Portojoia 2007

PORTOJÓIA opens up new opportunities for colour gemstones The current international context, characterised by a continuous increase in the price of gold, silver and platinum, as well as the mild, but perceptible, increase in the price of diamonds, since 2002, has created new opportunities for coloured gemstones

And a greater awareness – of our designers and creators – of the huge array of colours and prices in the vast and varied world of coloured gemstones has also prompted the introduction of new materials into Portuguese jewellery.

These and other realities, which define the current state of the sector of Portuguese jewellery, will be on the table during PORTOJÓIA – 18th International Jewellery, Gold and Watch Exhibition, at EXPONOR between the 19th and 23rd of September this year. «Under the cloak of the unhappy expression semi-precious stones, gems such as blue topaz, amethyst, green gold citrine, rose quartz, among others, are entering into the everyday life of our consumers, but there are still many gems, from the most accessible to the most exclusive, which still lack greater esteem, both by professionals and by the consumer», emphasises Rui Galopim de Carvalho, representative in Portugal of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and one of the promoters behind the conference series.

The initiative, which is due to take off at 3 pm on the 21st of September (Friday), will bring together representatives of jewellery manufacturers and retailers, as well as professionals working in the trade and promotion of gemstones, who will take the opportunity to present their different perspectives on how one can, given the current framework of the sector, promote coloured gemstones and the jewellery associated with it, giving it greater visibility, better positioning and a greater perception of value with the consumer.