The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
Gemfields Secures $65 Million in Financing for Growth
The gemstone miner and marketer said that $45 million of that will be used to ramp up production at its Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique.
London--Gemfields has secured four credit facilities totaling $65 million to be used to ramp up production at the Montepuez ruby mine and for general expenses.
Three banks in Mozambique allocated loans of $15 million each for Montepuez. CFO Janet Boyce said the funding will help with its growth and expansion plans to increase annual production at the ruby operation to approximately 20 million carats within the next three years.
The company reported production of 8.4 million carats of ruby and corundum in its last fiscal year ended June 2015.
The remaining $20 million came from Macquarie Bank Limited, replacing the $25 million debt facility entered into in April 2015, and will be used for general corporate purposes, according to Gemfields.
The facilities join Kagem’s existing revolving credit facility of $30 million with Barclays Bank in Zambia, which is aiding in the expansion of the emerald mine to more than 40 million carats. Gemfields said production was 30.1 million carats of emerald and beryl during the last fiscal year.
The financing also will assist in “smoothing the company’s cash flows, given the intermittent nature of revenue in-flows from the colored gemstone auctions,” Boyce said.
The Latest
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.