

Discover the story behind rare paraíba tourmaline, and the iconic blue-green colour that inspired our lab-grown paraíba YAG gemstones.
FACTS
Natural paraíba tourmaline is one of the world's rarest and most sought-after gemstones, celebrated for its vivid neon blue and blue-green colours. The gemstone owes its distinctive appearance to traces of copper within its crystal structure, creating a glow unlike any other stone.
Natural paraíba tourmalines are exceptionally scarce, with fine-quality stones often fetching prices higher than many sapphires, rubies and emeralds.




This means that for many people, owning a natural paraíba tourmaline simply isn't possible. Today, advances in gemstone technology have made the iconic paraíba colour more accessible through lab-grown paraíba YAG. While chemically different from natural paraíba tourmaline, paraíba YAG is a laboratory-grown garnet that captures the gemstone's signature tropical blue-green hue. The result is a vibrant, durable gemstone that offers exceptional beauty and value at a much more attainable price point.






WHERE THEY'RE FOUND
Natural paraíba tourmaline was first discovered in the Brazilian state of Paraíba in the 1980s, from which it takes its name. Deposits have since been found in Nigeria and Mozambique, though Brazilian stones remain the most prized due to their exceptional colour and rarity.
Lab-grown paraíba YAG is created in carefully controlled laboratory environments, allowing jewellers to achieve the vibrant paraíba colour without relying on increasingly limited natural deposits, making them a much more eco-friendly and ethical choice.

BIRTHSTONE
Natural paraíba tourmaline is not an official birthstone, but tourmaline is one of October’s birthstones, so it makes a meaningful gift for an October birthday. Its bright, tropical colour Is frequently associated with creativity, individuality and self-expression.
BUYING GUIDE
Colour is the most important factor when selecting a paraíba gemstone. The most desirable stones display vivid neon blue, turquoise or blue-green tones with exceptional brightness.
For those who love the look of natural paraíba tourmaline but prefer a more accessible, eco-friendly option, lab-grown paraíba YAG offers the same striking tropical colour at a fraction of the cost. It also provides excellent durability for everyday jewellery, making it a practical and beautiful choice.




NATURAL OR TREATED
Most natural paraíba tourmalines undergo gentle heat treatment to enhance their colour. This is a widely accepted treatment within the gemstone industry and does not affect a paraíba’s value. Lab-grown paraíba YAG is created entirely in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth.
When purchasing paraíba jewellery, always check whether the stone is natural, treated or lab-grown, so you can make an informed choice.
CARE AND CLEANING
Natural paraíba tourmaline and lab-grown paraíba YAG can be cleaned using warm water, mild soap and a soft brush or cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes, as these can potentially damage gemstones or jewellery settings.
When not being worn, store your jewellery separately in a soft pouch or jewellery box to help prevent scratches and maintain its shine.







MODERN HISTORY
Paraíba tourmaline's discovery is one of the most remarkable stories in modern gemology. After years of searching – convinced Brazil was home to undiscovered stones - Brazilian miner Heitor Dimas Barbosa uncovered a vibrant blue gemstone unlike anything previously seen.
When the first stones entered the market in the late 1980s, collectors and jewellers loved the intense neon glow. Demand quickly exceeded Supply, establishing paraíba tourmaline as one of the rarest and most valuable coloured gemstones in the world.
Today, natural paraíba tourmaline remains highly coveted, while innovative alternatives such as lab-grown paraíba YAG allow more people to enjoy its beautiful colour.
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If you’ve ordered a ring smaller than a size J or larger than a size Q, don’t worry — these are custom sizes, but we’re still happy to offer a free exchange or resizing if the fit isn’t quite right.
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Just reach out to our friendly team via Live Chat, by email at customerservice@thediamondstore.com, or give us a call on 0345 084 1200 (or +44 345 084 1200 if calling from outside the UK). Please have your order number handy to help us assist you as quickly as possible.
Please note that for rings smaller than size J or larger than size Q, the width may vary slightly (up to 10%) due to the crafting process. If you need any adjustments, we’re happy to help.
If your item arrives damaged or defective, we’ll make it right — fast. We’ll either repair or replace it at no cost to you, or provide a refund once it’s been assessed by our head jeweller.
Our standard returns policy is 30 days to return, and 60 days to exchange.
We stand by the quality of our jewellery. That’s why all our pieces come with a 5-year warranty against defects in materials or craftsmanship. Every item is also fully hallmarked according to UK legislation, confirming its authenticity and origin.
Once we’ve received and inspected your returned jewellery, we’ll process your refund right away and email you to confirm. Depending on your bank or payment provider, it may take 3 to 5 working days to show up on your statement.
We’ll always refund you via the same method you used to make your purchase — whether that was credit or debit card, PayPal, Pay4Later Finance, bank transfer, or another option.
To avoid delays, make sure to include the returns label print-out with your parcel. This helps us identify your return quickly.
We’re proud to say that all our diamonds are conflict-free and fully compliant with United Nations regulations. When you buy from us, you’re choosing ethical beauty.
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📧 Email us: customerservice@thediamondstore.com or returns@thediamondstore.co.uk
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