Kevin Ferreira is a freelance consultant specializing in rough and finished colored gemstones, particularly Paraiba Tourmaline. With a Graduate Gemologist diploma from the GIA and five years of field experience in Africa and Brazil, Kevin educates industry leaders on ethical and sustainable sourcing, as well as treatment techniques and disclosures. He manages the US sales office for his family’s Paraiba Tourmaline mining operations in Nigeria, Mozambique, and Brazil, and serves as a distribution channel for other producers, including the renowned Sao Jose da Batalha and Mulungo mines.
Kevin’s career began with a vision to unify the Paraiba Tourmaline mines under shared standards of ethics, treatment, valuation, and communication. This mission was sparked by his early interactions with mine owners and stakeholders, aiming to resolve discrepancies and mistrust in the industry. His role as a trusted intermediary was further solidified through his collaboration with Carlos Torres, a fellow GIA graduate and marketing professional. Together, they conceptualized a coffee table book documenting the history and evolution of Paraiba Tourmaline, featuring interviews with key figures like Sergio Barbosa and Moizes Ferreira de Lima.
Committed to uniting the Paraiba Tourmaline producers, Kevin aims to establish consistent communication regarding value, treatments, color, and origin. His involvement with the American Gem Trade Association and the American Gem Society will help address industry needs and promote necessary changes. Kevin’s vision includes developing educational tools to foster industry-wide trust and transparency.
Katerina Perez, a Paris-based jewellery insider, journalist, and brand consultant, boasts over 15 years of experience in the jewellery sector. Since 2011, she has been a freelance journalist and content editor, contributing to international publications like Vogue Arabia, VO+, Robb Report, L’Officiel, and the Natural Diamond Council. Her journey into the world of fine and luxury jewellery began in London’s Bond Street, where she worked in sales and management for high-end brands. Her passion for jewellery deepened, leading her to study gemmology at the Gemmological Institute of Great Britain, where she graduated as an FGA.
In 2013, Katerina founded her website, katerinaperez.com, and launched her Instagram platform, @katerina_perez, which now boasts over 430,000 followers. She is renowned for bringing high jewellery online, offering her insights on new collections, trends, watch insights, colored gemstones, and original photography. Leveraging her extensive knowledge, Katerina also works as a brand consultant, collection curator, and public speaker.
Recognized in prestigious publications like The New York Times, L’Officiel, Tatler, JCK, and The Financial Times, Katerina has been a guest panellist, lecturer, judge, and keynote speaker at events such as Vicenzaoro, International Jewellery London, and COUTURE Las Vegas. She received the Top Jewellery Influencer award in 2018 and the WIBA Award for Jewellery Influencer of the Year in 2021. Despite her success, Katerina remains dedicated to inspiring a love for jewellery as an art form among women worldwide.