Tourmaline is a funky gemstone that naturally forms in many different colours, depending on the levels of different elements. They also famously come in ‘watermelon’ colouring, meaning they have an ombre appearance from pink to green. Tourmalines have been around for centuries, meaning they’re steeped in meaning and history.

Tourmalines symbolise creativity due to their array of vibrant colours, as well as promoting happiness. It’s also said that these gemstones have healing properties and provide mental clarity and spirituality. They have been loved since ancient Egyptian times so it's no wonder they have such a strong history and symbolism.

Like any gemstone, tourmalines come in a variety of different colours, shades, sizes and qualities, meaning they also come in a wide spectrum of price ranges. Different types of tourmalines such as watermelon tourmalines or Paraiba tourmalines will also command a higher price due to their rarity. In general, tourmalines are more affordable than other gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds and diamonds, so they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a colourful gemstone that doesn’t have a big price tag.

Tourmalines come from all over the world! Mainly, these gemstones are mined in Brazil and African countries such as Zambia, Madagascar, Namibia and Nigeria. The USA also has some tourmaline mines scattered across its states. At Jessica Flinn, we work with known and trusted suppliers to ensure all our gemstones are mined or created in conflict free zones.

Tourmalines are pretty hardy, scoring 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. However, the overall hardness of a tourmaline depends on which colour it is as well as how it’s set into jewellery. For example, black and green tourmalines are more suitable for everyday wear as they don’t scratch quite as easily as lighter shades. As with any gemstone, you just need to make sure that your tourmaline is set really well into your jewellery to avoid it becoming loose or falling out all together.

Take a look at the Mohs scale of hardness to see where your other favourite gemstones fall:

Tourmalines aren’t quite as rare as gemstones such as sapphires and rubies, but certain varieties of tourmaline are definitely rarer than others! For example, the Paraiba tourmaline is far rarer than other colours, meaning it’s not only more coveted but it also holds a high price tag. Some other rarer tourmaline colours include blue, red, pink and orange, while colours such as black tourmalines are far more common and command a lower price than their colourful counterparts.

Tourmalines are loved for their wide range of colours, from delicate pastel blues and greens to intense pinks and reds, and even rare neon aqua shades and ombre watermelon colours! 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 man-made gemstones created in a laboratory, mimicking the chemical composition and crystal structure of natural tourmalines, so they're chemically exactly the same as their mined counterparts. Despite being man-made, 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!