Paraiba Provenance: Exclusive Access to Rare Minerals with Brasil Gem Commerce

One of the many wonderful things that emerged from co-authoring a book on Paraiba tourmaline with Kevin Ferreira was meeting so many new people who either love Paraiba tourmalines or work with them. One of those people was Kevin’s cousin, Victor Lima, who is the CEO of Brasil Gem Commerce – a company specialising in the cutting and trading of Brazilian and African precious gems, including Paraiba, rubellite and morganite. Meeting at the BGC booth in Hong Kong made me realise that there was an untold story, so I set about asking Victor some questions about his family business…

Speaking to Victor Lima at the gem exhibition was a little bit like having one foot in Hong Kong and another in the landscapes of Brazil. His father, Moizes Lima, who started Brasil Gem Commerce in 2005, began his journey into South American minerals as a cook in mining camps. From these humble beginnings, he began to soak up knowledge, including handling rough stones, cutting, and polishing, until he was propelled onto the international market as a producer and manufacturer in his own right. According to Victor, at one point in his career, Moizes was nicknamed ‘The King of Morganite’ and ‘Father of the Africans’ because of the pivotal role he played in introducing faceted morganite to the market!

However, what’s fascinating, at least in my opinion, is Moizes Lima’s role in the continuing story of Paraiba tourmaline, perhaps the most exclusive and luxurious coloured gemstone in the world today. If Brazil is the grandfather of Paraiba, then Mozambique and Nigeria are its excitable grandchildren shaking things up! The Lima family has roots in the initial discovery of Paraiba (or Paraiba-like tourmaline) in Mozambique and Nigeria and now they’re celebrating seven years of successful mining ventures across these regions, continuing to uphold their commitment to producing these exceptional gems with the finest standards of quality. In addition, the company oversees mining operations in Brazil, an Emerald mine in Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil), and the famous Ribeirão das Folhas Mine, which produces morganites, tourmalines, and unique specimens.

Guided by the enduring vision of Moizes, Brasil Gem Commerce now enters a new era under Victor’s leadership, ushering in the strength of the second generation. With mastery in the art of cutting and trading Brazilian and African gems, the company proudly upholds its mission of “fulfilling dreams through gemstones”. Victor has absorbed all the knowledge passed down by his father but isn’t afraid to use his own instincts when it comes to moving forward with high-quality Paraiba tourmaline, morganite, rubellite, and other fine gemstones.

Our strength is indomitable. We overcome challenges, face obstacles, and stand out in the market. That’s what drives me and gives me the certainty that I will honour my father’s name. – Victor Lima

In our conversation, Victor highlighted his company’s “profound understanding of each gemstone’s geological origins, complemented by a meticulous analysis of its unique chemical composition”. Here, we can see the passion of a gemmologist, not just a collector, shining through. To really honour a gem material, I believe you must know more about where it comes from, how it forms, and how it achieves its specific colour nuances. It’s the equivalent of not ‘judging a book’ by its colour alone but by the content of its mineral character! Victor continues: “We masterfully refine the process of heat treatment, precision cutting, and shaping, carefully selecting the perfect faceting for each gemstone to maximise its brilliance and vibrancy. This dedication transforms each gemstone into a truly exclusive, radiant jewel, unparalleled in its beauty and rarity.”

Brasil Gem Commerce isn’t just adept at sourcing (and mining) Paraiba tourmalines, morganites and rubellites but also at cutting and polishing them with the high standard of proportions and symmetry. “Each piece embodies perfection,” Victor explains, “with unparalleled quality and exclusivity transforming a gemstone into much more than a mere jewel…it becomes the realisation of a dream.” And don’t be fooled into thinking this is hyperbole! If I have learned anything from co-authoring Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color, it is that owning a Paraiba tourmaline, especially with the most electric blue hue, great clarity and formidable size, is tantamount to a dream come true for collectors. Many will never achieve such a feat in their lifetimes.

One interesting thing I have learnt from Victor is that “the latest trend is the migration of new clients and investors from the diamond sector to the coloured gemstone market. There is a particular interest in exploring the potential of Paraiba tourmaline as an investment asset.” Brasil Gem Commerce is passionate about nurturing this investment interest surrounding Paraiba tourmaline and seeing the gem ascend to its rightful place in the mineral hall of fame.

Unlike diamonds, whose perceived value is waning in the face of synthetic alternatives, Paraiba tourmalines are found in extremely limited quantities, making each stone a true natural wonder. Their value is underpinned not only by their beauty but also by their genuine scarcity, which ensures long-term appreciation and makes them an excellent hedge against market volatility. – Victor Lima

Speaking to Victor Lima at the gem exhibition was a little bit like having one foot in Hong Kong and another in the landscapes of Brazil. His father, Moizes Lima, who started Brasil Gem Commerce in 2005, began his journey into South American minerals as a cook in mining camps. From these humble beginnings, he began to soak up knowledge, including handling rough stones, cutting, and polishing, until he was propelled onto the international market as a producer and manufacturer in his own right. According to Victor, at one point in his career, Moizes was nicknamed ‘The King of Morganite’ and ‘Father of the Africans’ because of the pivotal role he played in introducing faceted morganite to the market!

Being asked to co-author a book on Paraiba tourmaline really solidified my long-held belief that this neon mineral is edging above its peers in terms of significance, value, and popularity. What gives me confidence is that companies like Brasil Gem Commerce are at the forefront, blending mining expertise, manufacturing skills and grading knowledge to provide the best possible service to collectors and investors. “Paraiba is especially challenging to find in top grades,” Victor adds. “Likewise, high-quality rubellite is also becoming scarcer. The entire process of extraction and production for these gems is highly demanding and costly, which directly impacts the final price of the product.”

Perhaps you browse through the pages of this website, seeing many large and beautiful stones, and think that they must be abundant. Sadly, this is often not the case. Sensational Brazilian gems, Paraiba’s from Africa and top-quality emeralds are much harder to find, and this is only going to intensify with the passage of time. A partner like Brasil Gem Commerce could be the friend you need if you wish to own one of these minerals before supplies run out.