Gemfields is opening offices in Mumbai and Jaipur, India, increasing its global network of trading offices. The new offices will source and supply, cut and polished Zambian emeralds to the Asian market with an emphasis on India.

A market research in March 2011, conducted by the company in UK, US and European markets revealed a need for additional suppliers of cut and polished Zambian emerald servicing these respective markets. The lack of supply and less knowledge about the difference between different origins of supply, was apparently restricting the use of Zambian emeralds. Gemfields noted that its international trading offices in London, South Africa and now India, will help to ensure a consistent supply of bespoke, fine and commercial Zambian emeralds to all the key markets.

At the new offices in India, every emerald will be sourced directly from the Gemfields’ distribution partners who have acquired lots at the company’s rough auctions, therefore guaranteeing a transparent route from mine to market. The Mumbai office will be managed by Pinank Vora and the Jaipur office will be led by Rohit Kumar, both of whom carry a wealth of gemstone knowledge.