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
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
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.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
