São José Liberto opens the 22nd edition of the 'Joias de Nazaré' exhibition
The thematic collection promotes the production of Pará jewelry as a tool for disseminating regional identity, valuing culture and sustainability under the inspiration of the great religious festival
With the theme "Our Lady of Nazaré in the Amazon", the São José Liberto Space, in Belém, which houses the Jewelry Pole, the Artisan House, and the Pará Gem Museum, opened to the public this Friday (3) the 22nd edition of the "Joias de Nazaré 2025" exhibition. The new collection consists of 35 pieces inspired by icons of the Círio de Nazaré — the largest religious manifestation in Brazil — and the religiosity of the people of Pará as a source for unique and meaningful creations.
The initiative of the Government of Pará, through the State Secretariat of Economic Development, Mining and Energy (Sedeme), has the partnership of the State University of Pará (Uepa). The goal is to promote the production of Pará jewelry as a tool for disseminating regional identity, valuing cultural, creative, and sustainable characteristics.
The Secretary of State for Economic Development, Mining and Energy, Paulo Bengtson, highlighted the importance of encouraging the artisanal jewelry sector, valuing traditional goldsmithing techniques as a strategy to enhance competitiveness. "It is essential to add value to products, invest in innovation, and adopt sustainable practices, boosting job and income generation, and strengthening cultural identity in the State," emphasized the head of Sedeme.
The collection includes earrings, pendants, bracelets, and other pieces, made of 18K gold, 925 silver, and mineral gems (amethyst, emerald, citrine, and chrysoprase), as well as baroque pearls, crafted with traditional goldsmithing techniques. The pieces have polished and matte finishes, Pará inlays, and gems cut in various styles, with claw settings and English mounting.
The creations are signed by entrepreneurs from the Jewelry Pole — mainly designers and goldsmiths — and are curated by Professor Rosângela Gouvêa Pinto, a faculty member of Uepa and creative director of the "Joias de Nazaré" collections. Responsible for consolidating the artistic concept of the exhibition, Rosângela Gouvêa coordinated the curation process of the pieces on September 29 and October 1.
Historical context - The conception of the collection was defined during the workshop held on August 21, when participants shared ideas and developed the reference framework.
In the workshop, the professor promoted a creative immersion that connected faith, spirituality, and sustainability, by presenting the historical context of the Círio de Nazaré and highlighting cultural and natural elements of the Amazon region as sources of inspiration.
She also emphasized the importance of the initiative for the students of the Bachelor's degree in Design at Uepa, who participated in the Joias de Nazaré 2025 Workshop. "Participating in the workshop was an opportunity for university students to experience professional practice in the design field, even during their academic training. By addressing historical aspects of the Círio de Nazaré and reflecting on the peculiarities and different tributes to the patroness, students immerse themselves in a universe that involves the culture and identity of the State," explained Rosângela Gouvêa.
Neobaroque - Designer Rosa Leal is one of the exhibitors, presenting the collection "Nazaré Barroca", an authorial line of jewelry that unites art, faith, and cultural identity. The collection consists of a necklace and earrings in silver, highlighting the piece crafted with green gold and amethyst, carefully selected to emphasize the sophistication and symbolism of the pieces.
According to Rosa Leal, the collection's main source of inspiration is the Neobaroque, an aesthetic movement that dialogues with exaggeration, dramatic expression, and richness of detail, characteristics also present in the cultural manifestations of the Festivity of Nazaré.
"The Círio refers us to faith, but also to the profane — to the popular festival, the colors, the collective emotion. The Neobaroque carries this same duality, between the spiritual and the mundane, the traditional and the exuberant. That is what I wanted to translate into the jewelry," explained Rosa Leal.
Designer Helena Bezerra presents the collection "Relíquias de Nazaré", composed of 17 pieces inspired by Baroque, Rococo, and devotion to Our Lady of Nazaré. The collection includes rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and other pieces made of 925 silver, with the application of fragments of 18th-century porcelain.
One of the great differentiators of the jewelry is the use of oriental porcelain from the traditional Casa Kato, hand-painted with 18K gold. The fragments were donated by Rodrigo Lima, who inherited the piece as a family relic.
According to Helena Bezerra, reusing old porcelain gives the pieces a deep meaning. "Producing these jewels with porcelain fragments was a moment of re-signification. It is transforming a delicate and historical material into a symbol of faith, renewal, and sustainability," highlighted the designer.
The finishing of the pieces also brings direct references to the Círio de Nazaré, such as shapes inspired by the rope of the procession, one of the most symbolic elements of the festivity, reproduced in silver with rich details.
"The Joias de Nazaré collection is the moment I look forward to the most. It is a way to pay tribute to the Virgin of Nazaré through the creation of pieces that express faith, religiosity, and beauty," stated Helena Bezerra.
Service: Exhibition "Joias de Nazaré 2025". Open for visitation until October 19, at the São José Liberto Space (Praça Amazonas, s/n, Jurunas neighborhood). Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Sundays and holidays, from 10 am to 2 pm.
