AN EXCEPTIONAL PAIR OF TOURMALINE AND DIAMOND EAR PENDANTS
‘Paraiba tourmalines’ are said to be one of the most coveted gemstones in recent years. It is the Brazilian ‘Paraiba tourmaline’ that is the rarest and most sought after, which first emerged into the international market towards the end of the eighties. The first ever discoverer of the ‘Paraiba tourmaline’ was Heitor Dimas Barbosa. He first encountered it at a deposit near the village of Sao Jose de Batalha in the northern part of Paraiba state of Brazil. By the mid-nineties, other mines were found in the northernmost part of Paraiba state as well as the southernmost corner of Rio Grande de Norte state, adjacent to the Paraiba state. So unique are the quality elements exhibited by the ‘Paraiba tourmalines’ that they were immediately glorified and prized when it first appeared on the market. One of the main reasons that makes it so unique is caused by varying amounts of trace elements copper and manganese, resulting in a very distinct colour-- a neon-bright blue-green ‘paraiba colour’. Another factor is the specific geochemical surroundings which yield pegmatite host rocks with bright vivid turquoise tourmalines. Tourmalines come in various shades and hues, from purple to violetish-blue, from blue to green and yellowish-green; but none is remotely comparable to the astonishing turquoise and majestic blue-green shade that distinguishes the ‘Paraiba tourmaline’, also known as cuprian elbaite. The tourmalines of this range have an incandescent glow that appears to light up the stone, thus the colour is sometimes also referred to as ‘electric blue’ or ‘neon green’ in the trade. Presented in this lot is not only one, but two ‘paraiba tourmalines’ exuberating the distinct and lively electric blue colour. It is truly a marvelous modern-day collector’s piece.
AN EXCEPTIONAL PAIR OF TOURMALINE AND DIAMOND EAR PENDANTS

Details
AN EXCEPTIONAL PAIR OF TOURMALINE AND DIAMOND EAR PENDANTS
Each set with a pear-shaped paraiba tourmaline, weighing approximately 7.46 and 6.81 carats, within a pear and oval-shaped diamond drop-shaped frame, to the similarly-cut diamond layered surmount and pear-shaped diamond trefoil spacer, mounted in gold, 5.4 cm
Accompanied by two premium reports nos. 86453 and 86452 dated 27 June 2016 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the paraiba tourmalines are of Brazil origin, with indications of heating; also accompanied by two appendixes stating that the paraiba tourmalines possess characteristics which merit special mention and appreciation. The gemstones exhibit an attractive colour and an outstanding purity. Their colours are further pronounced by its well-proportioned cutting style, resulting in vivid blue hues due to multiple internal reflections. The analysed properties are consistent with those of Paraiba tourmalines from Brazil. Their vivid blue colour is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements (notably copper) in the gemstone, which are typical and characteristics for the finest Paraiba tourmalines of Brazil. Paraiba tourmalines are commonly heated at a rather low temperature (approx. 450C) to modify and enhance their colour. The colour after heating is considered stable. As for the majority of gem-quality Paraiba-tourmalines from Brazil, the described gemstones show indications of heating. Paraiba tourmalines from Brazil of this size and quality are rare and exceptional

Two reports nos. 604803 and 604804 dated 5 April 2006 from thebelin Gemmological Laboratory stating that the tourmalines are of Brazil origin, and this colour variety of tourmalines is known as Paraiba tourmaline in the trade; also accompanied by two appendixes stating that the gemstones possess a saturated and homogenous pure greenish-blue colour, combined with a very high degree of transparency. A pleasant shape and finely proportioned cut provide numerous vivid reflections of a vibrant greenish-blue colour, and the high purity of the gemstones make it virtually eye-clean

Please note that two of the reports are more than 5 years old and may require an update
US$1,600,000-2,300,000

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Phoebe Fung
Phoebe Fung

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