Paraiba tourmaline was first discovered in Brazil in 1987 - less than 40 years ago - and almost immediately attracted enormous interest from gemologists and experienced collectors. The extraordinary color, ranging from rich bluish-green to “neon” greenish-blue, as well as the ability to literally glow from within, captivates everyone who ever sees the mineral with their own eyes.
Advertising - Continued below
The main difference between Paraiba and other blue and green tourmalines is its copper impurities. Initially, it was believed that deposits of the stone were found only in Brazil, but later it was also mined in Mozambique and Nigeria. However, it is Brazilian tourmalines that are valued all over the world above others.
Here are a dozen extraordinary pieces of jewelry inlaid with magnificent Paraiba tourmalines of various shapes and shades.
Arunashi
Arunashi is a family brand, the name of which was born from the names of its founders - spouses Arun and Ashita Bora. Light Indian motifs, bold designs and beautiful gemstones have made Arunashi incredibly popular, including among Hollywood stars.
Advertising - Continued below
Each creation of the brand is a small work of art. Like the mermaid brooch in 18k white gold, set with 2.2 carats of Paraiba tourmalines and 5.35 carats of diamonds.
Story
Paraiba is one of the few gemstones whose time, place of birth and “parent” are known with certainty.
His story begins in 1987. In the summer, the world jewelry market was rocked by a sensation. The Brazilian state of Paraiba, which delights the world with multi-colored tourmalines, has presented a new variety of stone.
It was discovered by a prospector with many years of experience, Heitor Barbosa. He believed in the potential of the State of Paraiba and deliberately dug it up with his team.
At this point, exact information gives way to versions:
- According to the first, the find turned out to be insidious. Out of joy, the elderly man’s health deteriorated and he was out of action for a long time. And when he returned, the deposit was exhausted.
- The second claims that Barbosa offered the Paraiba to a reseller. The successful merchant did not show that the stone was unique. I tried to buy it for next to nothing, but it was impossible to deceive Barbosa. We agreed on a price that we were both happy with. They say that Paraibas have been seen for several years.
Its presentation at an exhibition in Arizona in 1990 was the beginning of a worldwide triumph. They fought hard for the stone, the price per carat soared from a couple of hundred to $2000.
Today, high-quality Brazilian tourmaline costs five times more per carat.
Martin Katz
Paraiba is, of course, beautiful in itself, but a skilled jeweler will be able to select worthy “neighbors” for a beautiful stone. This is exactly what happened with the spectacular ring from Martin Katz. The central oval 18-carat tourmaline is surrounded by a continuous, sparkling pavé of 350 diamonds and smaller tourmalines.
Sutra
The founder of the Sutra jewelry brand, Arpita Navlakha, is originally from Mumbai, India, and often uses designs that blend with her culture in her jewelry. For example, one of the rings is decorated with six rose-cut diamond drops, very popular in India, and the main focus, of course, is on 7 pear-shaped Paraiba tourmalines weighing a total of 8 carats. The cost of the ring is fully consistent with the precious contents and is $130,000.
Advertising - Continued below
What are they worn for and who are they suitable for?
Astrologers say that the mineral will find the greatest harmony with Libra, Cancer and Aquarius. It will calm your temper and protect you from stress and unnecessary worries.
As for the type of appearance, the stone will undoubtedly suit all female representatives. Regardless of age, face type and skin color, the gem will add freshness and brightness to the image.
According to lithotherapists, the mineral can cure some diseases. Therefore, it is worn for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, the nervous system and oncology. In turn, magicians and psychics are sure that Paraiba has powerful energy, so it is often used as protection against damage, the evil eye and other troubles.
Lugano Diamonds
Southern California-based Lugano Diamonds definitely strives to make its beautiful clients stand out from the crowd. The earrings pictured here feature oval Paraiba tourmalines, each weighing an incredible 23 carats. They were set with 120 tiny diamonds and 112 of the same Paraiba tourmalines. The upper part of the earrings is also decorated with 2 cushion-cut diamonds of 0.28 carats each.
Chopard
In 2012, Chopard presented the fairy-tale Disney Princess collection, which included jewelry inspired by cartoon heroines: Cinderella, the little mermaid Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine and others.
Despite the somewhat frivolous and even childish theme, the jewelry turned out to be truly luxurious. Among them was a necklace with Paraiba tourmalines: it was “intended” for Tiana, the heroine of the cartoon “The Princess and the Frog,” and was like one precious wreath of delicate blue flowers. Tourmalines are accompanied by tsavorites, emeralds, diamonds and cultured pearls.
Advertising - Continued below
Dior
The flight of imagination of Dior creative director Victoire de Castellane is completely limitless, and she does not hesitate to bring to life the most daring ideas, styles and stones. It would seem that the more bright colors there are in one decoration, the greater the risk of turning it into a crazy fireworks display without meaning or form, but Victoire knows exactly how to keep all the components in harmony.
A living example of such a subtle and skillful play with colors is the yellow gold Exquise Tourmaline Paraïba ring. Its center was a magnificent Paraiba tourmaline, around which spessartines, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds were arranged as petals.
What stones are combined with?
The gem, as a rule, is combined only with diamonds. Only such a neighborhood can successfully harmonize decoration. However, there are products additionally inlaid with various types of tourmaline:
- schorl;
- tsilaisite;
- elbaite;
- drags;
- indigolite;
- rubellite;
- siberite;
- verdelite;
- achroite;
- chamelionite;
- Dravit.
In any case, no matter what combination you choose, the Paraiba ring will look chic, leaving no one indifferent.
Spark Creations
New York jewelry house Spark Creations managed to present the classic combination of colors - blue and white - in a very elegant and graceful form. The delicate triangular pendant features a vibrant 5-carat Mozambican tourmaline surrounded by shimmering pavé diamonds. The metal chosen is 18-karat white gold. The cost of the decoration is $85,375.
Advertising - Continued below
Michele della Valle
Michele della Valle is certainly one of the most talented jewelers today. He creates not just jewelry, but real jewelry sculptures: his extraordinary precious flowers in brooches, necklaces and earrings seem completely alive and just beg to be picked up.
With a true love for precious stones, Michele does not strive for minimalist design, without hesitation showing each stone in all its beauty and brilliance. For example, a white gold cocktail ring is practically studded with Paraiba tourmalines, including ones weighing more than 9 carats.
The piece was auctioned at Sotheby's for $128,500.
Advertising - Continued below
Giampiero Bodino
Giampiero Bodino was born in Turin and began his career quite far from jewelry - in architecture. However, the designer’s love for working with shapes and beautiful, functional things attracted the attention of Bulgari representatives. The famous Italian brand invited Giampiero to Rome - this is how Bodino’s story in the world of jewelry began.
Among the works of Giampiero Bodino there is no clearly developed single style: in some of them one can find motifs that return the viewer several centuries into the past; others resort to modern and massive forms; still others simply glorify the beauty of the flowers of the elements of nature.
The necklace in the photo is one of the designer’s outstanding products, called “Baroque”. The piece features 326 carats of African Paraiba tourmalines, surrounded by diamonds and set in white gold.
What metals are they framed in?
Considering the value of the stone, the most suitable metal is gold or platinum. It is rare to find a gem framed in silver, since the mineral itself is unique. Therefore, the appropriate frame is chosen.
Depending on the degree of transparency of the crystal, it can be given a wide variety of cuts:
- diamond;
- stepped;
- cabochon;
- marquis;
- princess;
- emerald;
- usher;
- pentagonal, hexagonal and octagonal.
Such methods allow you to reveal all the color saturation and deep shine of Paraiba.
Tamsen Z
The brand's founder, Anne Ziff, has been fascinated by gemstones since her early childhood, when she would occasionally watch her mother, opera singer Harriet Henders, wear jewelry. Today, Ann herself creates extraordinary jewelry, the main feature of which is fancy, bold cuts.
One of Tamsen Z's pieces is a platinum ring with a large Paraiba tourmaline in the center and a trail of diamonds around it. The perfect purity of tourmaline and the unusual shape of the cut make an indelible impression.
Beautiful styles to wear
Paraiba rings are amazing. A variety of styles, created by the skillful hands of jewelry craftsmen, are suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Classic models have always been in fashion. As a rule, they do not contain large stones, but are inlaid with one small gem. The frame is made in a simple style, without lace weaves. Such jewelry is popular for everyday wear, a modest family celebration, a romantic date or a walk. Recently, they are often used as wedding rings.
Vintage style rings can amaze the imagination. These are massive jewelry in a deep frame, where the paraiba is cut in the shape of a large square or oval. The products are distinguished by their intricate shape, complex design and various openwork patterns. Such rings are suitable for attending parties, magnificent holidays and meetings in restaurants.
Cocktail rings are bright, shiny pieces in which Paraiba is combined with other precious stones to create rainbow mixes. Such accessories are suitable for parties and family celebrations.
Evening models are special decorations. Often surrounded by gemstones you can find diamonds that reflect the unique brilliance of Paraiba. According to the rules of etiquette, such products are usually worn only in the evening - a meeting in a restaurant, a visit to the theater, a party, a gala event.
