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Gemfields has uncovered a 5,655 carat Zambian emerald crystal with “remarkable clarity and a perfectly balanced golden green hue”, which has been named ‘Inkalamu’ – the Lion.
The gem was discovered at Kagem, Zambia, the world’s largest emerald mine, which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia. According to the group this area of the mine has proven to be “particularly fertile” in recent months, with the Kagem team recovering several significant crystals there.
Elena Basaglia, Gemfields’ London-based gemmologist, said: “The discovery of this exceptional gemstone is such an important moment both for us and for the emerald world in general”
“We are experiencing strikingly increased demand for high quality Zambian emeralds from the major brands, particularly in Europe, all of whom admire the rich colour and unique transparency of our gems – qualities that make them unique among emeralds.”
She added: “It’s difficult to estimate how many individual gems will be cut from Inkalamu, but the cutting expertise of Gemfields’ auction partners will mean that this gemstone will make its mark in the history books of exceptional gemstones. This lion’s resulting offspring – ‘The Pride of Inkalamu’ so to speak – will continue the legacy for generations to come.”
