Connect with us

International News

Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in Zambia as Market for Premium Stones Rebounds

Following a four-month pause, the miner restarts operations at Kagem’s Chama pit amid rising demand and improving auction results.

Published

on

Gemfields has announced the resumption of open-pit mining operations at its Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, following signs of recovery in the global market for high-quality colored gemstones. The move comes after a four-month suspension of mining activities, which began on January 1, 2025, as part of a cost-control strategy during a challenging period for the gemstone sector.

During the suspension, Gemfields relied on processing material from existing stockpiles rather than extracting new ore. While the upgraded processing facility met expectations in terms of carat recovery, the company reported a lower yield of top-quality emeralds, citing the limited potential of stockpiled material compared to fresh ore from open-pit mining.

Encouraged by recent strong auction results and improving buyer sentiment, Gemfields will now restart mining in two high-potential zones within the Chama pit. The focus will be on minimal waste removal and targeted excavation to maximize recovery of premium-grade stones suitable for higher-end sales.

The company emphasized that this restart is a measured step, and it will continue to assess global market trends before making any decisions on returning to full-scale mining at Kagem. Gemfields holds a 75% stake in the mine, with the remaining 25% owned by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

The strategic restart underscores Gemfields’ confidence in the rebound of the premium emerald market while maintaining operational flexibility amid evolving global demand.

Continue Reading
Advertisement JewelBuzz Banner
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted

International News

Van Cleef & Arpels Gives Its Iconic Alhambra a Pink Enamel Makeover

The Maison Introduces Five New Alhambra Creations Featuring Translucent Pink Enamel and Yellow Gold

Published

on

Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled a vibrant new chapter for its iconic Alhambra collection, introducing translucent pink enamel to the signature four-leaf clover motif for the first time. The new creations combine the Maison’s emblem of luck with yellow gold, bringing a fresh, contemporary expression to the enduring design.

The new five-piece selection comprises a Vintage Alhambra pendant, five-motif bracelet, 10-motif necklace, 20-motif long necklace and Magic Alhambra two-motif earrings. The earrings additionally feature guilloché yellow gold, adding texture and contrast to the pink enamel.

The distinctive pink is the result of several years of research at Van Cleef & Arpels’ enamel workshops. Inspired by the historic 17th-century “gold-ruby” technique, the colour is created using fine particles of gold rather than traditional pigments. Carefully controlled particle size, shape and concentration produce the desired translucent hue.

Adding to its visual depth, the enamel contains tiny bubbles, giving each Alhambra motif a distinctive character while creating subtle variations as the surface catches and reflects light. The motifs are framed by the Maison’s signature gold beaded contours, further enhancing the interplay between the pink enamel and yellow gold.

Since its debut in 1968, Alhambra has continually evolved through different stones, materials and colours while retaining its instantly recognisable four-leaf clover silhouette. The introduction of enamel marks another significant step in that evolution, bringing together heritage craftsmanship, technical innovation and contemporary colour.

With its new pink interpretation, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to reinvent one of jewellery’s most recognisable motifs, demonstrating how traditional savoir-faire can give a familiar icon an entirely new expression.

Continue Reading

Trending

JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

We would like to hear from you...

GET WHATSAPP NEWS ALERTS

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x