The 7,525-carat single-crystal “Chipembele” emerald from Gemfields’ Kagem mine in Zambia has been named the largest uncut emerald by the Guinness World Records.

Owned by Eshed - Gemstar and Avraham Eshed of Israel, Chipembele is known as “the rhino emerald,” as chipembele means rhino in the local indigenous dialect of the Bemba people of Zambia. 

“The great honour of a Zambian emerald like Chipembele achieving a Guinness World Records title is sure to further the mission of raising awareness of African coloured gemstones and promoting best practices in the industry,” noted Gemfields.

Eshed - Gemstar acquired the gem at a Gemfields high-quality emerald auction in November 2021.  

Kagem, owned by Gemfields in partnership with the Zambian government, has yielded several exceptional gemstones. Chipembele was discovered in July 2021.

“The rarity of Chipembele is evident when looking at its unusually large size, coupled with an incredible transparency and vivid green colour,” remarked Gemfields. “By shining a light through Chipembele, you can see deep within the gemstone and witness the intensity of colour and the unusual absence of inclusions.”