The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
Gemfields Suspends Gemstone Auctions Amid COVID-19
It also provided an update on its mining, exploration and retail operations across the world.
London—Colored gemstone miner Gemfields said it expects the COVID-19 crisis to have a “significant detrimental impact” on its revenue and operations in 2020 and possibly beyond.
The company said as of Monday, all but critical operations at the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia have been suspended, for what the company said it hopes is a period no longer than one month.
Its operations in Mozambique, including the Montepuez ruby mine, are ready to implement similar suspensions if required but are “unaffected” at this time, according to the miner.
Meanwhile, exploration projects in Madagascar have been suspended, and the Gemfields offices in London and Jaipur are closed, with staff working remotely.
For Gemfields-owned Faberge, the brand’s retail operations at Harrods in London and the Galleria Mall in Houston, as well as its mono-brand boutiques operated by partners in the Dubai Mall and Kiev, Ukraine, all are closed.
Gemfields added that not only are about 80 percent of the multi-brand retailers stocking Fabergé currently closed but also 80 percent of the workshops that supply Fabergé, including its timepieces workshop in Geneva.
Travel restrictions across the world implemented to slow the spread of the virus have led to the postponement or suspension of numerous trade events, and Gemfields’ auctions of rough gemstones are no exceptions.
The miner said the current restrictions mean it cannot presently host any auctions, notable since Gemfields’ six auctions held in 2019 brought in 93 percent of its full-year revenue.
The miner and marketer noted that even once restrictions are lifted, it will take additional time before “life and business returns to a relative ‘normal.’”
Because of the uncertainty, it’s unable to provide reliable guidance as to when it might be able to hold the next auctions.
It said its auction of high-quality emeralds and mixed-quality rubies originally scheduled for May and June, respectively, are likely to be rescheduled for the second half of the year, and noted that if the market doesn’t recover “adequately,” it will consider cancelling the emerald and ruby auctions slated for November and December.
As of Feb. 29, the Gemfields Group had cash balances of approximately $73.5 million, a net cash position of about $43.5 million and undrawn overdraft facilities of $30 million.
Gemfields said in a March 24 trading statement it expects net profit after tax to be $39.1 million for the full year ended Dec. 31, compared with a net loss after tax of $60.4 million
Montepuez and Kagem generated revenues of $121.5 million and $79 million, respectively, in 2019, and an impairment reversal of $21.6 million has been recognized against Kagem given the recent suspension of the 15 percent export duty in Zambia.
The Latest
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.