chipembele, or rhino, in 2021; the 6 225 ct Insofu, or elephant, in 2010; and the 5 655 ct Inkalamu, or lion, in 2018.

The Zambian government holds a 25% interest in the Kagem mine.

Edited by Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online

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