Gemfields reported revenues of $26.8 million from its latest higher-quality rough emerald auction, with strong demand continuing for top-tier stones despite broader market caution driven by geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainty.
The auction, held from 4 to 21 May 2026, saw 36 of 37 lots sold, representing a 97% sell-through rate. Of the 185,135 carats offered, 183,385 carats were sold, achieving an average realised price of $146.08 per carat.
The rough emeralds were mined by Kagem in Zambia. Buyers viewed the lots in Bangkok before bidding through Gemfields’ online sealed-bid auction platform.
Adrian Banks, Gemfields’ Managing Director of Product & Sales, said “While demand for higher-quality emeralds remains stable, the market is presently exercising a degree of caution, influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions and prevailing macroeconomic uncertainty…Competition and pricing for the top-tier emeralds remained particularly strong.”
Banks also pointed to the Indian rupee’s roughly 10% depreciation against the US dollar since Kagem’s previous higher-quality auction in September 2025 as an added challenge for many customers.
Offical Facebook account of heerazhaveraat.com, homepage for Trade News, Articles and Promotion of D
Heera Zhaveraat (HZ International) A Diamond, Watch and Jewellery Trade Promotion Magazine provide dealers and manufactures with the key analytical information they need to succeed in the luxury industry. Pricing, availability and market information in the Magazine provides a critical edge.
