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PARAÍBA
GEMSTONE GUIDE

Discover the story behind rare paraíba tourmaline, and the iconic blue-green colour that inspired our lab-grown paraíba YAG gemstones.

01FACTS

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.

lab-grown paraíba YAG cluster ring lab-grown paraíba YAG earrings

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. 

02

02

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. 

03BIRTHSTONE

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.

04BUYING 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.

05

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.

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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.

Colour

Colour

Blue

gem stone source

Our Source

Lab YAG

mineral class

Hardness

8.5 Mohs Scale

birthstone month

Birthstone month

October