Are paraiba tourmalines actually rare?

[oncrutchesrightnow]

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.

God I hope spinel doesn’t catch on more than it already has.

“Rare” is a suspicious term for me.

I love diamonds, including FC diamonds, but with the exception of large violet diamonds, I have never failed to find a type of diamond somewhere on a consumer-facing platform. Even 1 carat+ red diamonds are available for consumers to put in their online shopping carts, if they have the money. I have found a few things “lurking” in viewable but not easy to find inventory before the vendor, or a different vendor, lists them in a way that is easy to find. A couple times I have bought something for a sweet price, and vendors have called or emailed to say they regret the item did not pass quality control, and when I respond that I’ll take it anyway, they can’t get it anymore. One particular time the stone showed up on an affiliated website for a higher price. Not criminal (that I know of). So while I wish all of our vendor friends good luck and continued prosperity (assuming they are complying with law), I do not trust “rare.”

For consumers who want something exotic… Find a vendor with a good reputation, be honest about your budget and realistic about your expectations, and let the vendor find the exotic thing for you. A lot of us PSers like finding stuff ourselves but recognize that we do not have access to everything that is actually for sale, at the price you can really get it for.

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.

Such a pretty ring!

 

[Autumn in New England]

I wanted to say something else about paraiba (and gems in general)... I've learned to be careful when comparing what I have to what I see on the internet (that means this forum as well). And I'm not even talking about clever photography; every piece has its glamour shots. I'm talking about the fact that some folks don't properly vet their purchases. I've seen some iffy looking stones around. This is one I would definitely recommend having certified. So then, while you may not know what others have, you know exactly what you have. Also, be mindful of clarity and how it affects value. Of course, if you don't mind lower clarity, you can go bigger with better color, and stay on budget.

Some examples:

These are listed as clarity enhanced... but with what... and to what degree? Some rubies are so heavily filled that they are no longer regarded as natural by certain labs. Is it oil, resin, glass, colored, clear? It's not like emerald, where the GIA will elaborate (perhaps AGL does?). And clarity enhancement is not a widely accepted treatment for tourmaline in the trade (whereas, it is for emerald because it's a type III stone... paraiba is a type II). So that greatly affects the value.



This stone is simply heated (not clarity enhanced), but really heavily included. It's 10ct. and only $4k/ct. Again, although the color is fabulous, clarity can greatly affect paraiba value. Perhaps you don't mind? Then you're lucky!



Finally, these are YAG. While they may not be convincing to us, I'm sure they could sneak in amongst newbs if priced just high enough to make them think they've scored. They don't have perfect clarity, as you can see, which is very deceiving.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I will happily snatch up that super included 10ct for $1500 carat @Autumn in New England!!!

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

I’ll happily snatch up the YAG! Where is it, @Autumn in New England ?

 

[Autumn in New England]

I will happily snatch up that super included 10ct for $1500 carat @Autumn in New England!!!

I sort of put that biggun in there for you, I'm not gonna lie. The one thing about it is that not one particular inclusion is distracting or ugly, so it's simply that the stone is more translucent. I'll find the link for you if you're interested! Perhaps you can negotiate a bit?

 

[Autumn in New England]

I’ll happily snatch up the YAG! Where is it, @Autumn in New England ?

It's everywhere, and admittedly quite attractive in its own right as long as you're paying commensurate prices. Just search "paraiba YAG." You'll see lots of options.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I sort of put that biggun in there for you, I'm not gonna lie. The one thing about it is that not one particular inclusion is distracting or ugly, so it's simply that the stone is more translucent. I'll find the link for you if you're interested! Perhaps you can negotiate a bit?

Found it!

Lot taille coussin 9.91 ct, Mozambique

Certifié Bellerophon Tourmaline Paraiba taille coussin 9,91 carats, Mozambique €37043. Achetez en ligne chez gemstock.org - experts #1 des pierres précieuses Paraiba bleu fluo. Livraison dans le monde entier.

gemstock.org

It’s very pretty and I don’t find the inclusions bothersome. I don’t think I agree with with the price though and am probably too far off from what they’ll accept.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Found it!

Lot taille coussin 9.91 ct, Mozambique

Certifié Bellerophon Tourmaline Paraiba taille coussin 9,91 carats, Mozambique €37043. Achetez en ligne chez gemstock.org - experts #1 des pierres précieuses Paraiba bleu fluo. Livraison dans le monde entier.

gemstock.org

It’s very pretty and I don’t find the inclusions bothersome. I don’t think I agree with with the price though and am probably too far off from what they’ll accept.

The price still seems high for that clarity, I agree. It's because of the size... 10ct paraibas of that color are exceptionally rare. There's a better fit out there for you, mellow!

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Folks is this a bit milky? Am I seeing things? Initially I thought glowed but then the more I look at it, it’s kinda milky?

@Autumn in New England

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[Autumn in New England]

Folks is this a bit milky? Am I seeing things? Initially I thought glowed but then the more I look at it, it’s kinda milky?

@Autumn in New England

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I actually don't find it milky at all! Beautiful color!! Just keep in mind that, if you care, it has a large area of extinction in the center. Not sure if that's a traditional window or some other cutting defect causing the darkness, but it's worth mentioning. Also, without a proper lab report, you can't be sure if it is clarity enhanced. Something to consider!

 

[Mooshi]

I think paraiba is pretty personal, well perhaps all colored gemstones are. As in, each person will have qualities that are acceptable to them, and other qualities that aren't, or that are preferred. I prefer inclusions in them as they seem to glow more with them, but there is a limit for me as to how included. Some people only care about color and for them there are other gems (apatite) that might fill the bill. I need that *glow* though!

I've got a little .8ct paraiba, and a honkin' (to me) lab sapphire that Finewater cut with a silky inclusion near the culet that makes it light up and glow exactly (and sometimes more so) like my paraiba. I am still trying to decide how to set the paraiba, I've got it alongside some hauyne that also glow and just drool over them in their little unset box all day. Both are the color of my avatar

 

[dk168]

Especially for @mellowyellowgirl , vendor's photos of my stone as seen in their Etsy listing, bearing in mind that the colour of the stone in the photos could be enhanced!



DK

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Especially for @mellowyellowgirl , vendor's photos of my stone as seen in their Etsy listing, bearing in mind that the colour of the stone in the photos could be enhanced!



DK

Omg that is stunning!!!!!! Love love love!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Especially for @mellowyellowgirl , vendor's photos of my stone as seen in their Etsy listing, bearing in mind that the colour of the stone in the photos could be enhanced!



DK

When do you receive him, DK?

 

[dk168]

When do you receive him, DK?

ETA EOM October 2025, currently on its way from Thailand.

DK

 

[Autumn in New England]

ETA EOM October 2025, currently on its way from Thailand.

DK

Can wait to heat your review! He's all aglow in those photos!!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Can wait to heat your review! He's all aglow in those photos!!

Can't wait to hear your review! lol Proofreading is important.

 

[dk168]

That's quick in that it has arrived in UK this evening and has been cleared for onward delivery.

DK

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Oh that was fast!!!!! Pics!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see it!!!

 

[dk168]

It has arrived, and as expected, the colour in the listing photos does not match the stone in real life!

In the plastic bag in the kitchen by the window:



Without the plastic bag in the kitchen by the window:



On my hand in the kitchen by the window:



Inside in the plastic bag by the kitchen by the window next to my Jeff W's Tsavorite ring for comparison:



Outside in the plastic bag in the sun next to my Tsavorite ring for comparison:



The colour of the stone IRL is underwhelming. Good job it was not expensive as I am unlikely to set it. Another case of one gets what one pays for!

DK

 

[VividRed]

It has arrived, and as expected, the colour in the listing photos does not match the stone in real life!

In the plastic bag in the kitchen by the window:



Without the plastic bag in the kitchen by the window:



On my hand in the kitchen by the window:



Inside in the plastic bag by the kitchen by the window next to my Jeff W's Tsavorite ring for comparison:



Outside in the plastic bag in the sun next to my Tsavorite ring for comparison:



The colour of the stone IRL is underwhelming. Good job it was not expensive as I am unlikely to set it. Another case of one gets what one pays for!

DK

What a bummer, some vendors have no shame

 

[dk168]

What a bummer, some vendors have no shame

Indeed, however, to be honest, I was not expecting the colour IRL to match the colour in the photos of the listing.

The amount I wasted on this stone is not sufficient for a very good meal at the 1-star restaurant that I frequent; however, it is sufficient for 20 KFC meals that I normally order!

Not sure if I can return it to the vendor, I shall check. In the past, I don't usually bother returning CSs, however, I shall check on this occasion.

Edited to add a request for the CS to be returned to the seller for a refund has been submitted using these 3 photos to demonstrate the colour/saturation differences.



DK

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Oh bummer Dk that’s a huge difference in colour!!! It’s like someone poured a bucket of water in to dilute the listing photo colour!

 

[junebug17]

Aw I'm sorry @dk168, it really does stink that some vendors do this, boo

 

[dk168]

This is the closest to the vendor's colour in their photos, side by side for comparison, it is still not as vivid or saturated, hey ho!



DK

 

[Autumn in New England]

This is the closest to the vendor's colour in their photos, side by side for comparison, it is still not as vivid or saturated, hey ho!



DK

I'm sorry for the disappointment, DK. It's still a pretty stone!

 

[dk168]

I'm sorry for the disappointment, DK. It's still a pretty stone!

It is more included than could be seen in the vendor's photos.

From one angle, there is a big cloud near the dome which is less visible when viewed from the opposite direction. It does not show in the video as the video was taken from one angle only - the good one!

DK

 

[Autumn in New England]

It is more included than could be seen in the vendor's photos.

From one angle, there is a big cloud near the dome which is less visible when viewed from the opposite direction. It does not show in the video as the video was taken from one angle only - the good one!

DK

Oh bummer girl. Is it worth it to return? Hey you know what may be a nice alternative for you? Gem silica. I used to collect it.

 

[dk168]

Oh bummer girl. Is it worth it to return? Hey you know what may be a nice alternative for you? Gem silica. I used to collect it.

I have a Chrysoprase from AJS as part of their closedown sale, not set though:



Not sure about Gem Silica, however, yours is lovely.

The vendor has responded and started to reason/argue/whatever.

It is rather tedious, however, I shall continue to pursue the return/refund.

Hey ho!

DK

 

[Autumn in New England]

I have a Chrysoprase from AJS as part of their closedown sale, not set though:



Not sure about Gem Silica, however, yours is lovely.

The vendor has responded and started to reason/argue/whatever.

It is rather tedious, however, I shall continue to pursue the return/refund.

Hey ho!

DK

I bought a couple of XL chrysoprase cabs from them too! Had them set by a Navajo artist. The pieces are silver and gold (collar necklace is David Yurman).