

Tantalising Tourmalines: Looking Back at the October Birthstone
As October draws to a close, it’s time to look back at the most beautiful tourmaline creations by some of our favourite designers. Let’s learn more about this multicoloured gemstone and discover why these talented jewellers love working with it via the medium of their most tantalizing tourmaline designs.
Very few gems match the vast colour range of the tourmaline. Available in every hue of the rainbow, from rich reds to light violets, this gem’s colour intensity makes it such a special stone. Discovered in Brazil in the 1500s, tourmaline was often mistaken for other precious gems. Green tourmalines were thought to be the sought-after emerald until the 1800s when scientists could chemically differentiate between the two distinct minerals. Red tourmalines, known as rubellites, were also famously mistaken for rubies, especially in royal jewels. A 255.75-carat gem known as the Caesar’s Ruby was a valued treasure in the Russian royal family and was traded amongst the royalty of France, Russia and Sweden from the late 16th century. However, in 1922, mineralogist Aleksandr Evgenevich Fersman reported its true identity as a rubellite.
Secondary to opal in the October birthstone hierarchy, the name ‘tourmaline’ comes from the Sinhalese word ‘toramalli’, which means ‘stones of mixed colours’, because they were hard to identify. Much like their wide variety of hues, tourmalines are said to inspire different positive attributes for those who wear them. They can ignite artistic inspiration, provide self-confidence, and boost determination depending on the wearer. It is for these reasons and many more that the talented designers below choose to work regularly with this special and versatile gem. Here are a few words from industry insiders on why they’re smitten with tourmalines for their creations.

Constantin Wild AI Tourmaline artwork
Carol Kauffman
Elizabeth Gage, MBE
Sunita Nahata

Model wearing Sunita Nahata rings in white gold and Paraiba tourmaline
Vanessa Chilton (Robinson Pelham)
Finally, here are a few words from Katerina Perez on why she loves the tourmaline gem: “I love tourmalines for the rich colour palette they offer, with some hues being so exclusive that they have their names like indicolite, rubellite or Paraiba. For those who like to have something truly eye-catching, there are bi-colour and watermelon tourmalines. What makes this stone particularly desirable among collectors are the rare and valuable varieties within the tourmaline group like neon blue Paraibas”.

Alice Fournier Yukon ring in white gold, diamond and Paraiba tourmaline
No matter what shade you love or the jewel you’re dreaming of, tourmaline is an essential mineral ingredient in the fine jewellery recipe. For those born in October, it is an uplifting accompaniment to the play of colour in opals and will help showcase your vibrant personality.

Collins and Sons
Collins and Sons
Ring in rose gold, platinum, featuring a 19-ct pink tourmaline

Ines Nieto
Ines Nieto
Necklace in gold, pearl and tourmaline

Annoushka
Annoushka
Ring in white gold, sapphire, diamond and tourmaline

Noora Shawqi
Noora Shawqi
Ring in white gold, diamond and tourmaline

CICADA
CICADA
Necklace in white gold, diamond and tourmaline

DEVI Jewels
DEVI Jewels
Ring in white gold, diamond and carved tourmaline

Jacquie Aiche
Jacquie Aiche
Sophia Dia Inside Out hoop earrings in gold and tourmaline

TASAKI
TASAKI
Flourish necklace in Akoya pearl, morganite, sapphire, spinel, topaz, diamond and tourmaline

Le Vian
Le Vian
Ring in white gold, diamond and tourmaliine

La Marquise
La Marquise
Pendant in white gold, diamond and tourmaline

Bucherer Fine Jewellery
Bucherer Fine Jewellery
Earrings in gold, diamond and tourmaline

Kaltham's Pavilion
Kaltham's Pavilion
Ring in white gold, diamond and tourmaline

ASSAEL
ASSAEL
Earrings in gold, pearl and tourmaline

Alice Fournier
Alice Fournier
Ring in white gold, diamond and Paraiba tourmaline

Assael
Assael
Earrings in white gold, pearl and tourmaline

Hamilton Jewelers
Hamilton Jewelers
Ring in white gold, diamond and tourmaline

Picchiotti
Picchiotti
Ring in gold, white gold, diamond and tourmaline

Neha Dani
Neha Dani
Agapi bracelet in gold, enamel, precious gemstones and Paraiba tourmaline

WORDS
Livia Primo Lack Watches & Jewellery journalist and content creator Livia Primo Lack has covered all matters when it comes to luxury jewels and timepieces. Through her strong background in the editorial world Livia has developed a keen eye for up-and-coming new designers as well as for exciting innovative work by iconic brands.
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