GEMSTONE GUIDES

Tourmaline is a funky little gem and is part of the borosilicate family, it forms in many different colours, and the one you get all depends on the levels of some elements such as iron, magnesium and other metals. Depending on the levels of each of these elements, tourmalines show up in colours such as reds, pinks, yellows, browns, black, greens and even watermelon colouring. This is where green and pink form an ombre colour to create a watermelon colour effect. 

It is thought to offer protection against negative energy and enhance your physical and mental well-being. Tourmaline is also associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and vitality, making it a popular choice in both jewellery and spiritual practices.

Tourmalines come in many different colours and sizes, so their prices can vary a lot. Different types of tourmaline, such as the watermelon tourmaline and the Paraiba tourmaline, also command higher prices due to their rarity and demand. But in general, tourmalines are more affordable than gemstones such as sapphires or diamonds, so they make a great choice if you are looking for a stunning gemstone without the big price tag. Tourmalines affordability has helped their rise in popularity over the last few years, making them a standout choice for engagement rings and other jewellery items.

Tourmaline is found in different regions globally, with significant mining operations in Brazil and Africa. Afghanistan and nearby areas also contribute to the global tourmaline supply, while the U.S. has scattered mines as well. African countries like Madagascar, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia and Nigeria are also recognised for their tourmaline mining.

Tourmalines are fairly tough gems and can definitely be worn every day, but it depends on the colour of the tourmaline and how it's set in jewellery. 

Some colours, such as black or green, are more resilient so are good for everyday wear because they don't scratch easily. Others, like pink or green tourmalines, need a bit more care. Just make sure they're set in jewellery really well and get cleaned and refreshed regularly to keep them super shiny and pretty!

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a scale used to measure the scratch resistance of various minerals. It assigns a relative hardness value to minerals based on their ability to scratch or be scratched by other minerals. With 10 being the hardest (diamond).

While not as rare as some gemstones like diamonds or rubies, certain colours and varieties of tourmaline are still considered to be very rare and have higher market prices. For example, the Paraiba tourmaline, which is prized for its neon aqua colour and extreme rarity, commands a much higher price than more common tourmaline varieties. 

As with any gemstone, the price is also reflected in aspects such as the carat weight, colour, clarity and cut. These aspects are referred to as the 4Cs and are used to determine the overall quality of a gemstone and subsequently its price, while they are usually applied to diamonds, they can be used to determine the quality of any type of gemstone. Learn more in our 4 Cs guide and find out why these factors affect the overall quality and price of a gemstone.

Tourmaline's allure lies in its captivating array of colours, spanning from delicate pastel blues and greens to intense, vibrant pinks and teals and they even come in a watermelon variety! The tourmaline is a versatile gemstone that comes in a wide range of colours, so whatever you are looking for from a gemstone, you can probably find it in a tourmaline!

Lab grown gemstones are becoming more and more popular! With their lower price point and greater availability, as well as their environmental sustainability compared to mined tourmalines, they're a great choice.

Lab-grown tourmalines are synthetic gemstones created in controlled laboratory settings, mimicking the chemical composition and crystal structure of natural tourmalines, so they're chemically exactly the same as their mined counterparts. Despite being synthetic, they maintain the same beauty and durability as natural ones, making them a popular choice for those seeking ethical and affordable gemstone options.

Keeping your tourmaline ring sparkling is easy-peasy! You can purchase one of our jewellery cleaning kits, it’ll include everything you need to keep your tourmaline ring nice and sparkly. Or, if you’d rather leave it to one of our professionals, you can book in for a repair & refresh, where one of our experts will be able to give your tourmaline engagement ring the TLC it deserves.

Do store your tourmaline jewellery by itself. If your tourmaline rings knock against each other the stones may become scratched. Keep them in separate ring boxes, pouches, or in a structured box to keep them upright! 

Don’t wear your tourmaline jewellery during sports. This should be a no-go with any jewellery, as it can be dangerous for both you and your gemstone. You should avoid any kind of overly physical activity to avoid potential knocks, claws catching or breaking, dents and stone losses! This includes swimming as chlorine and salt water can be especially harsh for your tourmaline!

Don’t wear your stone while cleaning. Especially if your tourmaline is set in a ring, you need to be wary of cleaning products and cosmetics. Coming into contact with bleach is one of the worst things for your stone!