Tourmaline

Tourmaline crystals are most often cut in long rectangular shapes because of they come in long and narrow shapes.

Tourmaline is strongly pleochroic: the darkest color is always seen when looking down the axis of the crystal, and the challenge for the gem cutter is to orient the stone in such a way as to get the best color possible while avoiding inclusions.

The Paraiba type, with its vivid blue colors, is the most expensive of the tourmaline family, followed by rubellite in red to pink shades.
In fashion this moment is the «hot» pink color variety, found mainly in Afghanistan, Madagascar and in the new Nigerian minings.

Good proportions are very important in order to give tourmaline its full brillancy.

Tourmaline is a durable gemstone which can withstand years of wear if thermal shocks are avoided.