What’s the big deal about tourmalines? (Calling all tourmaline lovers…!)

[margauxmines]

I realise that title probably came off more abrasive than I intended

No but really, I’m a sapphire and spinel gal myself, but my birthstone is pink tourmaline (yes yes, birthstones are a sham—for some people) and I want to hear from the tourmalines lovers why they love the gem!

I’m just kinda “meh” about tourmalines… I think it’s because I’ve read that tourmalines are softer than sapphires and spinels, or that they have a lower RI (and I like sparkles!)… but idk! Maybe these are misconceptions and there is actually a lot to love about them?

 

[airplay355]

I like the colors best and the contrast that gives some of them a neon sign kind of look. They’re are so many interesting colors it seems there aren’t ever two that are exactly the same. You can also find some massive crystals that are still completely clear. https://www.finewatergems.com/store/c17/Tourmaline.html

 

[Bron357]

If you see a Pariba Tourmaline in person you will lose your heart to the magic glow and your bank account will be emptied shortly after
Tourmaline with copper, not just blue, are quite magical. They have a very neon colour which is incredible.
Blue green tourmaline are also intriguing and tourmaline comes in all the colours of the rainbow.

 

[Mreader]

I love most gemstones but the minty Afghan tourmaline is a particular favorite color of mine as well as Congo blue. One of my favorite rings is a tourmaline but I am careful with it. It’s not an everyday piece.

 

[T L]

Tourmaline comes in every color, so it’s a versatile gem. If you like a certain color. especially pinks or reds, you can find them, and for less expensive prices than rubies or pink sapphires. They also have unique bi and tri color varieties. While some colors are meh, some are eye popping, especially paraiba.

Also, have to brag here about my tourmaline that I finally got a more accurate photo of with a better iPhone.

 

[Neptune]

Also, have to brag here about my tourmaline that I finally got a more accurate photo of with a better iPhone.

I really hate you, TL!

 

[icy_jade]

Because tourmalines come in every color and sometimes multiple colors in one stone. The best tourmalines look amazing. Everyone knows about Paraiba right? But other colors are wonderful too:

One of my fav rings:


Spinel on my pinky and the rest are tourmalines



Personally I love watermelon and bi-color tourmalines too.

 

[icy_jade]

@margauxmines

beautiful examples in this article:

Tourmaline Quality Factors

Learn about the factors that make tourmaline so desirable.

www.gia.edu

 

[theredspinel]

Oh my god! I was happily living my life! Just drifting along, content and happy.. then I entered this thread.

Thanks a lot @icy_jade and @T L now I *need* tourmalines. Thanks (rolls eyes in a huge huff) !!

 

[dk168]

The many colours of Tourmaline, from raspberry red Rubellite to blue-green ones.

In addition, they are more affordable than Sapphires and Rubies in the same colours and size.

I don't wear my Tourmaline rings on a regular basis, and bezel set everything if I can.

Therefore, although they are softer than diamonds, sapphires and rubies, they are fine for occasional wear for me.

DK

 

[seaurchin]

I love tourmalines. Some of them are drop dead gorgeous. But I'll probably stick with different colors of lab sapphires for future jewelry because they're so durable and reasonably priced.

 

[higanbanya]

Tourmalines have beautiful colours, especially under the daylight sun! They are kind of shifty, here’s mine!

 

[chrono]

Ditto what everyone above wrote.
Yeah, and I hate everyone who posted yummy cuprians above too.

 

[Neptune]

Ditto what everyone above wrote.
Yeah, and I hate everyone who posted yummy cuprians above too.

Come on, show your trillion!

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Come on, show your trillion!

This is starting to sound like Mardi Gras!
"Show us your trillions!" ...throws tourmaline beads

I love tourmalines, they're my state gem.

 

[LilAlex]

They do treat a lot of rubellites and that has slowed me down. I have one that I bought from an overseas IG vendor and it was not terrific. Pretty enough but not really worth setting. Or returning .

I also have never seen an amazing Paraiba IRL, but would love to some day!

I love the long, elegant-looking step cuts that the crystal character lends itself to.

 

[dk168]

A Paraiba Tourmaline cabochon is on my bling wish list.

Here are my contributions: a 9mm Rubellite, and a 3.29ct 13.65 x 6.41mm blue-green Tourmaline, both cut by Jeff White:








He is cutting another blue-green one in an oval shape for me.

DK

 

[Neptune]

They do treat a lot of rubellites and that has slowed me down.

Blue green ones could be oiled.

 

[chrono]

And the blue green can now be resin filled too.

 

[CHRISTY-DANIELLE]

I agree, it's the endless colors you can find. I bought a less than ideal cut and clarity hot pink that makes my heart sing despite her flaws. The color just kills me. Paired it with some blue/green tourmalines.

 

[Arcadian]

I don't have as many tourmalines as some but the ones I have, I truly adore.


In certain lighting conditions, this tone goes a pretty deep purple (which is soo cool!)


Here you get to see some purple flashes, in direct sunlight the stone looks purple.



View attachment 490021

Not cuprian but still pretty


7+ ct naturally violet cuprian (this was a pure purchase color, never intended for setting)

 

[elle_71125]

I agree, it's the endless colors you can find. I bought a less than ideal cut and clarity hot pink that makes my heart sing despite her flaws. The color just kills me. Paired it with some blue/green tourmalines.

That’s it. I’m calling dibs. I can only see this suite so many times before the words just pop out of my mouth. I don’t care if it’s crass or uncouth or whatever. I’m calling dibs in case you ever decide to sell this (soon to be) ring one day.

 

[elle_71125]

I love tourmalines for the rich, vibrant colors. They are also less expensive than other gems like sapphire. Unless, of course, you want a paraiba. In which case, prepare to shell out way more than you’d expect.

Here are my tourmalines.

A pink tourmaline from Cecile Raley (ring finger).


A paraiba


A pink tourmaline. The color on this is so vibrant. I just love it!


A pastel blue tourmaline from Jeff White.


A blue green tourmaline.


Another paraiba


And another paraiba.

 

[CHRISTY-DANIELLE]

That’s it. I’m calling dibs. I can only see this suite so many times before the words just pop out of my mouth. I don’t care if it’s crass or uncouth or whatever. I’m calling dibs in case you ever decide to sell this (soon to be) ring one day.

Too sweet! I just shipped them off for setting today. I promise you will see them set! But I doubt I'll be in any rush to sell: I find with custom pieces they usually have some meaning to me. This is my Florida Keys ring...an ode to a favorite vacation spot for the Mr & I

 

[elle_71125]

Too sweet! I just shipped them off for setting today. I promise you will see them set! But I doubt I'll be in any rush to sell: I find with custom pieces they usually have some meaning to me. This is my Florida Keys ring...an ode to a favorite vacation spot for the Mr & I

Aw, that’s adorable. I love how you’ve named it before it’s even been set. That’s how you know it‘s special to you. I hope to see pics of you enjoying her in the Florida Keys soon.

 

[theredspinel]

I love tourmalines for the rich, vibrant colors. They are also less expensive than other gems like sapphire. Unless, of course, you want a paraiba. In which case, prepare to shell out way more than you’d expect.

Here are my tourmalines.

A pink tourmaline from Cecile Raley (ring finger).


A paraiba


A pink tourmaline. The color on this is so vibrant. I just love it!


A pastel blue tourmaline from Jeff White.


A blue green tourmaline.


Another paraiba


And another paraiba.

Since you’re calling dibs DIBS on your 3 stone Paraiba!! It’s so beautiful I want to swear at you

 

[elle_71125]

Since you’re calling dibs DIBS on your 3 stone Paraiba!! It’s so beautiful I want to swear at you

Thank you! Dibs noted. You just never know right?!

 

[caolsen]

Can I play? I like the softness of the tourmaline color. This is an Afghan mint just by Jeff White In a DK platinum setting.

 

[diamondringlover]

I only have the one tourmaline, I like that it shifts from pink to orangy pink

 

[jenzgemz]

It's the variety of colors for me, and the sparkle and glow of a well cut stone. Congo Tourmaline was the very first loose gemstone we purchased, after it caught my eye on Daniel Stair's site over a decade ago. Those deep, rich teal tones really spoke to me! Finally had it set recently and love how it has a tone for every lighting condition. Next on the list is a spinel or Montana sapphire. Tucson gem show is coming up, anything could happen!