Brazil is a vital source of colored gemstones to global markets, ICA Congress hears

BRASILIA, Brazil - Brazil is the origin of a vast variety of colored gemstones to global markets, Mr Marcelo Ribeiro, President of Belmont Emeralds, said in a keynote address to the ICA Congress.

Brazil is the world’s third largest colored gemstone exporter. Leading markets for Brazilian-origin colored gemstones include the United States, Thailand, Hong Kong/China and Germany.

Brazilian exports of colored gemstones were USD $231.8 million FOB in 2024, Mr Ribeiro said.

Colored gemstones directly account for 300,000 jobs in Brazil, concentrated mainly in the southeast and south of the South American country. Ninety percent of Brazilian gemstone companies are small-sized operations, Mr Ribeiro said.

Brazil is the biggest jewelry producer in Latin America.