A Guide to Tourmalines
Extraordinary Colour • Exceptional Character • Expert Knowledge
Tourmaline is one of fine jewellery's most versatile and captivating gemstones, found in an extraordinary spectrum that ranges from neon turquoise and vivid green to lagoon blue and deep raspberry red. Unlike many gems associated with a single colour, tourmaline offers something genuinely different in every stone. It is an October birthstone alongside opal, a classic 8th anniversary gift, and a gemstone that rewards those who take the time to truly understand it.
Why We Love Tourmaline
Tourmaline has a rare quality in fine jewellery. It invites storytelling. It takes a superb polish, shows exceptional brilliance, and suits everything from a clean minimalist solitaire to a sculptural, high-jewellery statement piece.
Large, well-formed crystals allow for striking cuts, while unique internal patterns and colour zoning add personality that no two stones share. It celebrates craftsmanship and makes bespoke design feel genuinely individual and memorable.
Colours and Varieties
From vivid forest greens to luminous neon blues, tourmaline's colour range is unmatched in the gem world. Below are the varieties most commonly found in fine jewellery, including those you will find in our collection at Cheshires.
Green Tourmaline
Ranging from yellow-green to blue-green, green tourmaline offers crisp, refreshing tones that pair beautifully with both platinum and yellow gold. A versatile and wearable choice for everyday fine jewellery.
Rubellite
The name given to deeply saturated pink and red tourmaline. Romantic, bold and striking, rubellite glows particularly beautifully in yellow gold settings and makes a powerful statement in any piece.
Indicolite
A rare and serene variety ranging from teal to deep blue. Indicolite has a modern, calm quality that is elevated beautifully by white metal settings. One of the more sought-after varieties for bespoke pieces.
Paraiba Tourmaline
Perhaps the most coveted of all tourmaline varieties, Paraiba is copper-bearing and famed for its extraordinary neon blue-green luminosity. Originally discovered in Brazil, fine examples are also found in Nigeria and Mozambique.
What Determines the Price?
Like all fine gemstones, tourmaline is valued across several key factors. Understanding these helps you make a considered and confident choice when selecting a stone.
1
Colour
Colour is the single most important factor. Even, vivid saturation drives value and the luminous glow seen in fine Paraiba stones is especially sought after, commanding a significant premium over other varieties.
2
Cut
A precise cut enhances both saturation and brilliance. Elongated shapes such as emerald or oval cuts beautifully emphasise tourmaline's natural crystal form and are a popular choice for statement pieces.
3
Carat Weight
Colour quality often improves with size in tourmaline. Larger eye-clean stones, particularly in blue and red varieties, are considerably rarer and priced accordingly. Fine examples over 5 carats are exceptional finds.
4
Origin
Brazilian stones, particularly Paraiba, may command a notable premium due to their heritage and colour intensity. African sources from Mozambique and Nigeria also produce exceptional material of the highest quality.
Tourmaline in an Engagement Ring
Tourmaline can absolutely be used for an engagement ring, but it warrants a little more consideration than a diamond, sapphire or ruby. With a hardness of around 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and moderate toughness, it is more susceptible to surface wear over years of daily use.
If you choose tourmaline for an engagement ring, we recommend a protective setting. A bezel mount or a secure halo with a lower profile will best preserve the stone's beauty over time. With the right design, tourmaline makes for an engagement ring of remarkable beauty and individuality.
Care, Styling and Quick Facts
Clean tourmaline with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the stone over time. Store separately to prevent surface scratching from harder stones.
Tourmaline pairs effortlessly with both platinum and yellow gold. Cool blues and greens are elevated by white metals, while rubellite and warm pinks glow beautifully in yellow gold.
Birthstone October (with Opal)
Anniversary 8th Year
Hardness 7 to 7.5 Mohs
Notable Sources Brazil, Mozambique, Nigeria, Afghanistan
Special Feature Pleochroism and Colour Zoning
Rarest Variety Paraiba Tourmaline
Discover Our Tourmaline Collection
At Cheshires, each stone is hand-selected for hue, clarity and cut, then set in designs that protect and flatter the colour. Visit us in store to view our curated selection, or book a personal appointment with our gemstone specialists.
