Paraíba tourmaline is the common name for a gem variety of cupro-elbaite elbaite used in jewelry.
Paraíba is the rarest and most sought-after of all tourmalines for its very particular color, ranging from neon blue to "mint water" green. This color is due to a very high copper content (up to 3%). The Paraíbas are therefore copper tourmalines.

Ring, Paraiba Tourmaline, Diamonds, David Morris

DEPOSITS

The first deposit was discovered in 1989, in the Brazilian state of Paraíba. Today this first deposit is exhausted but new ones have been found: in Nigeria in 2001 and in Mozambique in 2005. The stones coming out of these African mines have, since 2006, been legally sold under the name of Paraíba.

Earrings, Chaumet 

COLOR

The color and especially the saturation of it are the essential elements in estimating the value of a Paraíba. Stones with high saturation and very luminous are the most sought after.
These tourmalines are sensitive to light and their color can change. It is therefore very important to appraise a Paraíba tourmaline under different lights.
Thanks to its rarity, its price can reach or even exceed that of traditional precious stones such as diamonds, emeralds or rubies. Prices can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of euros per carat.

“Versailles side garden” bracelet, Dior 

TREATMENTS

To improve their color, it is possible to heat the raw Paraíbas in an oven at 1300 degrees. This method also reduces the size and number of inclusions inside the stone.

David Morris Earrings, Opals, Paraiba, Diamonds 

HOUSES

This exceptional stone also captivates the major luxury brands.

Indeed we can cite among these: Dior, Chanel, Chaumet, David Morris, Chopard or Bulgari.

Tourmaline Paraiba © Bulgari

Tourmaline is the stone of the month of October and it is used to celebrate 52 years of marriage.

Chopard Watch, Paraiba, Diamonds 

If you are interested in Paraiba tourmaline, do not hesitate to discover what Les Pierres de Julie offers in store…

We are also available for any free expertise of your Paraiba tourmaline jewellery, for this you can send an email with your photos to contact@lespierresdejulie.com.

Whether you're interested in buying a piece of jewellery or a stone, a free jewelry appraisal or jewelry resale, Pierres de Julie welcomes you to its Parisian boutique in the Village Suisse, a stone's throw from the Ecole Militaire and the Esplanade des Invalides.