One of the world’s largest emeralds will be auctioned off in Singapore this month, in the presence of 45 interested purchasers. The crystal comes in at 5,655 carats – nearly 1.1 kilograms – found in the Kagem Emerald Mine in Zambia.
Kagem, the world’s largest emerald mine, is owned by both the government of Zambia and London-based gemstone supplier Gemfields. It is also home to significant emerald discoveries, including a 6,225-carat heavyweight uncovered in 2010.
Named Inkalamu, or Lion Emerald in the local Bemba language, the gem is the only one to get tens across the board for size, colour and clarity. No other discovery has come close to the sheer magnificence of the newcomer.
The name is an homage to Gemfield’s wildlife conservation partners, the Zambian Carnivore Programme and the Niassa Carnivore Project. 10% of proceeds from the successful auction of the Inkalamu will be split equally to the aforementioned initiatives.
It’ll be hard to put an estimate on the final selling price of the gem as the 45 auction partners involved may choose to go off with smaller, yet sizable quality cuts.
“Given this emerald is such a rare find, it is also perfectly conceivable that the buyer will choose to purchase it as an investment,” says Adrian Banks, Gemfields’ Managing Director for Product and Sales.
Jasmine Tay
Senior Writer
Jasmine Tay is the dining, culture and jewellery writer. She makes fine silver jewellery and causes mini-explosions in the kitchen when she can't afford fancy dinners. Sometimes she tells people what she thinks about art, and binges on the music of Danzig when they don’t agree.
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