International News
Gemfields Generates $4.8 Million from Mini-Auction of Higher-Quality Emeralds
Mini-auction of unsold emeralds from November 2024 shows a promising rise in demand and prices, with 77% of lots sold.
Gemfields has reported strong results from its mini-auction held from February 19 to 21, 2025, featuring higher-quality emeralds that had remained unsold during its November 2024 auction. The event raised $4.8 million in revenue, signaling a notable recovery in demand and pricing within the emerald market.
Auction Performance:
- Total revenue: $4.8 million
- Lots sold: 10 out of 13 (77%)
- Carats sold: 45,864 out of 59,192 (77%)
- Average price per carat: $105.49
Adrian Banks, Managing Director of Product & Sales at Gemfields, highlighted that the auction offered a valuable opportunity to assess current market trends. “This auction exclusively featured unsold lots from Kagem’s November 2024 higher-quality emerald auction. With the same schedules in place, we could directly compare demand and pricing, and it was encouraging to see a notable increase in bids. Despite a subdued market sentiment, the rise in demand and pricing is a positive sign for the sector,” said Banks.
The emeralds sold were mined at the Kagem mine in Zambia, where Gemfields holds a 75% stake, while the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia owns the remaining 25%. Proceeds from the auction will be fully repatriated to Kagem, with royalties paid to the Government of Zambia based on the final sales prices.
With positive market signs emerging, Gemfields remains optimistic about the upcoming trade shows in Bangkok and Hong Kong, anticipating further recovery in the emerald market.
International News
US Consumers Are Cutting Back Sharply On Discretionary Items Like Jewellery
McKinsey’s findings indicate : 43% of US consumers plan to spend less on jewelry this holiday season, while 39% expect to spend the same, and only 18% plan to spend more. This yields a net spending intent of -25%.
According to McKinsey & Company’s latest consumer sentiment research (surveyed July 29–August 5), US holiday budgets remain stable, but consumers are cutting back sharply on discretionary items like jewelry.
- Jewellery Spending Pullback: 43% of US consumers plan to spend less on jewelry this holiday season, while 39% expect to spend the same, and only 18% plan to spend more. This yields a net spending intent of -25%.
- High Category Risk: Accessories (-30%) and home decor (-32%) recorded the lowest net spending intent across 22 discretionary categories.
- Overall Holiday Budgets: Across all categories, 47% of consumers plan to match last year’s spending, 23% plan to spend more, and 21% plan to spend less.
- Bright Spots & Demographics: Gen Z consumers show higher planned spending on jewelry and accessories relative to older generations.
Bain & Company forecasts
- Total US holiday sales to rise 4.5% year-over-year to a record $1.016 trillion.
- In-store sales are projected to grow 2.5%, while non-store (e-commerce) sales are expected to jump 9%.
- Half of this nominal growth is driven by inflation rather than unit volume.
While macro retail figures point to growth, McKinsey’s findings indicate jewelry retailers face an intense battle for market share against apparel, electronics, and travel. Success will depend on capturing a increasingly selective consumer base.
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