Tourmaline Gemstones

Tourmaline – a gem of a gemstone

The demand and excitement for this fascinating gemstone is growing.  The tourmaline is the quintessential gemstones – bright and alluring.  Their name is derived from the Sinhalese the language spoken by the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka.  The term “tura mali” translated to “stone of mixed colours”.

Tourmalines are a group of minerals that come in an amazing variety of colours.  They include red, pink, green, blue, yellow, clear and black.  The gems can display multiple colours..  The best know example, is the watermelon tourmaline.  It has a red-pink core, white middle, with a green surround. 

The different colours have been given names.  Rubelite is a deep-red colour.  Its rich colour is said to bring love and devotion.  Indicolite is blue or blue-green.  These marine colours are said to bring creativity and prosperity.  Verdelites are wide variety of greens.  These greens are said to bring energy and healing. 

The very popular, pink tourmaline has no special name but it is said to bring love, spirituality, joy, peace and understanding.  Watermelon tourmaline is said to attract love and balance. 

Tourmaline is found in a wide variety of exotic locations including Brazil, Namibia and Madagascar.  A now exhausted source was even found in Australia in the 1970s.

Our in-house gemmologist is a huge fan of the tourmaline.  She designed and commissioned the magnificent ring in this article to be made by our jewellers.  Our designers believe that this gem is excellent value due to the variety of vivid colours, unusual cuts and quality of the stones available.  Depending on the colour, the designer will be able to advise you on what metal colours are best.  Tourmalines are stunning with diamonds.

The last Empress of China, the Empress Dowager Tz'u Hsi, loved tourmalines. What will you think of them?  We would be delighted to show you a selection of these enchanting stones for your consideration.