Gemfields plc

Appointment of Adrian Banks

5 May 2009

Gemfields plc ("Gemfields" or "the Company", AIM: "GEM") is delighted to
announce the appointment of Adrian Banks as Product Director with immediate
effect.

Mr Banks will be responsible for managing Gemfields' entire rough materials
supply-chain, which will include grading, quality assurance, trading and sales
systems. He will assume responsibility as the key customer interface for rough
gemstone trading and sales immediately. Mr Banks will be reporting directly to
the Board of Gemfields.

Mr. Banks is a veteran of the coloured gemstone industry having spent a decade
with Tanzanite One (and its predecessor companies). He is well known and
respected throughout the gemstone industry and has dealt widely with traders,
dealers, governing bodies and retailers. He has particular expertise in the
equipping and securing of sorting and grading infrastructure and was
instrumental in Tanzanite One's sightholder system. His last position at
Tanzanite One was that of managing director of its rough trading business, a
vital market participation component and a core profit contributor. His
experience will be a key pillar in Gemfields' strategy of bringing to the
market high-end cut and polished colour gemstones.

Ian Harebottle, Gemfields CEO said: "Gemfields is delighted to have recruited
one of the most highly regarded executives in the coloured gemstone sector. His
abilities and work ethic are in a league of their own. I look forward immensely
to working with him over the coming years as we strive to achieve Gemfields'
vision of becoming the world's leading premium coloured gemstone company."

Enquiries:

Gemfields

Richard James, CFO richard.james@gemfields.co.uk

+44 (0)20 7016 9416

Canaccord Adams Limited

Mike Jones/Tarica Mpinga +44 (0)20 7050 6500