International News
Gemfields AuctionResults:Commercial-QualityEmeralds
Gemfields announces the results of an auction comprised of commercial-quality rough emeralds held during the period 11 – 29 April 2025.
Highlights: April 2025 Commercial-Quality Emerald Auction
- Total auction revenues of USD 16.4 million
- 36 lots were offered for sale, of which 32 were sold (89%)
- Average price of USD 6.87 per carat
- The 51 auctions of Kagem gemstones held since July 2009 have generated USD 1,090 million in total revenues
The specific auction mix and the quality of the lots offered at each auction vary in characteristics such as size, colour and clarity on account of variations in mined production and market demand. Therefore, the results of each auction are not always directly comparable.

Adrian Banks, Gemfields’ Managing Director of Product & Sales, commented:”Today’s result marks a notable improvement on the disappointing commercial-quality auction held in September 2024. An increased number of bids and stronger prices across a broad quality-range point to improved sentiment and demand since our experience in Q3 2024.
The overall USD per carat realisation has been positively skewed by the withdrawal of a schedule comprising very low-quality material, weighing 112,000 grams and representing 18.5% of the total weight offering.We extend our appreciation to the Kagem team and to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, Kagem’s 25% shareholder.”
The auction lots were made available for private, in-person viewings by customers in Jaipur. Following the viewings, the auctions took place via an online auction platform specifically adapted for Gemfields and which permitted customers from multiple jurisdictions to participate in a sealed- bid process.
The rough emeralds sold were extracted by Kagem (which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia). The proceeds of this auction will be fully repatriated to Kagem in Zambia with all royalties due to the Government of the Republic of Zambia being paid on the full sales prices achieved at the auction.
DiamondBuzz
Natural Diamond Council: Average Engagement Ring Price Surpasses $7,000 in 2025
Round Cuts Dominate Sales as Larger Carat Stones, Gen Z Buyers and Self-Purchases Drive US Natural Diamond Demand
The average price of an engagement ring in the US rose 9% in 2025 to $7,364, according to the latest trend report released by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC).
Round diamonds continued to dominate the engagement-ring category, accounting for 62% of units sold, followed by oval shapes at 14%. The average center stone size stood at 1.16 carats, with SI1 clarity emerging as the most common grade. Overall, diamond engagement rings — including loose stones and semi-mounts — represented 38% of natural-diamond jewellery sales by volume during the year.
The report, based on data compiled by Tenoris from more than 4 million jewellery transactions across 2,500 US specialty retailers, highlighted evolving consumer preferences in cut, carat weight and design. Celebrity engagement trends also influenced demand, with styles such as marquise and elongated cushion cuts gaining visibility.
Beyond engagement rings, tennis bracelets, wedding bands and pendants recorded the strongest growth in units sold. Bracelets led in pricing, rising 15% year-on-year to an average of $3,600. The average price of rings increased 11% to $2,537, while necklaces climbed 40% to $2,366. Earrings rose 17% to $2,068, and pendants advanced 17% to $1,126.
In terms of stone size, sales of 1.50–1.59 carat diamonds grew 15%, and 2–2.24 carat stones increased 10%. Although the 1–1.04 carat category maintained the largest market share, it experienced a 7% decline in sales volume.
Looking ahead, the NDC projects that Gen Z consumers will remain the fastest-growing segment of diamond buyers in 2026, with younger shoppers increasingly driving self-purchase trends. The council also noted growing momentum in men’s diamond jewellery, supported by rising visibility and shifting cultural attitudes toward diamond ownership.
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