Gemfields has unveiled ‘Imboo’ – the largest high-quality emerald discovered recently from its Kagem mine in Zambia.

The 11,685-carat emerald, whose name translates to buffalo in the local dialect, debuted at Gemfields’ auction of high-quality emeralds from August 25 to September 11, 2025. 

Located in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, Kagem is believed to be the world’s single largest-producing emerald mine, according to Gemfields. The miner owns 75 per cent of Kagem in partnership with the Zambian government.

“Even under the beam of a 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," explained Adrian Banks, Gemfields’ managing director – Product and Sales. 

"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. This remarkable find may tempt its new owner to see it not only as a source of extraordinary gems, but as a unique investment destined to be remembered in the annals of exceptional emeralds," he added.

The new owner of Imboo will be offered the opportunity to deploy unique nanoparticle-tagging, courtesy of Gemfields’ longstanding partner Provenance Proof. Providing full traceability of the gemstone, even after it has been cut and polished, Provenance Proof enables future owners to be certain that their gem originated from Kagem – and that it was part of this historical find.

Kagem has earned a reputation for producing some of the largest high-quality emeralds ever found. Prior to the discovery of Imboo was the 6,225-carat Insofu (elephant) in 2010; the 5,655-carat Inkalamu (lion) in 2018; and the 7,525-carat Chipembele (rhino) in 2021. 

Weighing a staggering 2,337 grams – equivalent to 11,685 carats – Imboo is the largest single gemstone discovery of exceptional quality at Kagem to date, explained Gemfields.