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Gemfields will resume open-pit emerald mining at Kagem mine

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Gemfields, the world’s leading colored gemstone miner, has announced it will resume focused open-pit emerald mining at its Kagem mine in Zambia, marking a significant shift after a six-month suspension of mining activities. This decision comes after a period of challenging market conditions, a strategic operational pause, and recent signs of recovery in the emerald market.

In December 2024, Gemfields halted all mining operations at Kagem, effective January 1, 2025, as part of broader cost-cutting and business streamlining measures. The suspension was a response to several converging factors:

A slump in auction sales and weaker global demand for gemstones, particularly in China.An oversupply of emeralds, partly due to increased output from a Zambian competitor.

The need to reduce operational costs and focus on processing existing ore stockpiles using an upgraded processing plant.

During the suspension, Kagem continued to process stockpiled ore. While this maintained some level of production, it yielded a lower proportion of premium-quality emeralds compared to direct open-pit mining.

The decision to restart mining was prompted by improved market sentiment following encouraging results from Gemfields’ latest commercial-quality emerald auction in April 2025. The auction generated $16.4 million in revenue, with 89% of lots sold at an average price of $6.87 per carat, signaling renewed demand and stability in the market. These results have increased management’s confidence in the outlook for higher-quality emeralds.

Initially, Gemfields will resume mining at two key production points in the Chama pit at Kagem, employing minimal waste mining to optimize the recovery of premium emeralds for future high-value auctions. The company describes this as “focused open-pit mining,” emphasizing a targeted approach rather than a full-scale restart.

Gemfields has stated that a return to full-scale mining will be considered as market conditions continue to improve. In the meantime, the company will monitor the market closely and adjust its operations accordingly.

Gemfields’ decision to resume focused mining at Kagem reflects cautious optimism after a period of market turbulence and operational retrenchment. The move is underpinned by improved auction results and a strategic emphasis on premium emerald recovery, but the company remains vigilant, with a full-scale restart contingent on sustained market recovery. This development not only signals a potential turnaround for Gemfields but also highlights the broader challenges and dynamics facing the colored gemstone industry today.

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GJEPC Showcases India’s Craftsmanship, Innovation and Design At JCK Las Vegas 2026 Through The India Pavilion and India Design Gallery

India Pavilion Was Inaugurated By Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Hon’ble Consul General Of India To Los Angeles

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Marking its 21st consecutive participation at JCK Las Vegas, the India Pavilion brings together 33 premier exporters, showcasing India’s innovation, craftsmanship and design prowess. The India Design Gallery complements the showcase with 26 exceptional creations from the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026, celebrating India’s growing influence in design-led jewellery innovation.

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) marks a defining milestone this year, celebrating its 21st consecutive participation at JCK Las Vegas, the world’s premier jewellery trade event. From May 29th to June 1st, 2026, at The Venetian Expo, the India Pavilion will serve as a global stage for 33 of India’s most visionary member exporters. Spanning 3,900 sq. ft., the pavilion represents the “Brilliant Bharat” initiative, showcasing a transition from a manufacturing powerhouse to a global trendsetter that blends centuries-old hand skills with a sophisticated, design-first approach for the international market.

The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Hon’ble Consul General of India, Los Angeles, in the presence of Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Exhibitions, GJEPC; Ashish Borda, Convener – Promotions, Marketing & Business Development (PMBD), GJEPC; Mital Doshi, Convener – Banking, Insurance & Taxation Committee (BITC), GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.

The pavilion’s architecture across two strategic levels is designed to guide international buyers through a curated journey of Indian excellence. On Level One’s Passport Section, the narrative begins with the timeless elegance of natural diamonds and the intricate artistry of studded and plain gold jewellery, reflecting India’s deep-rooted connection to precious metals. The experience continues at Level Two, which serves as a specialised hub for high-end natural diamonds and couture jewellery collection. The collections speak the refined language of global aesthetics.


Another standout is the India Design Gallery at level 1-105, a showcase of specially crafted one-off jewels presented under the overarching theme, Quantum Couture. Curated by Paola De Luca, a globally recognised jewellery trend forecaster,  the pieces reimagine India’s rich artisanal heritage through a modern lens. The India Design Gallery spans three narratives, namely, Embroidery, Micro Painting, and Poetic Layers, each translating heritage techniques into bold, future-facing expressions of design.

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said:

“For over two decades, GJEPC has maintained a strong presence at JCK Las Vegas, and our 21st year marks a significant evolution in how we present Indian craftsmanship to the world. With 33 exporters across 3,900 sq. ft., we are not just showcasing products; we are showcasing India’s capability as a design-led manufacturing powerhouse. By blending our ancestral savoir-faire with modern innovation, we have ensured that the India Pavilion offers a vision of jewellery that is innovative, market-ready, and deeply rooted in excellence, reinforcing our position as the world’s preferred sourcing destination.”

The India Design Gallery reflects the creative evolution of Indian jewellery, where heritage craftsmanship meets contemporary design thinking. By showcasing exceptional creations from the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026, we are presenting India’s growing capabilities as a global hub for design-led jewellery innovation.” added Bhansali.

Commenting on GJEPC’s recently announced membership of the Natural Diamond Council, Bhansali, noted: “The Natural Diamond Council plays a vital role in promoting the desirability and enduring value of natural diamonds among consumers worldwide. Our membership reflects GJEPC’s commitment to supporting collective industry efforts in category marketing, consumer education and storytelling, ensuring that natural diamonds continue to resonate with a new generation of consumers across global markets.”

India’s gem and jewellery industry today stands as one of the world’s most diversified and integrated ecosystems, with strengths spanning natural diamonds, coloured gemstones, gold jewellery, studded jewellery, silver jewellery, platinum, and the rapidly growing lab-grown diamond segment. Backed by a vast network of skilled artisans, advanced manufacturing capabilities, design innovation, and a strong supply chain, India has emerged as a preferred global sourcing destination, serving leading international brands and retailers with quality, scale, and craftsmanship.

India’s global rise in the gem and jewellery sector is also driven by sustained industry-building and international engagement initiatives led by GJEPC. The Council continues to strengthen India’s position on the world stage through active participation in key global industry forums including the World Diamond Council, World Federation of Diamond Bourses, and Kimberley Process, advocating ethical sourcing, transparency, sustainability, and responsible growth across the global value chain.

As part of its international outreach strategy, GJEPC provides Indian exporters access to key global markets through participation in leading international trade exhibitions and Buyer-Seller Meets across regions including Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Singapore, Italy, London, Sydney, Dubai, Bahrain, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Flagship engagements include renowned platforms such as Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong, JCK Las Vegas, VICENZAORO, Jewellery Arabia, HKTDC Hong Kong Shows, JGT Dubai, and International Jewellery Tokyo, alongside focused Buyer-Seller Meets and initiatives such as IGJS Jaipur and SAJEX. These initiatives continue to expand market access, facilitate business opportunities, and strengthen India’s position as a trusted global jewellery hub.

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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.

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