Wrap yourself in pink, the colour of energy and romance. Pink tourmaline resembles a ruby and is one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones. It is the birthstone for October, which is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
EVERY STONE IS UNIQUE
Jewellers enjoy working with pink tourmaline for its beauty and versatility, while scientists are fascinated by its physical properties. Its shades range from pale purple and peachy pink to vibrant fuchsia. No two tourmalines in the world are exactly alike.
Some tourmalines acquire their pink or yellow colour through natural radiation, while others are irradiated in laboratories to enhance their appearance.
THE AMERICAN DREAM IN PRACTICE
The first significant discovery of tourmaline in the United States dates back to the late 19th century. Two young American miners brought green tourmalines found at the Mount Mica mine in Maine to Tiffany & Co. They were fortunate enough to meet the renowned gemmologist George F. Kunz, who was so captivated by the stones that he persuaded Charles Tiffany to buy them. This marked the beginning of tourmaline’s journey towards worldwide popularity.
The whole world fell in love with tourmalines. Even the Chinese Empress Dowager Cixi commissioned jewellery featuring the gemstone from Tiffany & Co. Her passion for pink tourmaline knew no bounds. Between 1902 and 1910, the Chinese imperial court purchased 120 tonnes of it.
In the mid-20th century, American miners discovered the Tourmaline Queen mine, where they unearthed the stunning ‘Blue Cap’ tourmalines – multicoloured crystals ranging from blue to deep pink. The American Museum of Natural History described them as the find of the century. These gemstones are exceptionally rare and possess immense collectors’ value.
PROPERTIES OF TOURMALINE
Pink tourmaline is believed to have a beneficial effect on the endocrine system and to support the heart, lungs and skin. Eastern medicine recommends placing it over the heart chakra, where the physical heart is located. This makes it an ideal gemstone for a pendant.
Rubellite, the red variety of tourmaline, is considered an aphrodisiac that attracts love. It reminds us that we must first learn to love ourselves before others can love us.
Pink tourmaline jewellery can also be given as a symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you know someone who has been affected by this insidious disease, a piece of jewellery representing love, strength and energy can make a beautiful gift.
Pink tourmaline is believed to encourage a zest for life, increase physical energy and courage, attract love and support detoxification.
CAPTIVATING AND WORLD-FAMOUS
One of the most famous examples is the so-called ‘Caesar’s Ruby’, a beautiful rubellite presented to Russian Empress Catherine II by King Gustav III of Sweden.
Another notable piece is a large poppy-shaped brooch adorned with tourmaline and diamonds, once worn by the prominent philanthropist Lily Safra. In 2012, it sold for more than $1.27 million.
MAIN TOURMALINE DEPOSITS
Today, pink tourmaline is mined in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, Myanmar and several African countries such as Mozambique, Nigeria and Botswana.
Tourmalines can also be found in the Czech Republic. One variety, rossmanite, was even discovered in the Žďár region and around Velké Meziříčí.
PINK TOURMALINE SHAPES
SALABA JEWELLERY FEATURING TOURMALINE
