By David Brough
Paraiba tourmalines, gorgeous gemstones whose glowing colour ranges from neon blue to green, named after the state in Brazil where they were first discovered in the 1980s, are becoming increasingly sought-after by collectors and jewellery lovers.
“Intense neon-bright blue colour in Paraibas, with flawless clarity, can be considered as collectors’ items,” says Suhail Salahudeen, gemstone consultant to StarLanka.com.
“In terms of popularity, neon blue is the most desired, followed by blue tones. Paraibas’ incandescent glow makes them highly prized among collectors and jewellery lovers.”
As well as Brazilian Paraiba tourmalines, the stones were later uncovered in Mozambique in the early 2000s.
Due to tight supplies of Brazilian Paraiba, prices of Paraiba tourmalines have soared in recent years, with Mozambican origin stones now increasingly in demand.
“Currently Brazilian supplies are very limited compared to demand, hence pushing the prices of Mozambican origin stones even higher,” Suhail said. “The Brazilian stones are still preferred by collectors.”
A high-quality Paraiba from Brazil weighing more than three carats is extremely rare.
“Finding a good colour and quality of Paraiba is very difficult nowadays,” Suhail said.
Paraiba tourmalines are increasingly in demand in high-value jewellery auctions, competing for the attention of collectors with exquisite rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
Jewellery lovers are looking to add pieces set with Paraiba tourmalines to their collections.
Bulgari’s Mediterranean Queen collection is set with Paraiba tourmalines.
Inspired by a Bulgari necklace dating back to 1969, that with its intricate gold and diamond construction evokes sea waves, the Mediterranean Queen masterpiece, is an expression of the Roman jeweller’s daring, Bulgari says.
Five marvellous oval cushion-cut Paraiba tourmalines, weighing about 500 carats in total, are connected by sinuous, curved elements set with emeralds and diamonds.
To find out more about Paraiba tourmalines, please visit starlanka.com
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