Tourmaline is a gemstone celebrated for its unparalleled range of colours, making it a highly sought-after gem by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike. While displaying a spectrum of hues, it is particularly well-known for its pink varieties, and holds the distinction of being the recognized birthstone for October. The gem’s appeal is further heightened by the rarity of its electric blue variation, sourced from Paraíba, Brazil, which commands significant attention within the gemological world.
Historical Significance and Lore
Although the provided sources do not detail the ancient history of tourmaline, they highlight its modern desirability and presence in the estate jewellery market. The pieces described – rings, stud earrings, and enhancers – demonstrate the gem’s continued relevance in contemporary jewellery design. The popularity of “Journey” style pendants and earrings, as noted in the sources, suggests a contemporary symbolic association with life’s path and experiences. The presence of Canadian diamonds alongside tourmaline in some pieces indicates a modern emphasis on origin and ethical sourcing.
Geological Formation and Sources
The sources specifically mention Brazil as a key source for tourmaline, particularly the exceptionally rare and vibrant blue varieties from the Paraíba region. The materials do not provide details on the geological processes involved in tourmaline formation, nor do they list other significant mining locations.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer limited but valuable insights into the gemological properties of tourmaline. The gem exhibits a broad colour range, with pinks being particularly prominent. The sources describe tourmaline colours as “intense very slightly purplish pink,” “so saturated it almost glows,” and “softer colour that falls halfway between fuchsia and baby pink.” Other colours mentioned include indigo-violet, and yellowish orange.
The sources detail examples of tourmaline cuts, including oval faceted cuts and brilliant cuts. Sizes vary, with individual gems ranging from 0.20 carats to 1.90 carats, and combined weights reaching 2.26 and 3.50 carats for sets.
Diamond quality is also referenced in relation to tourmaline pieces, with diamonds described as VS-HI quality and bright I1-HI quality. These diamonds are often used as accents, set in halos or alongside tourmaline in various designs.
The sources do not provide information on tourmaline’s chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or other standard gemological properties.
Tourmaline in Jewellery: Styles and Settings
The sources showcase a diverse range of jewellery styles featuring tourmaline. These include:
- Rings and Stud Earrings: Often paired, these pieces highlight the range of pink tourmaline tones. Rings feature halos of diamonds, while studs are accented with single-cut diamonds.
- Stud Enhancers: Designed to be worn in front of the earlobe, these enhancers showcase indigo-violet tanzanite, but demonstrate a style applicable to tourmaline as well.
- Huggie Earrings: These versatile and comfortable earrings are often bezel-set with diamonds, offering a subtle sparkle.
- Geometric Huggie Earrings: Featuring mirror-finished planes, these earrings demonstrate a modern design aesthetic.
- Hoop Earrings: Available in various sizes and shapes, including traditional rope designs and rectangular forms.
- Drop Earrings: Handcrafted with thin gauge gold and bezel settings, these earrings showcase the vibrant colour of citrine quartz, a style that could also be applied to tourmaline.
- Pendant and Earring Sets: “Journey” style sets feature graduated round brilliant cut diamonds alongside tourmaline, symbolizing life’s journey.
- Solitaire Studs: Modern designs incorporate bezel settings and a signature ruby detail, as seen in Roberto Coin pieces.
The materials used in these settings include 14-karat yellow and white gold, and 18-karat white gold. The sources emphasize the quality of craftsmanship, with features like sturdy hinges, tight locking posts, and secure settings.
Diamond Accents and Combinations
The sources frequently mention diamonds in conjunction with tourmaline, highlighting their complementary aesthetic. Diamonds are used to enhance the brilliance and sparkle of tourmaline pieces, often set in halos or as accents. The quality of the diamonds is noted, with grades ranging from VS-HI to I1-HI. The inclusion of Canadian diamonds in some pieces underscores a growing consumer interest in ethical sourcing and traceability.
Market Value and Estate Jewellery
The sources provide pricing information for estate jewellery pieces featuring tourmaline and diamonds. Prices range from $140.00 CAD for 10-karat gold hoop earrings to $3,430.00 CAD for a Roberto Coin diamond and ruby set. The estate pricing suggests a potential value proposition for buyers seeking unique and high-quality jewellery. The sources also indicate that certain styles, such as “Journey” pendants and earrings, are particularly popular and tend to sell quickly.
Care and Cleaning
While the sources do not provide specific care instructions for tourmaline, the mention of rhodium plating on white gold jewellery suggests the importance of regular cleaning to maintain its shine. Given tourmaline’s potential sensitivity to heat and certain chemicals, gentle cleaning with mild soap and warm water is generally recommended. The sources’ emphasis on the condition of estate pieces – “perfect condition,” “like new condition” – highlights the importance of proper care in preserving the gem’s beauty.
Summary of Gemological Data
The following table summarizes the gemological data available from the provided sources:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Gemstone | Tourmaline |
| Colour | Pink, blue (Paraíba), indigo-violet, yellowish orange |
| Cut | Oval faceted, brilliant cut |
| Carat Weight | 0.20 - 1.90 carats (individual gems), up to 3.50 carats (combined) |
| Associated Gems | Diamond (VS-HI, I1-HI quality) |
| Metal | 14-karat yellow and white gold, 18-karat white gold |
| Origin | Brazil (Paraíba) |
Conclusion
Tourmaline, with its captivating array of colours and increasing popularity, remains a significant gemstone in the jewellery world. The provided sources, while limited in scope, demonstrate its enduring appeal, particularly in the estate jewellery market. Its versatility in design, combined with the potential for stunning colour combinations with diamonds, ensures its continued desirability among gemstone enthusiasts and jewellery buyers. The rarity of certain varieties, such as the electric blue Paraíba tourmaline, further elevates its status as a prized gem.