World Congress of Jade Carving Artists of Guatemala
(IV Edition)
From 23 to 26 October 2025, the beautiful and historic city of Antigua Guatemala hosted the fourth edition of the World Congress of Jade Carving Artists of Guatemala, a vibrant, four-day gathering that celebrated not only the stunning craftsmanship of jade, but also the shared passion, cultural legacy and creative future of this exceptional stone. This year’s edition welcomed artists and jewelers working in jade from six countries: Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States, Japan and the Netherlands. It was a true international meeting of hands, minds and hearts united by their fascination with Guatemalan jadeite and the art of carving it.
Organised by the non-profit The Maya Conservancy together with the Jade Maya team, this event once again affirmed that jade is more than a gemstone, it is heritage, identity and an invitation to innovation. The commitment of the team behind the scenes made everything possible: months of planning, coordination, hospitality, logistics, on-site production, artist support, tours and exhibitions. We extend heartfelt thanks to every member of the Jade Maya family whose dedication made this congress come alive.
A warm welcome, official presentations and a cultural stroll
The opening day began with a press conference and formal introduction of the participating jade carvers at the headquarters of Jade Maya. Here the media, invited guests and artists shared stories of their craft, their inspiration, and their hopes for this unique gathering. Later, the artists were received by municipal authorities at the Antigua Guatemala City Hall, a gracious welcome to our historic city and cultural home. The group then ventured into the nearby village of San Juan del Obispo for a guided walk, including a visit to a local chocolate museum and a stroll through the village’s cobbled pathways, experiencing community life, cocoa tradition and the charm of the countryside. Lunch was served at The Harvest, a newly-opened restaurant under the Jade Maya brand, where guests enjoyed Guatemalan fare in an atmosphere of conviviality. That evening, the inaugural cocktail reception at the CFCE provided the perfect opportunity for artists, organisers and guests to mingle, exchange stories and raise a glass to what lay ahead.
A day of cultural immersion in Guatemala City
On the second day, the agenda shifted to the capital city. The carvers were taken on a full day of visits, first to the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología where the ancient roots of jade in Guatemala were on display, an inspiring backdrop for contemporary creativity. The tour continued to the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura (National Palace of Culture) where architecture, history and national identity intersect. The day was rich in context, helping each participant reflect on how the art of jade carving is embedded in the past and moving into the future.
Conferences, performances and creative exchange
The third day focused on knowledge-sharing and celebration. In the morning the eminent archaeologist Mary Lou Ridinger delivered the keynote lecture, “Evolution of the Jade Congress in Guatemala: Achievements and Challenges,” tracing the journey of the congress and the field of jade carving. Following that, Dr. Aníbal Chajón presented “Application of Jade in Goldsmithing Worldwide,” a vivid survey of the ways jade continues to inspire contemporary design globally. In the afternoon, the cultural programme shifted tone: the Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (INGUAT) treated the audience to a lively folkloric ballet, followed by a saxophone performance. The vibrant mix of knowledge and performance created a unified celebration that engaged head, hand and heart.
Dialogue, museum tour and awards
On the final day, the participants gathered for a round-table discussion: carvers shared their personal experiences, challenges faced when working jade, and the joys and difficulties of translating vision into stone. Thereafter, they enjoyed a guided tour of the Jade Maya Museum, led by Mary Lou Ridinger, offering a deep dive into the mineralogy, cultural meaning and future potential of Guatemalan jadeite. In the afternoon, the moment everyone anticipated: the awards ceremony bestowing the prizes for the best works in two categories: Jade Sculpture and Jade Jewelry.
Looking ahead: the legacy continues
As this fourth edition comes to a close, we look toward the future with renewed enthusiasm. The congress is not just a competition, it is a space for connection, learning, and inspiration.
We hope that in the coming year, artisans and designers from around the world who work with Guatemalan jade will join us to share their creations and continue this story of art, heritage, and unity.
This event is also a seed planted for the next generation of jade carvers and jewelry artists, who will carry forward the legacy of jade into new forms of expression. Through their hands, the story of jade continues to evolve, linking the past, present, and future.
None of this would be possible without the passionate, hardworking team behind it all. The Jade Maya staff and The Maya Conservancy devoted countless hours to every detail, from artist coordination to venue logistics, guided tours, meals, and hospitality. Their spirit and dedication are the true foundation of this congress.
To everyone who made the IV World Congress of Jade Carving Artists of Guatemala a success: Thank you. Together, we continue to shape the future of jade.
