I'm currently building a tourmaline ering: nearly finished, actually!

I knew all the risks of a relatively softer stone, and was happy to accept them in order to have the ering I most want. I also found the thought of designing my own setting to be the (more) exciting part of creating an ering, and I wanted my whole ring to be glowy rather than sparkly, so tourmaline suited my needs. I am a freelancer that will most probably mix up wearing my ering with wedding band, and sometimes band only, because of the physicality of my job sometimes. I also fully intend to carry a ring box with me in case of heavy shopping, and box my ring as soon as I come in the door. I may even possibly, at a later date, have other "erings" for anniversaries, and keep my original ering for "best" - who knows?
I think you just have to do what you feel your gut is telling you to, and accept the risks if you choose tourmaline. I've read quite a bit about diamonds chipping recently, so I figure all stoned rings carry some form of damage risk. I look forward to seeing your progress!
