A RARE SET OF PARAIBA TOURMALINE AND DIAMOND JEWELLERY
A RARE SET OF PARAIBA TOURMALINE AND DIAMOND JEWELLERY

Details
A RARE SET OF PARAIBA TOURMALINE AND DIAMOND JEWELLERY

Comprising a ring, set with an oval-shaped paraiba tourmaline weighing 8.93 carats within a diamond surround to a diamond and rose-cut diamond gallery and diamond shoulders, and a pair of ear pendants en suite, mounted in platinum, ring size 6, ear pendants 4.3 cm long

With three reports dated from 19 October 2006 and 21 February 2007 from the Gübelin Gemmological Laboratory stating that three tourmalines weighing 8.93, 5.81 and 5.87 carats are all Paraiba tourmalines.

All three accompanied by notes stating that the so-called Paraiba tourmalines' entered the international gem market towards the end of the eighties. They immediately became prized and coveted for their vivid coloration which ranges from rare purple to violetish-blue, from blue to green and yellowish-green (including blue-green, turquoise-blue and emerald-green). The colours of these tourmalines (sometimes also referred to as 'electric blue' or 'neon green' in the trade) are caused by varying amounts of the elements copper and manganese. The bright vivid blue and green Paraiba colours have not been seen in any other gemstone variety.

The first 'Paraiba tourmalines' originated from a deposit near the village of Sao Jose de Batalha in the north of Paraiba state, Brazil. Later, by the mid-nineties, other occurrences were discovered in the northernmost part of Paraiba state and in the adjacent, southernmost corner of Rio Grande do Norte state, near the town of Parelhas. In 2000, another source of this colour variety of tourmalines was discovered in Nigeria. More recently, the Alto Ligonha region in Mozambique joined the small and exclusive group of mining areas where 'Paraiba tourmalines' are found.

In all these areas, particular geochemical surroundings cause the formation of exceptional tourmalines in pegmatite host rocks. These surroundings are also responsible for the unique colours of the 'Paraiba tourmaline'.
(3)

Lot Essay

US$80,000-120,000

More from Magnificent Jewellery and Jadeite Jewellery

View All
View All