Sotheby's to auction 'Emeralds for Elephants' in Mumbai

Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, Zambian Emerald Necklace

The World Land Trust and ethical coloured gemstones mining company, Gemfields, together with Jaguar Land Rover and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA India), have collaborated with ten of India’s top jewellery designers to create a unique ‘pop up’ collection of bespoke Zambian emerald jewellery that will be auctioned by Sotheby's on October 14.

Nirav Modi, Zambian Emerald Brooch

Following the success of ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ in London in the summer of 2010, the aim of this collection is to create awareness and raise crucial funds for the conservation initiatives of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) for the Asian Elephant in India. The headline piece of the collection is a Ganesha sculpture with a 638 carat Gemfields Zambian emerald created by renowned artist, Arzan Khambatta.

The collection will be launched in July and will close with a Grand Auction at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai.

Narayan Jewellers, Zambian Emerald Bracelet

Gemfields has hand-picked ten leading jewellers from around India to create a one-of-a-kind piece or set of jewellery, incorporating Zambian emeralds. Gemfields’ focus is on ethically produced Zambian emeralds that follow fair-trade, environment, social and safety best practices.

The jewellers are just as diverse in their style and designs; Abaran Jewellers (Bangalore), Anmol Jewellers (Mumbai), Gem Palace (Jaipur), Khanna Jewellers (New Delhi), Meena Jewellers(Hyderabad), Narayan Jewellers (Baroda), Nirav Modi (Mumbai), Sawansukha Jewellers (Kolkata), Talwarsons Jewellers (Chandigarh) and Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers (Chennai)/