In the world of gemstones, Paraiba tourmaline is synonymous with an electrifying neon blue-green hue, often described as “Windex blue.” Since its discovery in Brazil’s Paraíba state in the 1980s, and later in Mozambique in the 2000s, this copper-bearing tourmaline has become one of the most coveted and valuable gems on the market.
A New Hue for Paraiba Fans
Now, a bold initiative by Cuprian & Co., a New Jersey-based gem company with a mining concession in Mozambique, is set to revolutionize this legacy. The company is shining a spotlight on electric green Paraiba tourmalines, which share the same neon glow as their blue counterparts but offer a fresh perspective on this prized gemstone.
Designer Collaboration Elevates Green Paraiba
Cuprian & Co. has partnered with 18 top-tier jewelry designers, including Alice Cicolini, Lorraine West, Stephen Webster, and Daniela Villegas, to create unique capsule collections featuring green Paraiba tourmalines. These pieces, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, are now showcased at Greenwich St. Jewelers in New York City, where they will be available through Valentine’s Day.
Highlights include:
- Elevated Pear ring by Lorraine West: 8.41 carats of green Paraiba tourmaline set in 18k gold ($35,000).
- Cube necklace by Rachel Quinn: A stunning composition of Paraiba tourmaline, aquamarine, zircon, pink tourmaline, and amethyst ($14,800).
- Tortoise shell necklace by Retrouvaí: Featuring Paraiba tourmalines and chrysoprase inlay in 14k gold ($28,140).
A Shift in the Market
“Blue-colored Paraiba has long been a favorite among luxury brands,” says Steven Hennigan, director of business development for Cuprian & Co. “But there’s a growing fascination with green Paraiba, which shares the signature neon glow. This collection is about broadening awareness of the full spectrum of Paraiba colors while highlighting our commitment to conscious mining practices.”
Certified Authenticity and Responsible Sourcing
Each piece in the collection comes with a certificate of authenticity from American Gemological Laboratories, verifying its origin. Cuprian & Co.’s ethical mining practices aim to set a new standard for sustainable gemstone sourcing, inspiring other producers to follow suit.