Tourmalines are the newer birthstone for October. The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word totamalli, which translates into stone with many colors. In ancient times tourmalines were thought to inspire artists and creativity. Due to its vibrant colors, tourmaline has been mistaken for other gemstones throughout history. One of the “rubies” in the Russian crown jewels turned out to be a tourmaline. During the colonization of Brazil conquistadors often thought they were finding emeralds when tourmalines were the actual treasure.
The tourmaline family contains a beautiful red gem, Rubellite. This ruby like red gem often of great clarity and scintillation, exhibits traits of rubies and were often confused for them. Regent Jewelers has among its collection this beautiful rubellite ring. It is an antique and features an oval rubellite of fine color and clarity surrounded by eight old mine cut diamonds mounted on a hand crafted ring with platinum topped gold.
Other colors of the tourmaline family are attributed with having various effects on their owners. Green tourmaline gives strength, courage and stamina while black tourmaline is said to protect the wearer and provide self confidence. Regent Jewelers has among its collection several pieces which feature tourmalines. They can be found here https://regentjewelers.net/search?type=product&q=tourmaline*
In recent years tourmalines from the Paraiba region of Brazil have become very popular with collectors. The relative value of Paraiba tourmalines is much higher than its cousins and in this case it matters much where you came from. Brazil yields the most valuable tourmalines while they are also found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique and the United States. California and Main are two states where tourmalines are found.
Tourmalines are durable and stable gemstones suitable for every day wear and due to their reasonable pricing, can be part of nearly everyone’s collection. Tourmalines are 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means that they can withstand the rigors of everyday use without any problems. Tourmalines should be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and warm water. They should not be exposed to extreme heat or the vibrations of an ultrasonic due to their inclusions.
Whether you are purchasing a valuable Paraiba tourmaline or a more budget friendly tourmaline from Afghanistan or Africa, choose your jeweler carefully. Like many other gemstones, tourmalines can be duplicated using various synthetic materials, all of them worthless. When you are looking to purchase tourmaline jewelry you should do your due diligence and select a jewelry store which is reputable, has been in the same brick and mortar location for years and offers returns and stands behind what they sell. Regent Jewelers stands behind all of our jewelry and makes sure that all of our jewelry features natural authentic gemstones which offer the most beauty for their value.
Call us today to make an appointment and view one of our tourmaline pieces today.
