PARAIBA TOURMALINE: ELECTRIC RARITY
Paraiba tourmaline is one of the world’s most elusive and mesmerizing gems. Discovered in the late 1980s, these copper-rich stones are found in limited pockets in Brazil, Mozambique, and Nigeria — each origin lending its own nuance to the stone’s electric color. The Paraiba fame comes from the vivid neon blue and turquoise hues seen in heated stones — colors so striking they seem to glow from within.
Unheated Paraiba tourmalines, on the other hand, display pinkish-purple tones — an entirely different palette that is equally prized for its natural beauty and scarcity. Whether heated or unheated, sourcing these stones is incredibly challenging, as top-quality Paraibas are rare and command global attention from collectors. When Long’s evaluates a Paraiba tourmaline, we look for intensity, color saturation, and excellent clarity — hallmarks of a truly desirable stone.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 1) Eclat, Platinum Pear-Shaped 3.09CTW Paraiba and 2.81CTW Diamond Ring 2) JB Star, Platinum Pear-Shaped 8.19CTW Paraiba and Rose-Cut Diamond Necklace
27 | LONG’S JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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