Precious Brazil companies will also join the global leaders at this key event in the colored gemstone sector
In May 2025, Brazil will once again host one of the most important global gatherings in the colored gemstone industry: the ICA Congress. The event will feature the participation of Brazilian companies involved in the Precious Brazil project, a joint initiative by the Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association (IBGM) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), aimed at positioning the sector on the international stage through strategic commercial and institutional promotion efforts. For Portuguese gemologist Rui Galopim de Carvalho, the event’s Master of Ceremonies, Brazil’s presence will be one of the highlights—thanks to the country’s human, historical, and symbolic value within the global industry.
With extensive international experience, Rui will return as Master of Ceremonies for the ICA Congress—this time in Brasília, from May 19 to 22, 2025. He previously held the role during the Dubai edition and has participated in other congresses held in Brazil, such as those in 2011 and the 1990s. In an exclusive interview with Precious Brazil, Rui shared his impressions on the evolution of the congress, its importance to the industry, and his affection for the historical connection between Brazil and Portugal in the gemstone world.
Rui highlights that the ICA Congress is a unique event due to the wide range of topics it covers—science, markets, and sustainability—and the diversity of voices it brings together: “It’s a comprehensive portrait of what the colored gemstone sector looks like worldwide.” For him, however, what truly sets the congress apart is the environment of camaraderie among top professionals from around the globe, fostered by a welcoming atmosphere that enables real connections. “It’s a forum where people are always relaxed, the level of formality is relative, and that creates the perfect setting—especially in Brazil, where the joyful and laid-back atmosphere makes it easier to connect with the leading figures in our industry, people we normally only read about in articles, books, or see in the media—and yet they’re there.”
The congress returning to Brazil holds special meaning for Rui. “I’m biased, because Brazil is like a sibling country,” he said. “What most sets Brazilian hosts apart is their joy—joyful people, smiles, positive energy. It’s a very favorable environment for advancing both business and the industry.” For Rui, the current context of global economic challenges and competitiveness calls for unity and responsibility from the industry. And Brazil, he believes, has a central role to play: “We are an industry that delivers on its promises, with real social, ethical, and environmental commitments—not just narratives.”
Reflecting on today’s challenges, Rui points to competition with other luxury industries as one of the main issues. To overcome it, he says, the colored gemstone value chain must reinforce its differentiation: “We create many jobs and help reduce inequality in producing countries. We have a much stronger presence of artisanal mining than, say, in the diamond sector. Supporting these communities is also a way to strengthen our industry.”
As an experienced educator and communicator, Rui also emphasized the transformational power of the congress: “There’s a sense of empathy among colleagues that’s rare. The ICA Congress is more than a technical event—it’s a place where bonds are formed, where there is friendship, love, and genuine care.”
Finally, Rui recalled the historical ties between Brazil and Portugal dating back to the country’s early days of mining. According to him, Brazil’s colored gemstone sector began in the 18th century, with the discovery of diamonds in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, which later led to the search for other gems such as topaz, garnet, aquamarine, and amethyst. This had a significant impact on Portuguese and European goldsmithing. For him, celebrating that history at an event like the ICA Congress is a source of pride: “We share a history that deeply connects us—and that deserves to be remembered.”
The ICA Congress will take place from May 19 to 22, 2025, at the Royal Tulip Brasília Alvorada. The full program and registration information are available on the official website: icacongress.com.
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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