16 Brazilian brands participating in Precious Brazil, along with Adriano Mol, head of the Center for Design of Gemstones and Jewelry at the University of Minas Gerais, attended one of the largest industry events in the U.S.
At the latest edition of JCK Las Vegas, held from May 31 to June 3, 16 Brazilian brands participating in Precious Brazil showcased their new products and innovations in the United States. This initiative by the Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association (IBGM) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) aims to promote Brazilian gemstone and jewelry companies abroad.
The participating Brazilian brands were: Creative Brazil, Vianna, Cristina Sabatini, Andrea Matos Lopes, Bart Gems, JS Gems, Diego Candelero, Liri, Maxi Semijoias, Hercules Gems, BGC, Primus, MBernardes, Duarte & Bastos, Miranda, and Brazil Paraiba Mine.
Additionally, attendees of the largest jewelry industry trade event in the United States on June 2nd could join a debate on the importance of adopting environmentally responsible techniques and the potential for the Brazilian mining industry to lead by example in sustainability at the panel “Mine to Market: The Importance of Traceability and Transparency in the Industry”.
Among the experts was Adriano Mol, Ph.D. in Materials Engineering and Specialist in Gem and Jewelry Design. He is also a professor and Coordinator of the Center for Studies in Gem and Jewelry Design at the School of Design at the University of Minas Gerais. Adriano has received several international awards, including the IF Design Award (Germany, 2021), JDE Jewelry Design Excellence Awards (Hong Kong), IBGM Jewelry Design Prize (Brazil), and first place in the HRD Diamond Design Awards (Antwerp, 2003).
“Participation in the JCK panel came as an invitation due to the work I have developed over the last 3 years for Mina do Cruzeiro. During this time, I have noticed the ease of market opening due to the appeal of single-mine-origin mining, where provenance serves as a key indicator for transparency,” Mol highlights in an exclusive interview to Precious Brazil.
“Consumers are increasingly seeking local products, shifting tradition to value gems as a cultural and local production in response to the era of mass production,” he adds.
In addition to Mol, the conversation included Brecken Branstrator, Editor-in-Chief of GemGuide, John Ferry, Founder of Prosperity Earth, Sheahan Stephen, President of Sheahan Stephen Sapphires INC, and Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, Creative Director of Mina Stones.
Challenges and opportunities for Brazil
Given the growing consumer appreciation for provenance and ethical sourcing, Brazil is becoming increasingly recognized as an example and reference in sustainability within the mining industry.
“While mining generally presents significant environmental challenges, such as environmental impact, waste management, and conflicts with local communities, it is important to note that gemstone mining in Brazil is generally small-scale, and its impact is often much smaller compared to large open-pit mines like those for iron ore,” Mol explains.
In the interview, the expert also pointed out that Brazil has internationally recognized models of gemstone mining companies that are 100% regulated, embrace responsible practices that help mitigate environmental damage, and promote efficient resource use in initiatives engaged with local communities.
As a reference in sustainability in the mining industry, he highlights the emerald mining by Belmont in Itabira and the tourmaline mining by Mina do Cruzeiro, based in Governador Valadares, both in Minas Gerais.
In 2023 alone, companies participating in Precious Brazil exported 61 million dollars to the United States, making it the primary market for the Sector project.
“Participating in these events is always very enriching as it becomes an opportunity for consumers to be even better informed about the possibilities, rather than following empty marketing trends or proposals,” Mol concludes.
About ApexBrasil
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. The Agency carries out diverse commercial promotion initiatives, including prospective and trade missions, business rounds, sponsoring Brazilian companies’ participation in major international fairs, and facilitating visits by foreign buyers and opinion leaders to learn about the Brazilian production landscape.
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
The Industry Sector Project Precious Brazil aims to support and promote Brazilian companies in the Minerals, gemstones, jewelry, and fashion accessories segments that seek to export their products, whether they are beginners, exporters, or already internationalized. Coordinated by IBGM – The Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association in partnership with ApexBrasil – Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency – the project currently serves approximately 150 companies in the industry.
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