Are paraiba tourmalines actually rare?

[dk168]

Pssst, I bought a cheapo non-Brazilian cab from a new to me vendor in Etsy, and shall let you know if it is any good when it arrives.

I liked the glow in the listing pics, been eyeing it for a short time, just hope the stone IRL is as glowy as the pics.

As it is a cheapie, it will not be too painful if it is no good.

DK

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Pssst, I bought a cheapo non-Brazilian cab from a new to me vendor in Etsy, and shall let you know if it is any good when it arrives.

I liked the glow in the listing pics, been eyeing it for a short time, just hope the stone IRL is as glowy as the pics.

As it is a cheapie, it will not be too painful if it is no good.

DK

Squeeeeeeeeee I’m super excited on your behalf!!!! How long do we need to wait for it???

This will be an excellent test case to see if the more affordable stones can deliver on colour and glow!

I want to ask you how big but it will be a nice surprise!!!

 

[Autumn in New England]

This! I don’t understand this!

"AGL Certified" Paraiba Tourmaline 1.45 Carats

At Paraiba International, we offer the most Exquisite Paraiba Tourmaline Gemstones from Brazil and Mozambique. This is a stunning Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline 1.45 Carat Round, guaranteed to impress all. Browse our selection of Brazilian and Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline today!

www.paraibainternational.com

No glow! What’s with the price, it looks like a zircon? I’m guessing it’s because it’s from Brazil? But they assume heating so it’s very “meh” for that money.

Now this, this is paraiba proper in my eyes!

Paraiba Tourmaline 0.88 Carats

At Paraiba International, we offer the most Exquisite Paraiba Tourmaline Gemstones from Brazil and Mozambique. This is a stunning Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline 0.88 Carat Oval, guaranteed to impress all. Browse our selection of Brazilian and Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline today!

www.paraibainternational.com

But it’s tragically tiny!

Yeah, the first one, though decently saturated, looks to be lacking "the glow." But the pure blues from Brazil carry a premium. The second one, though "neon," is much more green and included, and so that impacts the value. Also, per-carat price typically goes down the smaller the gem (because larger gems are rarer).

 

[Autumn in New England]

Pssst, I bought a cheapo non-Brazilian cab from a new to me vendor in Etsy, and shall let you know if it is any good when it arrives.

I liked the glow in the listing pics, been eyeing it for a short time, just hope the stone IRL is as glowy as the pics.

As it is a cheapie, it will not be too painful if it is no good.

DK

 

[dk168]

Squeeeeeeeeee I’m super excited on your behalf!!!! How long do we need to wait for it???

This will be an excellent test case to see if the more affordable stones can deliver on colour and glow!

I want to ask you how big but it will be a nice surprise!!!

Could be a while as they are based in Thailand, just noticed, DOH!

DK

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Could be a while as they are based in Thailand, just noticed, DOH!

DK

Psssst is it decently big? You don’t have to tell me carat size! Cuz I can’t see you buying something tiny!

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Yeah, the first one, though decently saturated, looks to be lacking "the glow." But the pure blues from Brazil carry a premium. The second qone, though "neon," is much more green and included, and so that impacts the value. Also, per-carat price typically goes down the smaller the gem (because larger gems are rarer).

Autumn does glow come from inclusions to a certain extent? Or just undefinable? I’ve reached the stage where I want everything to glow. Glowing purple would be goals!!!

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

@mellowyellowgirl this one:

https://www.paraibainternational.co...roducts/paraiba-tourmaline-brazil-6-44-carats

DK

Ooh I like this one!!! Caught my eye too. Clarity enhanced though……

 

[dk168]

Psssst is it decently big? You don’t have to tell me carat size! Cuz I can’t see you buying something tiny!

You know me too well!

That's what Jeff W said too when I asked him about Katlang Topaz recently, in that he showed me two that were over my original budget, and did not show me the smaller 1ct+ for consideration as he knew I would prefer bigger stones! The one I ended up with is about 3x the original budget!

Here you go for the Tourmaline, I'll save the photos for later!



I would say it is a decent size, about the same size as my mum's Ruby cab. I might set it in a double halo too, still to be decided.

DK

 

[Autumn in New England]

Autumn does glow come from inclusions to a certain extent? Or just undefinable? I’ve reached the stage where I want everything to glow. Glowing purple would be goals!!!

You know, I think there's some truth to that. Look at rubies, for instance, where silk can enhance the saturation and fluorescence (in certain cases). However, the inverse of that is - as the copper content increases (which gives you that neon quality), the inclusions can also tend to increase (like cobalt spinel). So perhaps when it seems like the included material is more glowy, it's actually because of that as opposed to the inclusions causing it... just simply higher copper content. Mother nature is a maaaaad scientist (as Kramer use to say)!

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

@Autumn in New England this is niiiiiiiiice

Loose Paraiba Tourmaline - Oval 6.08 Ct. - #K3536 | The Natural Gemstone Company

<p>In the world of exquisite gemstones, there exists a piece so captivating that it transcends the ordinary, transforming a mere accessory into a timeless symbol of luxury and refinement. Introducing the breathtaking GRS certified 6.08 carat oval shape greenish-blue Paraiba tourmaline, an...

naturalgemstones.com

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

OK let me preface this by saying I have no money for any of these stones! But I have views!

See to me the stone above would be totally worth it. You can see it! It packs a punch! So at least if you are spending that much, it’s justifiable to me.

This one. Tiny! Objectively I understand the price. But then again tiny! Too small to even pass as a fake from AliExpress! Why would you fake something so small? My husband would say it’s tasteful but for that money what are you supposed to do with it???

Loose Paraiba Tourmaline - Oval 1.16 Ct. - #K12327 | The Natural Gemstone Company

<p>Deep within the verdant heart of Brazil, where nature thrums with life and vibrancy, a remarkable journey began millions of years ago. It was here, in the ancient geological folds of the Earth, that the blue paraiba tourmaline first came into being. Guided by the planet's slow alchemy, copper...

naturalgemstones.com

 

[Autumn in New England]

OK let me preface this by saying I have no money for any of these stones! But I have views!

See to me the stone above would be totally worth it. You can see it! It packs a punch! So at least if you are spending that much, it’s justifiable to me.

This one. Tiny! Objectively I understand the price. But then again tiny! Too small to even pass as a fake from AliExpress! Why would you fake something so small? My husband would say it’s tasteful but for that money what are you supposed to do with it???

Loose Paraiba Tourmaline - Oval 1.16 Ct. - #K12327 | The Natural Gemstone Company

<p>Deep within the verdant heart of Brazil, where nature thrums with life and vibrancy, a remarkable journey began millions of years ago. It was here, in the ancient geological folds of the Earth, that the blue paraiba tourmaline first came into being. Guided by the planet's slow alchemy, copper...

naturalgemstones.com

Wow, that is quite the PPC difference! I can't fully explain it, but the smaller stone is bluer, more saturated (listed as "vivid/neon," as opposed to "intense"), and perfectly clean (very, very rare for Brazilian material of this caliber). Sometimes these seemingly small differences in quality can make a big impact on value. Imagine the price of that 1.16ct if it were 6ct! The PPC would be way higher than it is right now.

 

[dk168]

There might have been an error in the listing of my Copper bearing Tourmaline in that the dimensions are slightly bigger!

I shall wait until I have it in hand and measure it myself to confirm the dimensions.

DK

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

There might have been an error in the listing of my Copper bearing Tourmaline in that the dimensions are slightly bigger!

I shall wait until I have it in hand and measure it myself to confirm the dimensions.

DK

Can you track it? Haha I’m waiting for this stone with much excitement as all I have in the post are two lafufu Mokokos!

@Autumn in New England you know how I’m always teetering between heat vs no heat in sapphires (and can’t commit to heat)? Well not so with Labubus! After refusing to pay $1000 for a scalped big Mokoko, I found a high quality replica for $130. I have some real Labubus too but I refuse to pay above retail for the rare ones.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Wow, that is quite the PPC difference! I can't fully explain it, but the smaller stone is bluer, more saturated (listed as "vivid/neon," as opposed to "intense"), and perfectly clean (very, very rare for Brazilian material of this caliber). Sometimes these seemingly small differences in quality can make a big impact on value. Imagine the price of that 1.16ct if it were 6ct! The PPC would be way higher than it is right now.

I get it I really do. But it’s……so small

Definitely if there’s one thing I know about myself it’s: Don’t ever buy expensive small things

Cheap small things make fabulous rummage rings!

 

[Avondale]

This one. Tiny! Objectively I understand the price. But then again tiny! Too small to even pass as a fake from AliExpress!

Heeey! That's 7x6mm, it's not so bad size-wise! Cashmere has the same face up size. The price is a different story. Wonder how long that one will sit in inventory waiting to be bought.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Heeey! That's 7x6mm, it's not so bad size-wise! Cashmere has the same face up size. The price is a different story. Wonder how long that one will sit in inventory waiting to be bought.

Nono it’s the price!!!! I’m contemplating a 7x6 for a little fun cheapie pendant project to stack (all the 18yos are doing it at uni and they look fantastic). But I’m not paying $70k for the centre stone!!!

 

[Avondale]

Nono it’s the price!!!! I’m contemplating a 7x6 for a little fun cheapie pendant project to stack (all the 18yos are doing it at uni and they look fantastic). But I’m not paying $70k for the centre stone!!!

In all honesty, I'm not paying $70k on any stone - that's a sizeable downpayment on a house here in my corner of the world!

 

[dk168]

@mellowyellowgirl yup, tracking Thai Post, and it has left Thailand.

Being shipped by snail mail though, ETA in UK near the end of October 2025, so please don't hold your breath!

DK

 

[LC2016]

OK let me preface this by saying I have no money for any of these stones! But I have views!

See to me the stone above would be totally worth it. You can see it! It packs a punch! So at least if you are spending that much, it’s justifiable to me.

This one. Tiny! Objectively I understand the price. But then again tiny! Too small to even pass as a fake from AliExpress! Why would you fake something so small? My husband would say it’s tasteful but for that money what are you supposed to do with it???

Loose Paraiba Tourmaline - Oval 1.16 Ct. - #K12327 | The Natural Gemstone Company

<p>Deep within the verdant heart of Brazil, where nature thrums with life and vibrancy, a remarkable journey began millions of years ago. It was here, in the ancient geological folds of the Earth, that the blue paraiba tourmaline first came into being. Guided by the planet's slow alchemy, copper...

naturalgemstones.com

My goodness $75k for 1ct stone… I can get a nice sapphire or probably cobalt spinel with that price

 

[fredflintstone]

Just my opinion. Top Paraiba can be very beautiful (it is rarer now than it used to be, but always rare), but most Paraiba and "copper bearing Tourmaline is way overpriced, heavily included and heavily treated.

There are much better alternatives as similar colored Afghanistan Tourmaline, but these are not cheap anymore either. Some asking as much as $1500 per carat at the source for single stones, not American price or American wholesale, which will be more but still much cheaper than Paraiba. Top quality Afghanistan Paraiba colored material has risen as much as 600% in the last four years in many cases.

 

[Dreamer_D]

@Autumn in New England do you have a paraiba?

I remember when we first started seeing these all over PS about 15 years ago. They were positively free compared to now but still beyond my reach. I would have loved to own one — and a ruby and a red spinel — but I’m afraid I missed those boats.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

I would like to see one of these magical mythical gems in person. Where I live the B&M luxury stores are all about name brands and popular gems.

. The second one, though "neon," is much more green and included, and so that impacts the value.

I love the greenish ones!

The silky stones do seem to be more neon. IMHO the high clarity stones don’t pop any more than blue topaz (but to be fair I have not seen paraibas in real life). The silky ones, though, do look like they would be beautifully blinding, and I’m not surprised some folks would pay $$$$$ to collect something like that formed in nature.

This one. Tiny! Objectively I understand the price. But then again tiny! Too small to even pass as a fake from AliExpress! Why would you fake something so small? My husband would say it’s tasteful but for that money what are you supposed to do with it???

I love your sense of style!

Heeey! That's 7x6mm, it's not so bad size-wise! Cashmere has the same face up size. The price is a different story. Wonder how long that one will sit in inventory waiting to be bought.

Yeah I’ve been clicking on all these links and thinking they would make perfect solitaires! Tastes differ. Agree that the price is hefty for the size but I got no right to complain on that issue!

The thing that confuses me about these paraibas is the price notwithstanding the ubiquitous treatments. So far as I can tell, paraibas are rare, they look cool because they can be bright, they are often heat-treated, and they’re from Brazil. Contrast that with tanzanite. It’s rare, looks cool because it is trichroic and sometimes really bright, they are often heat treated, and they’re from Tanzania. And I have trust issues with “rare” these days.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

The thing that confuses me about these paraibas is the price notwithstanding the ubiquitous treatments. So far as I can tell, paraibas are rare, they look cool because they can be bright, they are often heat-treated, and they’re from Brazil. Contrast that with tanzanite. It’s rare, looks cool because it is trichroic and sometimes really bright, they are often heat treated, and they’re from Tanzania. And I have trust issues with “rare” these days.

“Rare” is a suspicious term for me. That’s why I started this thread in the first place. I believe rubies are rare. You only see amazing auction house ones (and it’s like the same 5 that they rotate all over IG). I don’t even see many bigger bad looking rubies (you know the ones that are mostly garnet-ish but look decent in some lights) Likewise I see very few giant sized Jedi spinels for sale or even shown. But these “paraiba coloured” types? All over IG. Most with reputable enough reports.

Some of the high clarity paraiba I’ve seen just looks like straight up blue zircon to me. But taste is subjective. I was chatting to a vendor about sleepy, pink spinel and they told me (quite passionately) that they hated the stuff, would never sell it which made me giggle since they were so adamant about how terrible they thought it was (I know they have a penchant for crystal clear stones so I could understand where all this was coming from).

 

[LC2016]

“Rare” is a suspicious term for me. That’s why I started this thread in the first place. I believe rubies are rare. You only see amazing auction house ones (and it’s like the same 5 that they rotate all over IG). I don’t even see many bigger bad looking rubies (you know the ones that are mostly garnet-ish but look decent in some lights) Likewise I see very few giant sized Jedi spinels for sale or even shown. But these “paraiba coloured” types? All over IG. Most with reputable enough reports.

Some of the high clarity paraiba I’ve seen just looks like straight up blue zircon to me. But taste is subjective. I was chatting to a vendor about sleepy, pink spinel and they told me (quite passionately) that they hated the stuff, would never sell it which made me giggle since they were so adamant about how terrible they thought it was (I know they have a penchant for crystal clear stones so I could understand where all this was coming from).

Exactly my thought but you articulate it better. I kinda suspect they tryin to make paraiba takes over diamonds old role…

 

[Autumn in New England]

@Autumn in New England do you have a paraiba?

I remember when we first started seeing these all over PS about 15 years ago. They were positively free compared to now but still beyond my reach. I would have loved to own one — and a ruby and a red spinel — but I’m afraid I missed those boats.

You said it! I mean, mine is one of the smallest gems I own at 2ct, and it's from Mozambique, so we're not talking super valuable like these 6-figure stones. The GIA called it greenish-blue. I call it turquoise. It's not the electric pure blue Brazilian material, but it's vivid with a bit of that neon quality. Still, in looking around at current pricing for comparable material in this size range, I practically stole it (JTV). It's eye clean, which is a plus, and quite spready (9x7mm).

In any event, there are always going to be private collectors who need to unload their cache for one reason or another, and that's where you'll score finer gems at below-retail prices. It may take more time to locate a fairer price, but keep an eye out. You'll find it!

I set mine with fancy intense pink and white diamonds in platinum. I think this was my first project with DK, actually. His initial photos were so blown/washed out like they were taken through cheesecloth, so I won't even share them. But he later sent me a second batch (below). They still look like photos of a computer screen, but the color is much more accurate.









Here's one I took this morning.



And here's one before I set the stone. The dark areas are a reflection from my black phone.

 

[Autumn in New England]

I would like to see one of these magical mythical gems in person. Where I live the B&M luxury stores are all about name brands and popular gems.



I love the greenish ones!

The silky stones do seem to be more neon. IMHO the high clarity stones don’t pop any more than blue topaz (but to be fair I have not seen paraibas in real life). The silky ones, though, do look like they would be beautifully blinding, and I’m not surprised some folks would pay $$$$$ to collect something like that formed in nature.



I love your sense of style!



Yeah I’ve been clicking on all these links and thinking they would make perfect solitaires! Tastes differ. Agree that the price is hefty for the size but I got no right to complain on that issue!

The thing that confuses me about these paraibas is the price notwithstanding the ubiquitous treatments. So far as I can tell, paraibas are rare, they look cool because they can be bright, they are often heat-treated, and they’re from Brazil. Contrast that with tanzanite. It’s rare, looks cool because it is trichroic and sometimes really bright, they are often heat treated, and they’re from Tanzania. And I have trust issues with “rare” these days.

I like the greenish ones too!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

You said it! I mean, mine is one of the smallest gems I own at 2ct, and it's from Mozambique, so we're not talking super valuable like these 6-figure stones. The GIA called it greenish-blue. I call it turquoise. It's not the electric pure blue Brazilian material, but it's vivid with a bit of that neon quality. Still, in looking around at current pricing for comparable material in this size range, I practically stole it (JTV). It's eye clean, which is a plus, and quite spready (9x7mm).

In any event, there are always going to be private collectors who need to unload their cache for one reason or another, and that's where you'll score finer gems at below-retail prices. It may take more time to locate a fairer price, but keep an eye out. You'll find it!

I set mine with fancy intense pink and white diamonds in platinum. I think this was my first project with DK, actually. His initial photos were so blown/washed out like they were taken through cheesecloth, so I won't even share them. But he later sent me a second batch (below). They still look like photos of a computer screen, but the color is much more accurate.









Here's one I took this morning.



And here's one before I set the stone. The dark areas are a reflection from my black phone.

Ahhhh. I remember your ring now. This windexw color is so satisfying to me. You are so lucky to have this treasure. I prefer my gems with good clear crystal/clarity like this, but you almost never see them anymore!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Ahhhh. I remember your ring now. This windexw color is so satisfying to me. You are so lucky to have this treasure. I prefer my gems with good clear crystal/clarity like this, but you almost never see them anymore!

I do try to buy the most crystalline material I can within my budget, but I've had to compromise on occasion. Inken has the cleanest gem crystals I've ever seen!