Precious Brazil member company receives recognition at the 5th GUILD Aurora International Gem and Jewelry Competition, where it also shares its expertise in responsible mining and traceability during a masterclass.

Belmont, one of the world’s three largest emerald producers, won the Best Emerald award at the fifth edition of the GUILD Aurora International Gem and Jewelry Competition, held in China. The recognition puts Brazilian emeralds in the spotlight among international specialists, collectors, jewelers, and designers, increasing the visibility of Brazilian production in the global fine jewelry market.

Belmont is a member of Precious Brazil, a project carried out by the Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association (IBGM) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). With a strong presence in major global markets, Belmont enhances the international prestige of Brazilian emeralds by promoting their exceptional quality, provenance, and technical excellence.

Organized by GUILD Gem Laboratories, the competition was held under the theme From Mine to Masterpiece, celebrating the journey of gemstones from extraction to cutting and their transformation into fine jewelry creations. In addition to winning the Best Emerald award, Belmont participated as a Platinum Sponsor of this year’s event.

From Mine to Masterpiece: Brazilian Expertise in the Spotlight

Belmont’s participation also included a masterclass delivered by its CEO, Marcelo Ribeiro, on September 22 for students at the GUILD Institute of Gemology.

The session provided a strategic opportunity to introduce the Asian market to the richness and potential of Brazilian emeralds. During his presentation, Marcelo shared Belmont’s history, covering everything from the geological formation and distinctive characteristics of its gemstones to traceability and responsible mining practices. He highlighted the premium quality of Brazilian emeralds, which are already featured in creations by some of the world’s most prestigious fine jewelry brands.

The masterclass complemented Belmont’s presence at the event by bringing together two key aspects of its work: producing gemstones of exceptional quality and educating the international market about the origin and value of Brazilian emeralds.

Competition Brought Together Specialists from Different Countries

The 5th GUILD Aurora International Gem and Jewelry Competition brought together collectors, jewelers, designers, and international specialists for a program dedicated to gemology and fine jewelry.

The 2026 edition featured seven main categories: colored gemstones, pearls, jade, jewelry, jewelry design, gemstone cutting, and general awards, including the GUILD Aurora Award of the Year. Entries were evaluated by an international panel of technical experts, with the official awards ceremony held on September 23.

Recognition Strengthens Brazil’s Presence in the International Market

As one of the world’s three largest emerald producers, Belmont has established strong connections with major international cutting, design, and consumer markets, including the United States, China, India, and Thailand.

Winning the Best Emerald award further strengthens the company’s presence in these markets by delivering what the international fine jewelry industry seeks: exceptional emeralds combined with transparency of origin and responsible production practices.

For Belmont, the award, together with its masterclass and Platinum Sponsorship, strengthens the international recognition of Brazilian emeralds in one of the world’s most strategically important consumer markets, reinforcing the company’s position as a leading player in the global gemstone and jewelry supply chain.

About ApexBrasil

The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to

promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investments to

strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. In order to achieve its goals, ApexBrasil carries out several trade promotion initiatives aimed at promoting Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and trade missions, business rounds, support to the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, visits of foreign buyers and opinion makers to learn about the Brazilian productive structure, among other business

platforms that also aim at strengthening the Brazil brand. The Agency also acts in a coordinated way with public and private players to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil with a focus on strategic sectors for the development of the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country.

About IBGM

The Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association is a national, non-profit private entity founded in 1977. Its mission is to represent, integrate, develop, and promote all segments of the gem, jewelry, and fashion jewelry chain. The association works as an advocate for their interests and by promoting knowledge transfer, trust, and appreciation of their products among consumers.

About Precious Brazil

Precious Brazil is a sectoral initiative aimed at supporting and promoting Brazilian companies in the gemstones, jewelry, and fashion jewelry segments in the international market. The project is the result of a partnership between the IBGM – The Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association in partnership with ApexBrasil – Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency . Through trade promotion, market intelligence, and image-building initiatives, the project seeks to strengthen the design, sustainability, and diversity of Brazilian gemstones and jewelry in the world’s leading consumer markets.