At Prins & Prins, we understand the magic of colour in jewellery. No gemstone offers more colour variety and personality than tourmaline. Known as the “rainbow gemstone,” tourmaline occurs in an incredible range of hues—from vivid blues and greens to fiery pinks, reds, and even multi-coloured gems like the famous watermelon tourmaline. Whether you’re seeking something bold, romantic, or earthy, tourmaline has something to offer.
What Is Tourmaline?
Tourmaline is not a single mineral but a group of closely related minerals with complex compositions. This chemical diversity allows for its breathtaking array of colours. The most common variety used in jewellery is elbaite, though others like dravite, schorl, and liddicoatite also appear in high-end pieces.
Its pleochroic nature (where a gemstone shows different colours when viewed from different angles) and ability to become electrically charged (pyroelectric and piezoelectric) give it unique physical properties—making it as fascinating scientifically as it is visually.
A Spectrum of Colour
Tourmaline offers one of the widest colour ranges of any gemstone. Some notable varieties include:
Rubellite: Vibrant pink to red tones
Verdelite: Rich green hues
Indicolite: Striking blue and teal shades
Paraíba Tourmaline: Neon blue to green, coloured by copper—one of the rarest and most valuable
Watermelon Tourmaline: Pink interior with a green outer layer, often cut as slices
Schorl: Opaque black, perfect for dramatic, bold jewellery
The diversity of tourmaline’s colour palette means you can always find a shade to suit your personality, mood, or occasion.
A Gemstone with a Rich History
Tourmaline has a long and storied history. First mistaken for emeralds in 16th-century Brazil, the gem gained prominence in the 19th century when deposits were discovered in the United States. George F. Kunz, a gemmologist at Tiffany & Co., helped introduce tourmaline to the world market. It became especially popular in China during the Qing Dynasty, where it was carved and worn by royalty.
Today, significant sources of tourmaline include Brazil, Afghanistan, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the United States (especially California and Maine).
Durability and Use in Jewellery
Tourmaline is a durable gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, making it suitable for everyday wear in rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. However, it can have internal fractures, so it’s best set in protective settings for high-impact jewellery.
Tourmaline is often faceted to highlight its colour and pleochroism, though cabochon cuts are also popular—especially for varieties with chatoyancy (cat’s eye effect).
Symbolism and Metaphysical Properties
Tourmaline has long been valued for its metaphysical properties. It is believed to:
Promote emotional balance and reduce stress
Offer grounding and protection (especially black tourmaline)
Attract love and friendship (pink and green varieties)
Enhance clarity, self-confidence, and creativity
Its wide colour range also aligns with different chakras, making it a favourite among crystal healers and spiritual jewellery enthusiasts.
Why Choose Tourmaline?
Tourmaline is ideal for those seeking:
Personalised style: With so many colours to choose from, you’re sure to find a stone that reflects your individuality.
Affordability: Compared to gems like sapphire and emerald, most tourmalines are accessible without compromising on beauty.
Unique jewellery: From bicolour stones to neon blues, tourmaline offers styles rarely seen in other gemstones.
Caring for Tourmaline
To keep your tourmaline jewellery looking its best:
Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush
Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners
Store it separately to prevent scratching
Protect it from hard knocks or sudden temperature changes
Explore Tourmaline at Prins & Prins
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself, a tourmaline piece from Prins & Prins is more than jewellery—it’s a personal statement. Visit our Cape Town showroom or browse our curated online collection to discover the spectrum of tourmaline’s beauty and energy.
We also offer bespoke design services if you want to create something truly one of a kind.
Sources
Gemological Institute of America (GIA):
https://www.gia.edu/tourmalineInternational Gem Society (IGS):
https://www.gemsociety.org/article/tourmaline-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/
