Each piece is a celebration of tourmaline’s diversity and of Mondial’s dedication to creating jewellery that tells a story.
Few gemstones capture imagination quite like tourmaline. Celebrated as the birthstone of October, it is renowned for its astonishing breadth of colour and its ability to reflect the individuality of those who wear it. With a spectrum that seems almost limitless, tourmaline has long fascinated jewellers, gem collectors, and artists alike.
The Tourmaline Palette
Unlike many gemstones that are confined to a narrow range, the tourmaline is defined by its diversity. Its palette stretches from vivid greens and radiant pinks to oceanic blues, fiery reds, deep purples, and velvety blacks. Some even carry more than one hue, with bi-colour and tri-colour varieties forming extraordinary natural ombrés. For example, the beloved watermelon tourmaline is a perfect blend of pink and green, and it remains one of nature’s most poetic expressions of colour.
Three Captivating Expressions of Colour
At Mondial, we love working with all shades of tourmaline for bespoke commissions and statement designs, where its vivid tones bring an unmistakable touch of glamour. Within this kaleidoscope, certain varieties stand out for their unique energy and emotional resonance. Here are three of our favourites that continue to inspire both collectors and designers alike:
Lagoon Tourmaline
A stone that captures the freshness of tropical waters, with shifting blue-green tones that feel both tranquil and uplifting.
Autumn Tourmaline
Warm, earthy shades of amber, olive, and russet that echo the glow of seasonal light and the grounded beauty of nature.
Among tourmalines, none are as mesmerising as the Paraíba. Its vivid neon blues and greens appear to glow from within, radiating an almost otherworldly light.
The Allure of Paraíba Tourmaline
Discovered in Brazil in the late 20th century, Paraíba tourmalines are exceptionally rare, rarer even than diamonds. Their luminous hues make them some of the most coveted coloured gemstones in the world.
Its rarity and beauty have also captured the attention of celebrities. Zendaya dazzled on the Golden Globes red carpet in a Bvlgari necklace featuring a 31-carat Paraíba tourmaline, while Caitríona Balfe has been photographed in striking Paraíba tourmaline and diamond earrings. Pieces like these highlight why Paraíba is considered a modern icon of high jewellery.
A Few Remarkable Stories from History
- The Chinese Dowager Empress Cixi (19th century) adored pink tourmaline so much that much of the world’s supply at the time was sent to China. She was even buried with a large tourmaline.
- The “Rubellite Necklace” of Empress Marie Louise (Napoleon’s wife) is now known to feature red tourmalines, not rubies as originally thought. It’s not the first time that tourmaline has been mistaken for other gems. For centuries, some rubies and emeralds in crown jewels have later been revealed to be tourmalines.
- Ancient Egyptians believed tourmaline’s colours came from its journey up through the earth, collecting hues as it passed along a rainbow. The secret to this chromatic abundance lies in the gem’s complex chemistry. Trace elements such as iron, manganese, and lithium interact during their formation, ensuring that no two tourmalines are ever the same.
A Gemstone of Purpose and Beauty
Tourmaline’s allure extends beyond colour. With a hardness of 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, it balances durability with wearability, making it suitable for a wide range of fine jewellery. Earrings, pendants, cocktail rings, and necklaces can all be crafted to showcase their expressive personality.
At Mondial, our journey with tourmaline begins long before a design takes shape. Stones are chosen for their clarity, saturation, and brilliance, always with an eye for ethical sourcing and enduring quality. From there, each gem is paired with a design that amplifies its natural character, resulting in a jewel that is not only beautiful but also deeply personal.
Whether it’s a bespoke design or a timeless piece from our collection, each creation is a reflection of craftsmanship, artistry, and the unique character of the gem it holds.
A Few of Our Favourites
Tourmaline continues to inspire many of our signature creations. Some highlights from our collection include: