20th edition of the ICA Congress reflects Brazil’s international relevance in the gem and jewelry industry
The Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association (IBGM) has announced that Brasília will host the 20th edition of the ICA Congress in 2025, marking the third time Brazil has hosted this prestigious international event. Samuel Sabbagh, IBGM’s Vice President of International Relations, emphasized that this choice reflects global recognition of the professionalism and commitment of the Brazilian industry to sustainability and innovation.
Organized by IBGM in partnership with the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), the ICA Congress is widely recognized for bringing together top experts, companies, and organizations from around the world to promote and elevate colored gemstones. The event aims to set global standards for the sector and encourage international collaboration, showcasing the growth potential and innovation of the Brazilian industry. This initiative is strengthened by the Precious Brazil project, a partnership between IBGM and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), which seeks to position Brazilian gemstone and jewelry brands in the international market.
“Hosting the ICA Congress in Brasília is an opportunity to further project Brazil on the global stage,” says Sabbagh. “This event allows us to showcase to government institutions and the international community Brazil’s strength and relevance as one of the world’s leading gemstone producers, recognized for the exceptional quality of its products, the professionalism of the industry, and its commitment to sustainability.”
The ICA is the leading global non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of colored gemstones, representing over 500 industry leaders across 47 countries, from mining to market. Since its founding in 1984, the ICA Congress has served as an essential forum to strengthen international ties and promote the global trade of gemstones.
ICA Congress 2025
The ICA Congress is one of the most important events in the colored gemstone sector, bringing together experts and global leaders to discuss the industry’s future with an emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices. The 2025 edition will take place in Brasília, marking the third time Brazil has hosted the congress, which underscores the country’s significance in the global gemstone landscape.
According to IBGM’s Executive Director, Écio Morais, holding the congress in Brazil’s capital confirms the country’s position as one of the most prominent and prestigious players in the world of colored gemstones.
“This event strengthens the Association’s level of engagement with various government sectors, boosts export potential for companies, and supports the development plans of the many production clusters spread across the country,” highlights Morais.
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. 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
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.