Our Origins
Ouro Preto, Brazil
A Historic City Shaped by Gold and Gems
Nestled in the mountains of Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Brazil's most captivating historic cities. Originally called Vila Rica (Rich Village), the city was founded in 1711 during Brazil's gold rush and played a central role in the country's colonial history. Its current name, meaning "Black Gold," comes from the dark patina found on the first gold nuggets discovered in the region.
The city flourished in the 18th century, becoming one of the wealthiest cities in the Americas, with a population that at one point exceeded that of New York City.
The Geology of Ouro Preto
The Origin of Semi-Precious Gemstones
Located at the southeastern edge of Brazil’s famed Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Iron Quadrangle), Ouro Preto is part of a region rich in iron and mineral deposits. In addition to iron and gold, this area is known for producing semi-precious gemstones that are valued across the globe.
Among them, the crown jewel is the
Imperial Topaz, one of the rarest and most prized gemstones in the world.
Imperial Topaz: A Gemstone Born in Ouro Preto
The Imperial Topaz is a naturally occurring variety of topaz that displays an incredible color range, from golden yellow to peachy pink to deep amber. Discovered in the mid-18th century in the Saramenha hill near Ouro Preto, this gemstone is unique to the region and globally recognized for its beauty and rarity.
According to local folklore, the name "Imperial Topaz" was coined in 1881 after Brazil’s Emperor Dom Pedro II and Empress Teresa Cristina were gifted one of these radiant stones by mineralogist Claude-Henri Gorceix. Gorceix also founded the prestigious School of Mines in Ouro Preto that same year, which remains one of Brazil’s leading institutions in geology and mineralogy.
The City’s Legacy in Gemology & Jewelry Craftsmanship
Today, Ouro Preto remains a key center for Brazilian gemstones and jewelry production. The city’s deep geological roots and mining history have fostered a rich tradition of craftsmanship that includes gemstone cutting, lapidary arts, and fine jewelry making.
Educational institutions like the School of Mines offer specialization in gemology, while the Federal Institute maintains programs in stone cutting and jewelry design. The local market is vibrant, featuring skilled goldsmiths, gem cutters, designers, and other artisans dedicated to maintaining the legacy of fine gemstone craftsmanship.
Ouro Preto is more than a historical treasure—it’s a place where semi-precious gemstones, culture, and nature intertwine. From exploring underground mines to walking baroque streets, or hiking in the Itacolomi State Park, visitors can experience a truly unique blend of history, beauty, and geology.
Located between the Serra de Ouro Preto and the Itacolomi mountain range, the city sits at elevations between 1,050 and 1,500 meters, offering scenic landscapes and cool mountain air. For lovers of gemstones and history, there is no better place to immerse yourself in Brazil’s mineral and cultural wealth.
Why Ouro Preto Matters to Us
Our jewelry begins its journey in Ouro Preto, where nature’s beauty meets centuries of tradition. The gemstones we use—especially Imperial Topaz—are more than decorative elements; they are real, rare gemstones that carry the soul of the region. When you wear a piece made with a stone from Ouro Preto, you're wearing a fragment of Brazil’s
history and natural brilliance.
Origin
Authenticity
Heritage
Discover our Jewelry Collection
Explore our stunning range of unique designs, featuring rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings crafted with vibrant gemstones.