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Paraiba tourmalines are rare and valuable gems that
have a vivid blue or green color due to copper content.
They were first discovered in the Brazilian state of
Paraiba in 1989, but later found in Nigeria and
Mozambique as well12. Paraiba tourmalines are prized
for their neon-like hues and high brilliance. They can
cost up to $100,000 per carat or more3.
Some examples of paraiba tourmalines are:
The 5.19-carat medium-dark, very strongly greenish
blue emerald-cut tourmaline from Namibia3.
The 23.61-carat African paraiba tourmaline center
stone surrounded by white diamonds in a 14k white gold pendant2.
The world’s largest black opal, named “Halley’s Comet”,
which has a paraiba-like color and is worth $1.6 million2.
If you want to learn more about paraiba tourmalines,
you can check out these links:
Paraíba Tourmaline Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Paraíba Tourmaline Buying Guide
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Paraiba Tourmaline 101:
Everything You Need To Know
Your Complete Guide to Paraiba Tourmaline
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If you’re looking for a unique and rare gemstone, you’ve
come to the right place. Paraiba tourmalines, named for
the Brazilian region where they were first found, is a
relatively new gemstone that has quickly become one of
the most highly sought after.
With their striking color, brilliance, and incandescent
glow that set them apart from other gemstones, Paraiba tourmalines are
perfect for all types of jewelry.
Here’s a quick guide on everything you need to know abou
t Paraiba tourmalines before you buy.
What is Paraiba Tourmaline?
Tourmalines have been around for centuries,
but Paraiba tourmalines are a relatively new
discovery. In 1988, electric neon-blue and blue-green
tourmalines were discovered in Paraiba, Brazil.
Paraiba tourmalines are elbaite tourmalines that get
their color from traces of copper and are known for
this vivid neon-like color that can only be found in
this variety of tourmaline.
Because of how beautiful and unique these gemstones were, they have highly
sought after. Similar tourmaline deposits were found afterward in other
parts of Brazil as well as in Nigeria and Mozambique. These continued to be
called Paraiba, after the place where they were originally discovered.
Paraiba Tourmaline Color
Paraiba tourmaline stands out because of its bright
vivid blue color. The stone can be found in a range
of hues, from neon blue, and greenish blue, to mint
green and sometimes violet and purple. The most highly
sought-after and best-known Paraiba tourmaline color is
neon blue.
Another striking feature of these gemstones is their luminous, neon-like
glow that seems to shine from within the stone. It gives the gemstone a very
intriguing appearance and makes it easily distinguishable from all other
gemstones. This occurs because of the presence of copper in the stone.
Is Paraiba Tourmaline Rare?
Paraiba tourmalines are extremely rare and
are much rarer than diamonds
(in fact, diamonds aren’t rare
at all but that’s the subject of another article).
It’s estimated that the ratio of Paraiba tourmalines
to diamonds is 1 in every 10,000. This rarity is due to the fact that
Paraiba tourmalines are only sourced from areas rich in copper, like Brazil,
Mozambique, and Nigeria. All this makes the Paraiba tourmaline one of the
scarcest gemstones on the planet.
Are Paraiba Tourmalines Expensive?
Paraiba tourmalines are among the most expensive
tourmaline varieties. Prices can vary depending on the quality and size of
the stone, but in general, a high-quality Paraiba tourmaline will cost
thousands of dollars. Brazilian Paraiba tourmalines are generally higher in
price than those mined from other regions.
Paraiba Tourmaline in Jewelry
Paraiba tourmaline is an excellent gemstone for
jewelry and can be crafted into all jewelry types.
They make stunning stud or dangle earrings, beautiful
pendants, and gorgeous rings. Paraiba tourmalines add
that pop of luxurious color to elevate your look.
These gemstones are especially beautiful under lights as
their sparkle and glow are enhanced.
These gemstones can be cut into al
l popular gemstone shapes, and because of
their transparency, are especially beautiful
and brilliant when faceted. However, Paraiba
tourmaline cut en cabochon is also very attractive,
emphasizing the stone’s color and internal glow.
There’s no denying that a Paraiba tourmaline engagement ring is an
eye-catching choice. Pair the stone with a white gold setting and add in
some diamond melees for a stunning gemstone that’s sure to stand out. When
set in yellow or rose gold settings, a Paraiba tourmaline creates a
distinct, vintage look that is classic and sophisticated. The choice is
yours.
A little Paraiba tourmaline tends to go a long way, thanks to its electric
color. If you find that a large stone is beyond your budget, you could still
opt for a smaller Paraiba tourmaline gemstone and have it set expertly to
maximize the stone’s appearance.
Having said that, note that a Paraiba tourmaline
isn’t as durable as common engagement ring gemstone
choices, like sapphire, diamonds, or rubies. You would
need to take care of the stone and ensure that it’s kept clean and free from
excessive exposure to prolong its life.
While we don’t recommend Paraiba tourmaline engagement
rings, if set in a protective setting, like a bezel
setting or a halo setting, and taken reasonable care of,
it can be a great option.
Paraiba Tourmaline Enhancements and Treatments
The most important grading feature of a Paraiba
tourmaline is its saturation, and as a result,
stones are generally heat treated to enhance the
tone and brightness. This is also known as a ‘burning process’.
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