AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sSourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in Ethiopia
SSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
This photo provided by SSEF shows a group of five copper-bearing tourmalines from Brazil, Mozambique, and Nigeria along with, in the bottom left-hand corner, two oval gemstones that might be from Ethiopia. (Photo © SSEF)
Basel—Less than a week after a private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines sold for more than $3 million at Sotheby’s jewelry auction, the sought-after gemstone is making headlines again.
Last week, Swiss gem lab SSEF issued a news release about a potential new source of Paraíba (or Paraíba-type) tourmaline, citing “credible reports” from trade sources that coincided with the submission of several copper-bearing tourmalines to the lab with indeterminable origin.
SSEF said it used existing analytical criteria and algorithms when examining the gemstones, two of which are pictured at the top of the article (bottom left-hand corner).
Trace-element analysis of the gemstones showed “considerable overlap” with copper-bearing tourmalines from sources in previously discovered deposits, particularly those from Brazil, but the lab said it could not definitively determine the stones’ geographic origin.
Because of the inconclusive test results and the reports of a new source of copper-bearing tourmaline, SSEF is hypothesizing that the gemstones it recently analyzed may be from Ethiopia.
The lab said research focused on characterizing this new material and refining the methods used to distinguish it from copper-bearing tourmalines mined in other countries is ongoing.
Related stories will be right here …
Last week, Swiss gem lab SSEF issued a news release about a potential new source of Paraíba (or Paraíba-type) tourmaline, citing “credible reports” from trade sources that coincided with the submission of several copper-bearing tourmalines to the lab with indeterminable origin.
SSEF said it used existing analytical criteria and algorithms when examining the gemstones, two of which are pictured at the top of the article (bottom left-hand corner).
Trace-element analysis of the gemstones showed “considerable overlap” with copper-bearing tourmalines from sources in previously discovered deposits, particularly those from Brazil, but the lab said it could not definitively determine the stones’ geographic origin.
Because of the inconclusive test results and the reports of a new source of copper-bearing tourmaline, SSEF is hypothesizing that the gemstones it recently analyzed may be from Ethiopia.
The lab said research focused on characterizing this new material and refining the methods used to distinguish it from copper-bearing tourmalines mined in other countries is ongoing.
Copper-bearing tourmalines first appeared on the commercial gem market in the late 1980s.
Miner and prospector Heitor Barbosa discovered the gemstone in a weathered pegmatite in the Brazilian state of Paraíba, thereby earning their trade name, Paraíba tourmaline.
It is primarily the copper in the tourmaline’s crystal structure that gives Paraíba tourmaline its neon-like glow.
Tourmalines with the same electric-blue hue later were discovered in Nigeria and Mozambique.
Mozambique has become a particularly important source of the gemstone, both in terms of quantity and carat size, SSEF noted. The country has produced some pieces of Paraíba tourmaline rough that weigh several hundred carats, like the stone that was cut into the 181.61-carat “Kat Florence Lumina.”
Some refer to these gemstones as “Paraíba type” because they are not from Brazil, though “Paraíba tourmaline” has become a widely used term for all tourmalines of this color.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled Emeralds
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesMore on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
