What is the amazingly rare gem paraiba tourmaline?
Since their discovery in the 1980s, Paraiba Tourmalines have become one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Colours range from neon turquoise blue to an electric greenish blue. But it is the incandescent glow that lights up the stone from within that makes Paraiba Tourmalines so popular, flattering and appealing.
Its name is derived from the Paraiba State in Brazil, where it was first discovered by Heitor Dimas Barbosa - who spent years digging in the hills of the Brazilian state of Paraiba on a hunch that something special was buried there. Nowadays the Brazilian stones are very hard to source, but more recently, deposits were discovered in Mozambique and Nigeria.
Tourmaline comes in many colours including blue, green, red, yellow and pink, however the Neon Blue found in Paraiba Tourmaline is the most highly prized. For every 10,000 diamonds mined, only one Paraiba Tourmaline is found!
My Paraiba Tourmaline Jewellery
My Paraiba Tourmalines
I supply an Insurance valuation of the finished piece of jewellery and a Gem Report card with each piece.
Caring for Tourmaline
It has a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs Scale (similar to Emerald), Gems with a hardness of 6-7 or greater are quite suitable for rings which are worn occasionally. For a ring like a wedding or engagement ring, intended for everyday wear over a period of years, a hardness rating of 8-10 is recommended. Warm, soapy water is the best method for cleaning tourmaline. The use of ultrasonic and steam cleaners is not recommended.