The emerald has been named ‘Imboo’, which means ‘buffalo’ in the native Bemba language in Zambia. The gemstone is the headline item of the current Gemfields auction, which concludes on 11 September.
Managing director Adrian Banks said that the buyer will be able to use Provenance Proof tagging technology to make the emerald traceable after cutting and polishing.
“Even under the beam of strong light that is necessary to illuminate a gemstone of this remarkable size, Imboo reveals an intense, verdant green touched with golden warmth, and a clarity that captivates the eye,” he said.
“It is easy to imagine Imboo giving rise to several fine-quality cut emeralds of significant size. Such a rare collection could form an entire high-jewellery suite from this single gemstone.”
Geologist Dharanidhar Seth discovered Imboo at the Chama pit on 3 August, accompanied by chiseler Justin Banda.
This is the largest discovery for Gemfields at the Kagem mine. In 2010, the company unearthed the 6,225-carat ‘Insofu’, which means ‘elephant’ in the Bemba language. That gemstone was used by Chopard to create a jewellery collection.
Earlier this year, a 6,620-carat emerald, named the Pilala and known for its intense fluorescent colour and transparent clarity, helped garner $USD24.8 million in sales at auction.
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