International News
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones
Gemfields Group Limited has expressed strong support for the Zambian government’s decision to suspend the 15% export duty on precious gemstones and metals, a move expected to significantly boost the country’s emerald industry. The suspension, announced by Zambia’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, is effective immediately, meaning the duty will no longer apply to emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Limited. The company is majority-owned by Gemfields (75%) with the remaining 25% held by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation.
Gemfields CEO, Sean Gilbertson, lauded the government’s swift action, stating, “We express our sincere thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema’s government for their prompt and impressive action in addressing the 15% export duty on precious gemstones. The Zambian emerald sector has experienced exceptional growth over the past 16 years and is now the world’s largest emerald exporter. This decision signals a clear commitment to fostering growth and job creation in Zambia, putting our industry back on track for continued success.”
International News
Signet The Biggest-Grossing Jeweller In North America By Far In 2025
Luxury Groups, Specialist Watch Retailers, and Branded Jewellery Players Are Steadily Gaining Ground Against Traditional Mass-Market and Department-Store Operators
National Jeweler’s latest State of the Majors report highlights a shifting leaderboard among North America’s “$100M supersellers,” which grew from 36 to 37 qualifying retailers in 2025. While Signet Group comfortably defended its first-place crown—generating $6.36 billion across 2,329 stores—the rest of the top ten saw major disruption. Signet’s total watch and jewelry sales for the year were $6.36 billion according to the report and had 2,329 outlets. Second-placed Richemont, the Swiss luxury conglomerate, sold $3.62 billion, with just 105 locations selling watches and jewlery.
One of the report’s most notable developments was the rise of Richemont to the No. 2 position, overtaking several larger-format retailers. The Swiss luxury conglomerate, owner of prestigious maisons including Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, reported $3.62 billion in watch and jewellery sales through only 105 locations. The performance illustrates the outsized revenue-generating power of luxury retail, with Richemont achieving high productivity per store compared with mass-market competitors.
The reshuffling pushed Walmart down to fourth place, signaling a broader shift in consumer spending toward premium and luxury jewellery categories. Meanwhile, warehouse retailer Costco advanced to No. 5, continuing to strengthen its position in fine jewellery through value-led offerings and member-driven purchasing.
Jewellery brand Pandora also climbed one rank to secure the No. 7 spot, reflecting sustained demand for branded jewellery collections and accessible luxury products. In contrast, luxury powerhouse LVMH slipped to No. 6, while longstanding department store chain Macy’s moved down to eighth place, highlighting increased competitive pressures within traditional retail channels.
Another significant change came at the lower end of the top ten, where Watches of Switzerland Group entered the rankings at No. 10, marking growing momentum for specialist luxury watch retail in North America. Its entry displaced Bucherer to No. 11, emphasizing the increasingly competitive nature of premium watch distribution.
The report points to a broader transformation in North America’s jewellery retail hierarchy, where luxury groups, specialist watch retailers, and branded jewellery players are steadily gaining ground against traditional mass-market and department-store operators. While scale remains a decisive advantage—as demonstrated by Signet’s market leadership—the rankings suggest profitability and influence are increasingly being driven by premium positioning, brand equity, and high-value transactions rather than store count alone.
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