SourcingJan 04, 2022
2021 Diamond Sales Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels for De Beers, Alrosa SourcingJan 06, 2022
Here’s Who Bought This 7,525-Carat Zambian Emerald
Eshed-Gemstar was the winning bidder for the “Chipembele” during Gemfields’ latest Zambian emerald auction.
Israel-based Eshed-Gemstar now owns the 7,525-carat emerald dubbed “Chipembele.” It was recovered from Gemfields’ Kagem mine in Zambia this past summer.
Ramat Gan, Israel—Israel-based diamond and emerald supplier Eshed-Gemstar has purchased the largest high-quality emerald to come out of Gemfields’ Kagem mine in Zambia.
The 7,525-carat rough stone was discovered in July by geologists Manas Banerjee and Richard Kapeta and his team.
At the time of discovery, Kapeta shouted, “Look at this rhino horn!” in excitement, Gemfields said, which led them to name the large piece “Chipembele,” which means “rhino” in the local indigenous dialect, Bemba.
Gemfields said it is the largest significant gemstone discovered at Kagem.
Eshed-Gemstar is now the owner of the Chipembele after winning the rough stone during Gemfields’ recent emerald auction.
Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
A portion of the sale’s proceeds will support the North Luangwa Conservation Programme in Zambia, which aids black rhinoceros conservation efforts.
Related stories will be right here …
The 7,525-carat rough stone was discovered in July by geologists Manas Banerjee and Richard Kapeta and his team.
At the time of discovery, Kapeta shouted, “Look at this rhino horn!” in excitement, Gemfields said, which led them to name the large piece “Chipembele,” which means “rhino” in the local indigenous dialect, Bemba.
Gemfields said it is the largest significant gemstone discovered at Kagem.
Eshed-Gemstar is now the owner of the Chipembele after winning the rough stone during Gemfields’ recent emerald auction.
Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
A portion of the sale’s proceeds will support the North Luangwa Conservation Programme in Zambia, which aids black rhinoceros conservation efforts.
Chipembele features DNA nanoparticle tagging developed by Gübelin Gem Labs as part of its Provenance Proof program, which ensures the resulting cut and polished gems can be identified and certified as having originated from the big piece of rough and the Kagem emerald mine.
Eshed-Gemstar said it also won an “ultra-fine” 935-carat emerald crystal at the auction, which is expected to yield “notable” gems.
Gemfields’ recent emerald sale was comprised of a series of five mini-auctions held from Nov. 1-Dec. 6, which totaled $37.8 million—a record for Kagem auctions—and was 100 percent sold by lot.
The discovery of Chipembele follows two other notable Kagem finds: Insofu, a 6,225-carat emerald discovered in 2010, and Inkalamu, a 5,655-carat emerald found in 2018.
The emerald mine is owned by Gemfields in partnership with the Zambian government’s Industrial Development Corporation.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
