Design Details

Alexandrite, Paraíba Tourmaline & Diamond 3-Stone Ring
Platinum w/ Black Rhodium, Size 7
1 Alexandrite Cushion 2.67 ct. (9.68x7.85x4.16mm) - Natural
2 Paraíba Tourmaline Cushion 2.09 ctw. (6.44x5.63x4.44mm / 6.11x5.71x3.90mm) - Natural
22 Alexandrite Rd 0.34 ctw. - Natural
24 Paraíba Tourmaline Rd 0.26 ctw. - Heated
152 Diamond Rd 0.78 ctw. (E-F/VVS)

Unique Design Traits

Alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones on earth, and both the center stone and halo exhibit nearly 100% color change Brazilian Alexandrite.

Richness of the Paraíba tourmaline compliments the contrast of the color changing alexandrites. The combination of the two is visually intriguing!

All three gemstones including the Alexandrite and two Paraíba tourmalines are certified by AGL.

Gemstone Details

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is one of the most unique and rare gemstones ever discovered. It is a phenomenal variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that naturally color changes from bluish green in daylight to purplish red in incandescent light. First discovered in 1830 in Czarist Russia in the Ural Mountains. Since the imperial colors of Russia were red and green, the newly discovered stone was named after Czar Alexander II, then heir to the throne. Quickly it became the national stone of Russia, worn by royalty and the nobility. Today, fine alexandrites, particularly those of Russian origin, are most often found in period jewelry since newly mined gems are extremely rare.  

The original source in Russia’s Ural Mountains has long since closed after producing for only a few decades. In 1987 a new deposit of Alexandrite was found in Hematita, Brazil. Although there are other areas where Alexandrite has been discovered, Brazil is considered the finest source for Alexandrite since the 19th century. The most important quality factor when determining the value of an Alexandrite is its color change, caused by the complex way this mineral absorbs light. All other things being equal; the more dramatic the color change, the higher the value. Fine quality stones over one carat are exceptionally rare.  

Alexandrite is the birthstone for June and the gem for the 55th wedding anniversary. 

Paraíba Tourmaline 

Neon blue copper-bearing tourmaline was discovered in the hills of the Brazilian state of Paraíba, in the late 1980's. Various gemological laboratories performed testing on the new material and discovered that it was a natural elbaite tourmaline. Elbaite is generally achromatic, which means the crystals are colorless unless there are trace elements present in the chemical formula. In the case of Paraíba tourmaline, the crystals contain trace amounts of copper, which give the gemstones their unique and vibrant color and the reference of cuprian, which stands for copper-bearing. This variety of tourmaline was officially named "Paraíba tourmaline" after the state in Brazil in which it was discovered.

Their rarity is unmatched, as there is only one Paraíba tourmaline mined in Brazil for every 10,000 diamonds, and a fine quality Paraíba over three carats is virtually unheard of. A point to keep in mind is that copper bearing tourmalines have been mined in Mozambique, Nigeria and other localities, however, they are referred to as Paraíba-type tourmalines, because a true Paraíba tourmaline can only come from Brazil, making it all the more rare.

Color is perhaps the most important variable when comparing these stones, all other things being equal. Inclusions are to be expected and forgiven when judging fine stones, as long as saturation of color and brightness remain strong. Nearly every other shade of tourmaline is found in Brazil, however none has the vivid glow that distinguishes the Paraíba tourmaline. Colors ranging from bright turquoise to majestic blue-green to “windex” blue, it’s the incandescent glow that appears to light up the stone from within that makes Paraíba tourmalines incomparable to any other gemstone.

Tourmaline is the birthstone for October and the gift for the eighth wedding anniversary.