Souvenirs in Brazil
 

Just found out I'm going to Brazil on business in about a month and am just starting research. I always try to get gifts for the family while abroad: What should I get in Brazil? What is the country known for or well-regarded for? (Other than Brazil NUTS, of course.) I have seen references to gems...but which ones and why would one get them in Brazil as opposed to somewhere else?
Just wondered what everyone has found in Brazil that is unique/interesting/a good deal to watch for.
Thanks for the input.

Brazil produces 60% of the colored precious and semi-precious stones in the world, so it is one of the best places in the world where to buy it. You can find REALLY cheap gems, and also great design, not so expensive. Of course if you buy jewelry from the big international stores like H Stern and Amsterdam Sauer you will pay the same big international prices.
Keep in mind that in Brazil technology is expensive and labor is cheap. So, hand made stuff is less expensive than industrial. Beautiful handicrafts.
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Thank you, Thespis!
Do you have suggestions for purchase of gems, other than H Stern/Amsterdam Sauer?
Trip is pretty structured, so I don't know if I'll even have a chance to do much shopping:(

I brought my family chocolate covered amazon fruits (acai, capuacu, etc) that you cant find in the states. OR jam made out of amazon fruits.

Buy a hand woven hammock. They are fabulous.

They're tacky and predictable as hell, but my kids absolutely LOVED the stupid little dried and shellacked piranhas that they sell in just about any artesania or souvenir market.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

If you are in Rio on a Sunday, go to the Hippie Fair in the Ipanema area. You will find all sorts of wonderful (and fairly reasonably priced) jewelry and crafts.

I'd second the hippy market for jewellry.