Even “unsold” emeralds are flexing in 2025.
Gemfields just wrapped up a mini-auction (Feb. 19–21) of higher-quality emeralds that didn’t find buyers back in November 2024. The result? A solid $4.8 million in sales and a strong signal that demand—and pricing—is ticking upward. 📈
💎 Auction Snapshot:
- Total Revenue: $4.8 million
- Lots Sold: 10 out of 13 (77%)
- Carats Sold: 45,864 of 59,192 (77%)
- Avg. Price per Carat: $105.49
💬 “It was great to see notably higher bids,” said Adrian Banks, Managing Director of Product & Sales at Gemfields. “Market sentiment may still be subdued, but this was encouraging.”
What made it unique?
The auction reused the exact same lots from the November sale—with no changes in presentation—giving the market a second chance and Gemfields a chance to gauge real-time shifts in demand.
🌍 The emeralds came from the Kagem mine in Zambia, which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia. All revenues are being repatriated to Kagem, with full royalties paid to the Zambian government based on the sale prices.
👀 With major trade shows in Bangkok and Hong Kong around the corner, Gemfields is keeping a hopeful eye on continued recovery in the emerald space.
TL;DR:
Leftover emeralds just pulled nearly $5M. Demand is showing signs of life. The green gem market might be heating up again. 💎🔥