Spotlight on Tourmalines

We love Tourmalines for their endless array of colours - almost more than any other precious gemstone. Every colour has its own unique meaning, making it the perfect stone to commemorate something personal to you. 

Birthstone:

Tourmalines are one of the birthstones of October, making them an ideal gemstone for October birthday gifts or as a celebration of a child born at this time of year. The variety of colours mean it's even easier to choose a tourmaline that is even more unique to the wearer and their personality.

History:

The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese term 'turmali', meaning 'unknown gemstones of mixed colours - which perfectly describes them as they come in such a vast array of colours.

The gemstone was first discovered by Dutch traders off the West Coast of Italy in the late 1600's to early 1700's. However, at this time they were often mistaken for other coloured gemstones such as emeralds and rubies.

The structure of the gemstone is long, enabling them to be cut into beautiful, elongated shapes such as baguettes and emerald cuts, although as they are so versatile they can be cut into any shape.

Colour & Meaning:

Verdelite (from Africa and Brazil) and chrome tourmalines (from Tanzania) are green. Green Tourmalines are popular as an alternative 10th Wedding Anniversary gift to tin, possibly due to the symbolic link to the heart (and they're arguably more beautiful).

Indigolite tourmalines are blue (from Namibia). The blue stones are said to symbolise a commitment to goals and protect the wearer against danger.

Rubellite tourmalines are pink (from Brazil, Pakistan and Nigeria). Pink tourmalines are particularly popular as they are thought to represent a love of humanity and humanitarianism.

Paraíba Tourmalines were discovered in Brazil in the 1980s, these tourmalines were colours such as bright blues and greens. These are currently the most desirable tourmalines due to their rarity.

View all our Tourmaline Treasures

Care:

As tourmalines are softer than sapphires, rubies and diamonds, they need to be treated carefully. We don't usually advise them as an engagement stone for this reason, however, with the right care they are still an option.