Clement Sabbagh

Clement Sabbagh is a second-generation miner, cutter, and wholesaler of colored gemstones. Clement’s father and uncle began the gemstone family business in 1961 in Governador Valadares, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He lived in Israel for two years (1982-1984) and specialized as an emerald cutter in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. He became a Graduate Gemologist at GIA, Los Angeles in 1986 and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1991. 

Clement was the Vice President for the Gem and Jeweler Association of the State of Minas Gerais from 2000-2004.

In 2005, he received an award from the International Colored Stones Association for outstanding services for the Colored Stone Industry.

He Co-organized the 2006-2007 Brazil Gem Show.

Throughout his career he has led many mine tours in Brazil for Gemology Students, Gemstones Dealers and Jewelers spreading the knowledge “From Mine to Market”.

Clement has been with the ICA since 1997, serving as Ambassador for Brazil, as a voting Director, and lastly as the president with the longest tenure in office between the years 2017 and 2023.

Under his competent leadership, ICA faced the unprecedented challenges brought by a worldwide pandemic, but also spearheaded pioneering initiatives that reflected the constantly evolving nature of the industry. 

Among these initiatives were the translation of InColor magazine into Chinese, providing a major international link to the vast Chinese market. The establishment of the 'Gems Keep Giving' fund demonstrated ICA's commitment to improving the livelihoods of small artisanal miners and their communities, while the Accredited Ethical Member (AEM) program promoted responsible sourcing and enhanced consumer confidence by ensuring full disclosure of gemstone enhancements and origins. Thanks to his leadership, ICA was able to navigate a difficult time and make meaningful progress for the industry. 

Clement Sabbagh is a Business Graduate, GIA Gemologist and director of Ben Sabbagh Bros, second generation in mining, cutting and supplying quality, colored gems worldwide. Shortly after engaging in the family gemstone business, he lived in Israel for 3 years and became a specialist in emerald cutting. After 10 years of dedication in the board of directors, he was unanimously chosen in 2017 to be the president of ICA - International Colored Gemstones Association which is the only worldwide body specifically created to promote and benefit the global colored gemstone industry.

From 2017 to 2023, he held the longest tenure as president in ICA's history. Under his competent leadership, the organization not only navigated the unprecedented challenges of a worldwide pandemic but also spearheaded pioneering initiatives that reflected the constantly evolving nature of the industry. Thanks to his dedication and vision, ICA was able to make meaningful progress during a difficult time.