The global jewelry and gemstone industry gathered in Munich, Germany, in February 2026 for one of its most important annual events: INHORGENTA Munich.
Held from February 20–23 at the Messe München exhibition center, the four-day trade show has become one of the most influential meeting points for professionals across the jewelry, watch, and gemstone sectors.
This year’s edition was particularly notable. INHORGENTA 2026 welcomed around 900 exhibitors presenting more than 1,200 brands from 35 countries, while over 25,000 trade visitors from 94 countries attended the event, underscoring its growing international relevance in the luxury jewelry market.
Among the invited speakers was Marcelo Ribeiro, Belmont Emeralds CEO and Founder, who delivered a lecture titled: “Hidden Gem: Brazil’s High-Quality Emeralds Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
His participation highlighted the rising global importance of Brazilian emeralds and the growing recognition of responsible gemstone mining.
The invitation was extended by Laurent E. Cartier, representing the Swiss Gemological Institute SSEF, one of the world’s leading authorities on gemological research.
INHORGENTA Munich: One of the Jewelry Industry’s Most Important Global Platforms
Founded in the 1970s, INHORGENTA Munich has evolved into one of Europe’s leading trade fairs for the jewelry, watch, and gemstone industries.
The exhibition spans six halls covering more than 60,000 square meters, where companies showcase innovations across the entire jewelry value chain—from gemstones and diamonds to finished jewelry, watchmaking, technology, and design.
The audience at INHORGENTA is uniquely influential. Visitors include:
- international jewelry retailers
- gemstone dealers and manufacturers
- luxury brand executives
- designers and watchmakers
- gemological researchers and laboratories
- distributors and wholesalers
Because of this concentration of decision-makers, the event plays a major role in shaping sourcing decisions, partnerships, and global market trends within the jewelry industry.
The 2026 edition reaffirmed Munich’s role as a central hub where buyers, brands, and gemstone suppliers connect to shape the future of the luxury jewelry market.
Brazilian Emeralds Take the Spotlight
During his presentation, Marcelo Ribeiro explored how Brazil has become one of the most important sources of high-quality emeralds in the world.
Brazilian emeralds are particularly prized for their:
- vivid green color
- exceptional crystal formation
- relatively strong transparency
- reliable production supply
Many of the most significant deposits are located in the state of Minas Gerais, where geological conditions allow the formation of emerald crystals with unique optical characteristics.
Within this region operates Belmont Emeralds, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading emerald producers.
Belmont Emeralds has helped redefine modern emerald mining by combining traditional gemstone expertise with advanced geological exploration and sustainable mining practices.
Belmont Emeralds: A Three-Generation Mining Legacy
Marcelo Ribeiro represents the third generation of a family deeply involved in mining and industrial operations in Brazil.
Under his leadership, Belmont Emeralds has become an international reference for responsible emerald mining and gemstone traceability.
The Belmont Emerald Mine in Minas Gerais operates with a focus on:
- advanced geological exploration
- environmentally responsible extraction
- safe working conditions
- transparent gemstone supply chains
These principles have helped establish Belmont as a benchmark for modern emerald mining.
Today, Belmont emeralds are distributed to jewelers, gemstone dealers, and luxury brands around the world.
From Rough Emeralds to Fine Gemstones
One of the key themes of Ribeiro’s presentation at INHORGENTA was the remarkable journey an emerald undergoes before reaching the jewelry market.
Geological Exploration
Emerald deposits are first identified through detailed geological surveys and drilling programs.
Specialists analyze rock formations and mineral structures to determine where emerald-bearing veins may exist underground.
Mining and Extraction
Once deposits are confirmed, emerald-bearing rock is extracted carefully to protect the fragile crystals.
Unlike industrial minerals, emeralds require meticulous handling to preserve their integrity.
Recovery of Rough Emeralds
The extracted rock is processed and washed to separate emerald crystals from the surrounding host rock.
These crystals are known as rough emeralds, representing the earliest stage in the gemstone’s life cycle.
Sorting and Evaluation
Each crystal is carefully examined for:
- color quality
- clarity
- size
- structural stability
Only a small percentage of recovered crystals are suitable for cutting into gemstones.
Cutting and Polishing
The most promising crystals are sent to expert lapidaries, who cut and polish the stones to reveal their natural brilliance.
The finished gemstones are then ready for the global jewelry market.
The Importance of Traceability in Modern Jewelry
A central message of Marcelo Ribeiro’s lecture was the growing importance of traceability in the gemstone industry.
Consumers today want to know where their gemstones originate and whether they were sourced responsibly.
Belmont Emeralds addresses this demand through a vertically integrated mine-to-market model, overseeing each stage of the emerald’s journey:
- geological exploration
- mining operations
- processing and sorting
- cutting and polishing
- gemstone distribution
This integrated system ensures transparency and helps guarantee the authenticity of real emeralds sourced directly from Brazil.
Sustainable Mining in the Emerald Industry
Sustainability was another major focus of Ribeiro’s presentation.
Modern mining companies must balance economic development with environmental responsibility.
Belmont Emeralds has implemented several initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact, including:
- land rehabilitation programs
- water management systems
- environmental monitoring
- investments in local communities
These measures help ensure that emerald mining contributes to regional development while protecting natural ecosystems.
Why Brazilian Emeralds Are Growing in Popularity
The global jewelry market is experiencing a renewed interest in colored gemstones. Several trends are contributing to the rising popularity of emeralds:
Growing Demand for Colored Gemstones: Luxury brands and designers increasingly incorporate colored gemstones into their collections.
Consumer Interest in Ethical Sourcing: Buyers want transparency about gemstone origins and environmental responsibility.
Investment Appeal: High-quality emeralds are increasingly viewed as collectible gemstones.
Reliable Supply: Brazil’s emerald mines provide a more stable supply compared with many other deposits worldwide.
These factors have helped elevate Brazilian emeralds to a prominent position in the global gemstone market.
Jewelry Industry Collaboration and Education: INHORGENTA 2026
Events like INHORGENTA play an important role in promoting dialogue and knowledge sharing within the jewelry industry.
By bringing together experts from mining, gemology, design, and retail, the event helps advance discussions around:
- responsible gemstone sourcing
- gemstone traceability
- market trends in colored gemstones
- sustainable mining practices
Marcelo Ribeiro’s participation reflects the growing collaboration between gemstone producers and leading gemological institutions.
Such partnerships are essential for strengthening transparency and trust across the global gemstone supply chain.
The Future of Emerald Mining
As the gemstone industry evolves, Brazilian emeralds are positioned to play an increasingly important role.
With strong geological resources and modern mining practices, Brazil continues to establish itself as one of the world’s most important sources of high-quality emeralds.
Companies like Belmont Emeralds are helping lead this transformation by demonstrating that emerald mining can combine:
- innovation
- environmental responsibility
- gemstone traceability
- exceptional quality
Together, these elements are shaping the future of the emerald industry.
Conclusion
The presence of Belmont Emeralds at INHORGENTA Munich 2026 reflects the growing global recognition of Brazilian emeralds and the importance of responsible gemstone sourcing.
As one of the leading emerald producers in the world, Belmont Emeralds continues to demonstrate how transparency, sustainability, and innovation can define the next chapter of the gemstone industry.
From the emerald-rich mountains of Minas Gerais to the international jewelry stage, Brazilian emeralds are no longer hidden treasures—they are shaping the future of the global gemstone market.
Learn More About Belmont Emeralds: https://belmontemeralds.com
Watch Marcelo Ribeiro’s full presentation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8BaICyJKX6U
About INHORGENTA: https://inhorgenta.com/en/