A New Collection of Green Tourmalines Aims To Rewrite the Paraiba Narrative

By Victoria Gomelsky | December 09, 2024

In the gemstone trade, the term paraiba is synonymous with an electric blue tourmaline often described as “Windex blue” for its neon blue-green hue. Discovered in the Brazilian state of Paraíba in the late 1980s, and in Mozambique in the early 2000s, the copper-bearing tourmaline since has become one of the industry’s most sought-after—and priciest—stones.

Daniela Villegas ring — *Ladybug ring in 18k gold with 1.44 ct. paraiba tourmaline and 0.27 ct. t.w. diamonds, $24,200; Daniela Villegas*

Now, thanks to a new designer initiative from Cuprian & Co., a New Jersey–based gem company that owns a mining concession in Mozambique, copper-bearing tourmalines boasting an electric green hue are poised to give their blue siblings a run for their money.

Howl Isadora ring — *Isadora ring in 18k gold with 3.18 ct. paraiba tourmaline, $49,995; HOWL*

The company recently teamed with 18 top-tier designers—including Alice Cicolini, Daniela Villegas, Dorian Webb, Dyne, Harlin Jones, Harwell Godfrey, HOWL, Jade Ruzzo, Loren Nicole, Lorraine West, Lucy Leenet, Mason and Books, Rachel Quinn, Retrouvaí, Shola Branson, Stephen Webster, Vanessa Fernández, and ZAHN–Z—who have each created one-of-a-kind capsule sets showcasing green paraiba tourmalines.

Lorraine West ring — *Elevated Pear ring in 18k gold with 8.41 ct. paraiba tourmaline, $35,000; Lorraine West*

“Blue-colored paraiba has long been a favorite among luxury brands and remains central to our business,” Steven Hennigan, director of business development for Cuprian & Co., said in a statement. “But there is an emerging fascination for the green-colored paraiba, which shares the same signature neon glow. The timing couldn’t be better for us to shed new light on the gem through our jewelry collaboration. Our goal is to create broader awareness of the full spectrum of color for paraiba tourmaline, position Cuprian & Co. as its leading producer, and inspire others through our conscious mining practices.”

Rachel Quinn necklace — *Cube necklace in 18k gold with 2.03 ct. paraiba tourmaline, 1.42 ct. aquamarine, 3 ct. zircon, 3 ct. pink tourmaline, 1.63 ct. amethyst, and black jade inlay, $14,800; Rachel Quinn*

The collection, which ranges from $5,000 to $100,000, is now available at Greenwich St. Jewelers in New York City, where it will be on view through Valentine’s Day. Each piece of jewelry in the collection comes with an official certificate from American Gemological Laboratories, ensuring its authenticity and origin.