Recognition reinforces the importance of the city in the global arena and highlights initiatives such as Precious Brazil, which connect Soledade to the international gemstone and jewelry market.
The municipality of Soledade (RS) has been officially recognized by the National Congress as the National Capital of Gemstones, according to legislative Bill 5978/2019, approved by the Senate on September 10 and now awaiting presidential sanction.
The title underscores the city’s global relevance and adds to strategic initiatives that have expanded its international visibility, such as Precious Brazil — a joint initiative of the Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association (IBGM) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) aimed at promoting the sector in the global market. Within this scope, the Buyer Project has already placed Soledade on the radar of foreign buyers, connecting local companies with major players in the gemstone and jewelry industry.
With just over 30,000 inhabitants, Soledade is now one of the world’s leading gemstone hubs. In 2024, the municipality accounted for 63% of the nearly 19.5 tons exported by Rio Grande do Sul, generating US$61.8 million. The city’s tradition in the sector dates back to the 1960s, when German companies settled in the region to explore and export agates, abundant in northern Rio Grande do Sul.
For Gilberto Bortoluzzi, president of the Union of Jewelry, Mining, Processing and Gemstone Industries of Rio Grande do Sul, the recognition is a historic milestone: “It will attract tourists, investments, and further boost the economy, given that the municipality has a strong economic dependence on the sector for employment, income, culture, and economic development,” he highlighted in an interview with Rádio Senado.
In addition to production and exports, the city hosts the International Gemstone Fair — the largest of its kind in Latin America, held annually in May — and features a Gemstone Museum that welcomes students, tourists, and visitors from all over the country interested in learning about the diversity and formation of gems.
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.
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