Given its size and quality, the 37,555 gram (187,775 carat) Kafubu Cluster is the most expensive piece of emerald ever sold by Gemfields.
“Close examination of the complex reveals that it contains very little other mass or minerals. This means that the piece is composed almost entirely of emeralds. Because of its size and formation, it is indeed a very rare find,” the gem expert revealed.
According to Gemfields, the Kafubu Cluster displays all the desirable characteristics that an emerald should possess. A vibrant green colour overall that shines and radiates.
It also offers different levels of perfect crystallization. This will allow future cuts to create a collection of gemstones from a collection of excellent quality material.
The naming of uncut emeralds is a tradition only for the rarest and most remarkable gemstones. Although there is no official record, no more than two dozen gemstones have ever been given their own name. It is therefore extremely unusual to come across a gemstone weighing more than 1,000 carats.
Unlike Insofu (elephant), Inkalamu (lion) and Chipembele (rhino), the Kafubu Cluster is not a single crystal and has a completely unique character. As such, it requires a name as unique as it is.
The Kafubu Cluster was discovered in the Chama deposit of the Kagem emerald mine, in Lufwanyama, Zambia. The Kafubu is a river that forms the natural boundary of Kagem in the southern part of the Kagem deposit.
It is from this river that the Kafubu Cluster got its name, so they honoured the unique landscape in which this formation was made. Kagem may be the largest emerald producing mine in the world. It is 75% owned by Gemfields, in a model partnership with the Zambian government.
The Kafubu Cluster is available for presentation and they have scheduled the bidding to close on November 17.
