Paraíba Tourmaline was first found in Brazil in the 80s, in the Paraíba Region, in the district of São José da Batalha – hence its name –, then in Nigeria in 2000 and, later, in 2004 in Mozambique.
About 600 million years ago, a unique geological event created the most spectacular variety of gems in the tourmaline group – the Paraíba Tourmaline.
It is important to highlight a phenomenon: African tourmalines are usually much larger than Brazilian ones and can be produced in larger quantities, which could end up affecting carat prices. Here it is rare to find a paraiba tourmaline with more than 5 carats, while in Africa there are already some examples with weights above 10 carats, and the largest polished paraiba in the world is from Mozambique.
Paraiba Tourmaline is found in only five mines around the planet; three of them in Brazil, where the most valuable specimens come from.
Production, however, is very scarce, almost extinct, making it increasingly expensive and coveted.
The main jewelry stores in the country have some pieces with the precious stone, kept under lock and key, and the value of one of these exclusive jewels can reach R$ 3 million.
At first, the Brazilians did not pay much attention to the new discovery, but the Japanese were fascinated with the gems and began to buy and resell them in Asia, making them reach unbelievable prices.
The production of Tourmaline Paraíba is decreasing every year. A mere 20 carats a year, compared to 480 million for diamonds.
Tourmalines are found in many colors, including blue (indicolite), but the determining factor for stating that it was a stone, hitherto unknown, was its chemical composition, because due to the presence of small traces of copper and manganese, Paraíba has this neon blue or greenish blue color, a bright and unique color.
Even if they are not more expensive than diamonds, rare gemstones give jewelry uniqueness. To calculate the quality of a gemstone, experts use the criteria of the four Cs, adapted from the English language: cut (cut), clarity (clarity), carat (carat) and, most importantly, color (color).
Furthermore, the rarity of a gem and the unique design of a gem can make its price multiply quickly.
Paraíba Tourmaline captivated the world of gemstones from the beginning, for its beauty and electrifying colors.
They became popular almost instantly and today are among the most sought after and valuable gemstones in the world.
The discovery of Paraíba Tourmaline, after being observed for the first time by the human eye, creates a strong emotional impact, due to its vivid and brilliant blue.
As they are very rare, jewelers do not usually break the stones, but work with them more or less in the format in which they appear.
This makes it difficult, for example, to make earrings, which require very similar stones.
Paraiba Tourmaline cutting
Cutting, however, is fundamental to intensify the shine of the stone, it is faceted at certain angles, so that light can penetrate it and return to the eyes with the greatest possible beauty.
Cutting enhances color and shine, bringing the stone to its best potential.
Paraiba Tourmaline Value
Expectations always point to higher prices, as demand grows at a faster pace than supply. Values of five digits per carat are not uncommon for good quality neon blue gems, and for blue-green gems of more than 5 carats.
It's love at first sight: the gem has an inner glow of its own, a splendorous neon blue that touches the heart. It's pure emotion! When we place one of these stones in the dark, it appears to be lit, as if it were neon.
It is the only transparent gem that has copper in its composition, which gives it this vibrant, bright and electric color. It is said that, like the sun, this gem has its own light!
