In Conversation: Discussing Paraiba — The Legacy of a Color with Vogue Singapore

May 22, 2025

By Katerina Perez

5 min read

If there’s one gemstone I could talk about for hours, it’s Paraiba tourmaline — its electrifying colour, remarkable rarity and almost otherworldly glow make it truly one of a kind. Despite its growing popularity, I still feel it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, and I love every opportunity to share its story. So, when Gordon Ng, Watches & Jewellery Editor at Vogue Singapore, reached out to discuss Paraiba, I was absolutely thrilled! The conversation encouraged both myself and Kevin Ferreira, my co-author, to recall exactly why we wrote Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color, and I am pleased to share more with you below. 

A few years ago, Kevin approached me with the idea of co-authoring a book about Paraíba tourmaline. As a passionate dealer in this rare gemstone, he had spent years immersed in its world and wanted to create a definitive resource. We were introduced by our mutual friend, Carlos Torres, who knew of my deep appreciation for Paraíba. It didn’t take much convincing — how could I resist the chance to delve into the story of one of my favourite gemstones.

Kevin Ferreira and Katerina Perez, authors of the book Paraiba – The Legacy of a Color

The Making of Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

As we developed the book, it naturally split into two complementary halves. Kevin, with his expertise in mining, explored the origins, properties, and technical aspects while I focused on its role in jewellery design, its presence on the red carpet, and its significance in auctions. The result is a blend of science and artistry that captures the full essence of this extraordinary stone.

Cover of Vogue Singapore March 2025

Why This Book Needed to Be Written

Kevin recalls a pivotal moment during an industry discussion in 2022 when he realised that even accredited gemologists had limited knowledge about Paraíba. The lack of understanding of its origins, treatments, and value was striking. This highlighted a crucial gap—not only within the industry but also among collectors and consumers. For me, the motivation was slightly different. I’ve always felt that Paraíba, despite its desirability, lacked the exposure it deserved. The original mine in Brazil is already depleted, and now Mozambique is the primary source. With such a finite supply, it felt vital to shed light on its significance before the opportunity to appreciate it became even rarer.

Kevin Ferreira celebrates the launch of Paraiba – The Legacy of a Color with a guest

The Rising Demand for Paraiba Tourmaline

Paraiba remains one of the most desirable gemstones for collectors, yet it is not widely available or fully understood by the mainstream market. Since its discovery in the 1980s, its price has increased nearly tenfold, with demand continuing to grow. Brazilian Paraibas, in particular, are highly sought after due to their scarcity. Today, they can only be found through collectors who acquired them early or in vintage jewellery. This rarity has only amplified their value and desirability.

Excerpts from the Vogue Singapore March 2025 issue, featuring earrings by Martin Katz, a ring by Louis Vuitton, and a Bvlgari necklace worn by Zendaya

Excerpts from the Vogue Singapore March 2025 issue, featuring earrings by Martin Katz, a ring by Louis Vuitton, and a Bvlgari necklace worn by Zendaya

Excerpts from the Vogue Singapore March 2025 issue, featuring a ring by Martin Katz, a ring by Tiffany & Co., a necklace by Harry Winston, a clip by Van Cleef & Arpels, and earrings by Piaget

Excerpts from the Vogue Singapore March 2025 issue, featuring a ring by Martin Katz, a ring by Tiffany & Co., a necklace by Harry Winston, a clip by Van Cleef & Arpels, and earrings by Piaget

Excerpts from the Vogue Singapore March 2025 issue, featuring a Dior ring, a Cartier necklace and ring, a Pomellato necklace, a Louis Vuitton necklace, and a Cartier watch

Excerpts from the Vogue Singapore March 2025 issue, featuring a Dior ring, a Cartier necklace and ring, a Pomellato necklace, a Louis Vuitton necklace, and a Cartier watch

A Personal Connection to Paraíba

Long before I co-wrote this book, Paraiba held a special place in my heart. In fact, my old website featured Paraiba blue as one of its key colours because I adore it so much. Its striking swimming pool blue is simply incomparable, and that intensity is what first captured my attention. I have always been drawn to bold, statement jewellery, and Paraíba is the ultimate conversation piece. It’s impossible to wear one without attracting admiration—it’s a gemstone that refuses to go unnoticed, and that’s what I love most about it.

Doris Hangartner Eye in the Sky ring with paraiba and diamonds in 18k white gold

Jewellers Working with Paraiba

Given its rarity, only a handful of jewellers work extensively with Paraiba tourmaline, as sourcing high-quality specimens is a challenge in itself. However, a few connoisseurs have truly mastered the art of selecting and incorporating these electric-blue gems into their creations. Doris Hangartner, renowned for her expertise in rare and exceptional gemstones, and Jochen Leën, known for his discerning eye, have both perfected the craft of sourcing and working with the finest specimens. Even Bvlgari, the legendary Italian jeweller, once dedicated an entire collection to Paraiba tourmalines. However, due to the stone’s increasing scarcity and soaring demand, the brand no longer features it prominently in its designs.

Katerina Perez wearing Jochen Lee paraiba bracelets

Investment Potential of Paraiba 

When it comes to buying Paraiba as a long-term investment, Kevin has some important advice. He explains: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw a surge in alternative investments, and Paraiba was no exception. Those who purchased stones during that period have already seen returns of at least 30–50%. Unlike diamonds, which have standardised pricing, Paraiba’s value is determined by its colour—a highly subjective factor. What you may find beautiful in one shade, I may appreciate differently. This leaves a lot of room for growth in value. Unlike diamonds, which can be traded off a price list, Paraiba is an item someone falls in love with based on its appearance and the fact that it cannot simply be replaced. If you can acquire a stone and hold onto it for a time when someone else will fall in love with it, therein lies the opportunity for profit.”

As scarcity continues to drive demand, the investment potential of Paraiba tourmaline only grows stronger, cementing its status as one of the most extraordinary and desirable gemstones in the world.

Bvlgari Colour Journeys paraiba tourmaline necklace with pink tourmalines and diamonds

Advice for Acquiring Paraiba Jewellery

The first step in buying Paraiba jewellery is understanding your purpose. If you’re looking for an investment, prioritise the most neon swimming-pool blue shades and ideally Brazilian origin. A small, intensely coloured stone is often more valuable than a larger, paler one. If your goal is to make a statement, a larger Paraiba from Mozambique can be a showstopper. These tend to be cleaner, creating a striking visual impact. For something unique, seek out pieces where the Paraiba isn’t just set into a design but enhances the artistry of the jewellery itself.Regardless of investment potential, jewellery is ultimately about emotion. If you fall in love with a particular stone, that connection is worth more than any market trend. If a Paraiba speaks to you—regardless of its technical grading—you will cherish wearing it far more than a stone chosen purely for investment.

Katerina Perez wearing a paraiba necklace and bracelet by Akillis, holding Paraiba – The Legacy of a Color

A Final Reflection

One thing to keep in mind when buying a Paraiba jewel is that it’s a statement piece. Its colour is bold, electrifying, and impossible to ignore. Are you ready to turn heads and embrace the attention? While some days call for making a striking impression, others might favour understated elegance. In that case, you can opt for a Paraiba piece with a softer, more delicate hue—one that still carries its magic but, in a quieter, more refined way.

Katerina Perez signing a copy of Paraiba – The Legacy of a Color, pictured with Christine Chen of Serendipity Jewellery

Writing Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color was a journey of discovery, and I hope it inspires more people to appreciate this mesmerising gemstone. With the support of distinguished publications like Vogue Singapore, we can begin to tell the Paraiba story to an even wider audience, helping more women (and men) to fall in love with this special tourmaline. 

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In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

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