Behold the Paraiba tourmaline! The gemstone du jour taking the ever-evolving world of high jewellery by storm is one with an allure that lies in both rarity and exceptional colour, its unmistakable neon blue and green possessing the unique ability to catch and hold the light, reflecting an otherworldly fire.
"No other gemstone possesses this striking, vibrant hue," says Katerina Perez, co-author of Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color. "The rarity of these stones adds to their desirability since they are mined only in three locations worldwide."
"What fuels their popularity is not just the stone's beauty but also its exclusivity. For a tourmaline to be classified as Paraiba, it needs to contain two minerals: copper and manganese," says Simone Ng, founder and executive creative director of Simone Jewels.
"When discussing Paraiba tourmalines with clients, I always emphasise that while Brazil is the birthplace of these gemstones, high-quality Paraibas are also found in Mozambique and Nigeria," she says, naming the three locations mentioned by Perez.
"The Brazilian stones are known for their intense neon blue while those from Mozambique and Nigeria often display a broader range of colours, from intense neon blue to greenish-blue and even red," Ng elaborates.
"While Brazilian Paraibas tend to command a premium price, stones from Mozambique and Nigeria can also be of exceptional quality, offering a beautiful and sometimes more accessible alternative. I often tell my clients that country of origin does not matter. The stone should be assessed based on its own merits."
DAZZLING DISCOVERY
This story is from the October 2024 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2024 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GLAMOUR AND BEYOND
PRESTIGE'S BEYOND THE HORIZON BALL PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS.
RACING BULL
Lamborghini's breakthrough plug-in hybrid, the Revuelto, might be the supercar it needs to pull ahead in the electrification space race.
SYMPHONY OF THE SENSES
Prestige sits down with world-class pianist and Rolex Testimonee HÉLÈNE GRIMAUD as she shares her journey through sound and silence.
Tapestry of the Heart
Jaipur Rugs, which recently launched in Singapore, is one of India's largest manufacturers of hand-knotted rugs. Its secret commitment to a social mission of equality and empathy.
FJORDS, FREEDOM AND FINE FOOD
Oceania Cruises' Riviera will make its debut voyage to Alaska in 2025, bringing guests deep into the wilderness of America's northernmost state while delivering The Finest Cuisine at Sea.
LESSONS FROM THE LONG ROAD
An extended cruise from Vancouver to Tokyo proves that to go further and deeper, you sometimes have to slow down.
Checks and Balance
Louis Vuitton's latest fine jewellery range, Le Damier de Louis Vuitton, is inspired by the house's Damier check. Artistic director for watches and jewellery FRANCESCA AMFITHEATROF takes us through the process.
IN DAZZLING FORM
Powered by a new movement, the Asia Pacific exclusive editions of the Round Skeleton Baguette 31 editions by Franck Muller sparkle with baguette-cut diamonds or coloured precious gemstones.
A TIME FOR SQUARE
In October, Patek Philippe unveiled its first wholly new collection of timepieces in 25 years. Prestige Singapore was among the first in the world to see the Cubitus trio of timepieces and find out how they were created.
STILL THE ONE
With a distinctive design including an off-centre dial, outsize date and an asymmetrical layout, the Lange 1 stood out from the horological pack when it was launched in 1994. It continues to do so even today, three decades on.
