International News
Kagem to recommence focused open-pit mining
Gemfields is pleased to announce that Kagem Mining Limited (‘Kagem’), the emerald mine in Zambia which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% owned by the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia (‘IDC’), will shortly recommence a programme of focused open-pit mining to recover more premium emeralds.
As announced on 23 December 2024, alongside other cost cutting measures, Kagem suspended all mining from 1 January 2025 to focus on processing ore from Kagem’s significant ore stockpile utilising the upgraded processing plant.
Emerald production from the processing plant in 2025 so far, in terms of carats recovered, has been in-line with the Company’s expectations, producing a lower proportion of higher-quality or premium emeralds than direct open-pit mining methods.
Kagem’s recent auction results, including the encouraging commercial-quality auction results released on 30 April 2025, has increased management confidence in the current emerald market and the decision has therefore been taken to recommence mining of two key production points in the Chama pit, with minimal waste mining, to recover premium emeralds for Kagem’s future higher-quality auctions. The decision to recommence full scale mining will continue to be assessed as market conditions develop.
International News
U.S. specialty jewellery retailers recorded a 5.7% y-o-y revenue increase in Sept 2026:Tenoris
The growth continues to be driven primarily by high-end purchases rather than sales volume. Average consumer spend per item jumped 11% in September, offsetting an 11% drop in sales volume for lower-priced merchandise.
U.S. specialty jewelry retailers recorded a 5.7% year-over-year revenue increase in September 2026, extending nearly two years of continuous monthly growth despite broader economic headwinds, according to new data from industry analytics firm Tenoris. Year-to-date jewelry revenues are now up 8.5%.
The growth continues to be driven primarily by high-end purchases rather than sales volume. Average consumer spend per item jumped 11% in September, offsetting an 11% drop in sales volume for lower-priced merchandise.
Key insights from the September report include:
- Diamond Market Dynamics: Sales of finished diamond jewelry dipped slightly by 0.6%, though average spending per stone rose 11%.
- Lab-Grown Segment: Demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry surged nearly 26% year-over-year. However, revenue for loose lab-grown diamonds fell for a fifth straight month due to declining prices.
- Outperforming Broader Luxury: While overall U.S. luxury spending fell 6% in September—according to recent Citi credit card data—jewelry sales remained comparatively resilient, driven by affluent buyers.
When overall revenue increases even as the number of individual items sold drops, it creates a optical illusion of growth. On paper, top-line financial performance looks strong, but underneath, the business is relying on fewer transactions at much higher prices.Heading into the high-volume fourth quarter—driven by holiday shopping—this dynamic presents specific operational challenges and strategic risks for jewelry retailers.
-
National News2 days agoP N Gadgil Jewellers Limited – Quarterly Update Q2FY27
-
National News1 day ago57th GST Council Recommends Faster Refunds, Lower Penalties and Simpler Compliance
-
BrandBuzz10 hours ago9 Special Gemstones for this Navratri By Irasva Fine Jewellery
-
International News10 hours agoU.S. specialty jewellery retailers recorded a 5.7% y-o-y revenue increase in Sept 2026:Tenoris

