Gemfields’ auction of predominantly lower quality rough emeralds held in Jaipur, India, recently this month scored USD 11.0 million - a record in value terms for an auction of rough emeralds of this quality bracket. It underlined the continuing robust global demand for Gemfields’ ethical Zambian emeralds.%% The auction slated between 21 to 25 November 2011, attracted participation from 38 companies of which as high as 27 companies placed bids. The auction scored a healthy sales figure - 9.8 million carats of its 10.8 million carats of rough emeralds placed on offer. %% The rough emeralds on offer were mined by Gemfields at the Kagem mine.%% The previous auction of lower quality rough emeralds by Gemfields was held in March 2011, achieving USD 9.9 million for 12.98 million carats. Upon comparison between the March 2011 and November 2011 auction, the average quality-for-quality per carat prices rose 46 percent from USD 0.77 per carat to USD 1.12 per carat.