Gemfields PLC, one of the world’s leading coloured gemstone producers, has discovered an exceptional 6,225carat rough emerald at its Kagem mine in Zambia, at the time of normal mining operations on 5 February 2010. The emerald is currently being examined by Gemfields’ experts to establish a better note on its value and significance.

The stone has been named “Insofu” (or “elephant” in the vernacular of the Bemba people indigenous to this region), inspired by its size and in honour of the World Land Trust’s “Elephant Corridor Project”, in which Gemfields is also participating.

Ian Harebottle, CEO of Gemfields, commented: “This is a unique find. The Insofu displays wonderful colour and good translucency. Its sheer size, rich colour and fine protective biotite shell makes it difficult to see deep into the gem. However, all indications suggest that the core of the emerald is competent and that it should yield a number of cut gems of significant size.”

The World Land Trust’s “Elephant Corridor Project”, is an initiative to raise funds for the Indian elephant corridors. The World Land Trust organises events to raise funds for different causes and selected the Indian Elephant Corridor cause for this year. For this, the World Land Trust and Gemfields are collaborating to create a bespoke collection of emerald jewellery, by leading global jewellers and host an event and auction at Harrods in London in June 2010. A percentage of profits from the auction will be put into the World Land Trust.