Are paraiba tourmalines actually rare?

[Autumn in New England]

Funny story, actually. I bought this paraiba from JTV way back in the day. The listing photo was awful, and the price was way too low, so I wasn't expecting much. I was just dipping my toe in at the time. Two weeks go buy after purchasing the stone... nothing. The order was still "processing." I called and was told they could not locate the stone. Did I want to cancel? Nope, I'll wait it out. Another two weeks go by and miraculously the order changes to "shipped." To my surprise, the gem I received was completely different than the listing photo... like an entirely separate quality. I was convinced the stone must not be copper/manganese bearing, because it was too fine for the silly price I paid. Sent it off to the GIA and nervously waited. I was thrilled when the paraiba status (along with an absence of clarity enhancement) was confirmed. I am regaling you with this story because it was precisely the first and last instance where I was ever in the right place at the right time. This is why I still refuse to upgrade it (2ct) to a larger size. I've always thought someone made a mistake, and the George Costanza in me will not allow that to be nullified.

 

[Pomelo]

Funny story, actually. I bought this paraiba from JTV way back in the day. The listing photo was awful, and the price was way too low, so I wasn't expecting much. I was just dipping my toe in at the time. Two weeks go buy after purchasing the stone... nothing. The order was still "processing." I called and was told they could not locate the stone. Did I want to cancel? Nope, I'll wait it out. Another two weeks go by and miraculously the order changes to "shipped." To my surprise, the gem I received was completely different than the listing photo... like an entirely separate quality. I was convinced the stone must not be copper/manganese bearing, because it was too fine for the silly price I paid. Sent it off to the GIA and nervously waited. I was thrilled when the paraiba status (along with an absence of clarity enhancement) was confirmed. I am regaling you with this story because it was precisely the first and last instance where I was ever in the right place at the right time. This is why I still refuse to upgrade it (2ct) to a larger size. I've always thought someone made a mistake, and the George Costanza in me will not allow that to be nullified.

Hehe great story!

Do you think JTV ran out of stock and shipped the only stock they had on hand? I wonder if they knew you were getting a much finer gem, but couldn’t be bothered to cancel your order. Either way, what a score!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Hehe great story!

Do you think JTV ran out of stock and shipped the only stock they had on hand? I wonder if they knew you were getting a much finer gem, but couldn’t be bothered to cancel your order. Either way, what a score!

So I have a few theories...

Perhaps it was just a bad photo and this is the same gem, which may have been removed from inventory to go on-air (they have a TV channel too). Hence, there was a delay in locating/shipping it. That doesn't account for the low price though.

I also thought maybe it took so long to ship because they felt it had been listed at the wrong price and were debating canceling the order, but ultimately honored the purchase.

Lastly, it occurred to me that they had trouble locating it, and found a similar shape/size without an item # on it (this one came in an unlabeled box... typically they're all labeled with the SKU). So maybe they just assumed it was the missing one. Who knows! But JTV will always hold a special place in my heart for that experience!!

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Wooooohoooooo Autumn!!!!! What a score!!!

 

[Autumn in New England]

I heard back from the seller, who ended up being really nice. This is indeed a GIA certified more than 40ct copper/manganese bearing tourmaline. The clarity is incredible. But the GIA does call it grayish-blue, which I assume is why it lacks the typical glow. In truth, I'm not sure I would personally call it a paraiba despite its chemical comp. But it's certainly a statement piece!