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
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.
U.S. specialty jewellery retailers recorded a 5.7% y-o-y revenue increase in Sept 2026:Tenoris
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