Gemfields will sell a 187,775-carat colossal cluster of emeralds – the Kafubu Cluster at its upcoming emerald auction, with viewing from 31 October and bidding closing on 17 November. Given its size and quality, “it is likely that the Kafubu Cluster will be the most expensive single emerald piece ever sold by Gemfileds”, said the miner.
The Kafubu Cluster was discovered in the Chama pit of the Kagem emerald mine, based in Lufwanyama in Zambia in March 2020. Kafubu is a river which forms the natural boundary of Kagem in the southern part of the Kagem licence, and it is from this that the Kafubu Cluster takes its name – honouring the unique landscape in which it was formed. Kagem is believed to be the world’s single largest producing emerald mine; it is 75-percent owned by Gemfields, in a model partnership with the Zambian government.
Close inspection of the cluster reveals that it contains very little matrix or other minerals, meaning the piece is almost entirely made up of emeralds, which, given its sheer size and formation, makes this a very rare find.
Gemfields said, the piece displays all the desired characteristics that an emerald should possess: a vivid green colour overall that glows and shines. It offers different levels of perfect crystallisation, to allow the future cutter to create a real collection of gems, from fine quality faceting material to cabochons and beads for everyday fun. It is possible that a customer may decide to preserve this in its natural form or cut the piece to yield tens of thousands of carats of commercial to fine quality cut emeralds.
Jackson Mtonga, Kagem assistant sort house manager said: “Rarity is one of the factors that makes emeralds hold such a special value in many cultures around the world, but the combination of this crystal cluster formation, the overall quality and the sheer enormity of the Kafubu Cluster is something I never thought possible.”
09-11-2022
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