WTB: Paraiba Tourmaline

[mimi72]

I have looked for ages and have almost given up trying to buy a "paraiba" tourmaline online (ebay etc). I don't trust that I know what I should be looking for - stones that honestly don't look that different to me range from $500 to $3000+. I don't want to make the mistake of assuming that just because someone is asking big money that it must be better.

I am looking for a stone either with a reputable report OR being sold by a PS'er/vendor whose judgement of the stone I can trust. Origin can be Brazil, Mozambique or Nigeria...color is paramount. Greenish blue, Carribean blue (think Art Nouveau's and Widget's LM rings), neon glow (think kryptonite), optimal saturation and tone. Prefer cushion, EC, round, oval shapes but would consider pears and others. Prefer at least 1 ct, ideally 2 ct+.

I know these are not easy to find - just putting out feelers in case any PS'er has one sitting around that could be getting worn and loved!

 

[chrono]

Mini,
Swala is a reputable vendor and has one available. I don't know how glowy it is in person nor if it is within your budget.
http://www.swalagemtraders.com/search-gems/detail.php?pid=2219&cPage=17&sort=&perpage=8&cat=&display1=1&display2=&display3=0&category=&variety=&key=&match=&indicate=&reserve_type=&pagefrom=newarrivals

 

[mimi72]

Thanks Chrono. Beautiful color. The price, admittedly, gives me palpitations. I guess this is what one can expect to pay on the retail market these days?

 

[chrono]

I am afraid so; it is very clean, from the original mine (and find) and colouration looks very promising. When I shopped around for one myself about 3 years ago, an included Brazilian Paraiba with very rich glow was going for $5000/ct for a 1 ct stone.

 

[cm366]

Hi Mimi,

If you're willing to compromise on saturation or size, Paraiba International might have something for you.

http://www.paraibainternational.com/products.php?category=3

I love the glow from the skinny pear! But not its price...

 

[HERMAN]

Mimi - Take a look at this one - could be something to consider:

http://www.astrologicalgem.com/fine-collectors-gemstones.php

Hopefully this will help.