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.
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US Holiday Shopping Expected To Top $1 Trillion For The First Time: NRF
While Overall Buying Power Remains High, Ongoing Inflation and Rising Household Costs Mean Some Families Will Have To Watch Their Spending More Carefully Than Others
The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts Americans will spend $1.01 trillion on holiday shopping in November and December. That is a 4.2% jump from $972 billion last year.
NRF said its forecast was based on economic modeling that incorporates consumer spending, employment, wages and historical retail sales data. It excludes automobile, gasoline and restaurant sales
Extra Hiring: To handle the surge in shoppers, stores plan to hire 325,000 to 375,000 temporary holiday workers.
Mixed Budget Impact: Higher gas prices and inflation could still strain some family budgets, affecting low- and high-income shoppers differently.
Retailers expect a strong shopping season because people continue to make holiday spending a priority.
Store owners are ready to attract shoppers by offering competitive prices, deals, and choices for every budget.
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