A colossal cluster of emeralds, unearthed from the Kagem mine in Zambia in March 2020, will be sold at Gemfields’ upcoming emerald auction. 

Given its size and quality, the 37,555-gram (187,775-carat) Kafubu Cluster is poised to be the most expensive single emerald piece ever sold by Gemfields.

“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 indeed,” revealed the gemstone expert.

According to Gemfields, the Kafubu Cluster displays all the desired characteristics that an emerald should possess: A vivid green colour overall that glows and shines. It also offers different levels of perfect crystallisation to allow the future cutter to create a collection of gems – from fine quality faceting material to cabochons and beads. 

The naming of uncut emeralds is a tradition reserved only for the rarest and most remarkable gems. While no official record exists, it is thought that no more than two dozen gemstones have ever been given their own name, and it is extremely unusual to encounter a gemstone weighing more than 1,000 carats. Unlike Insofu (elephant), Inkalamu (lion) and Chipembele (rhino), the Kafubu Cluster is not one single crystal and is completely unique in character. As such, it calls for a name as inimitable as it is.

The Kafubu Cluster was discovered in the Chama pit of the Kagem emerald mine, based in Lufwanyama in Zambia. 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 per cent owned by Gemfields, in a model partnership with the Zambian government.

The Kafubu Cluster is available for viewing, with bidding scheduled to close on November 17.