1.28 Ct. Green Paraiba Tourmaline from Nigeria

This 1.28 carat oval green Paraiba tourmaline measures 7.93 by 5.92 by 3.93 millimeters, with a length to width ratio of approximately 1.34, and a depth percentage of approximately 49.6 percent, presented in a faceted mixed brilliant pattern that marries modified brilliant crown facets with carefully arranged pavilion facet planes. The oval outline and mixed brilliant execution prioritize both table brilliance and color saturation, offering a broad face up that reads larger than the carat weight alone might suggest. Clarity is graded slightly included as evaluated at eye level, with minor natural growth features that do not materially diminish scintillation or visual appeal, and the polish is excellent, delivering crisp facet junctions and a highly reflective surface. The stone has been heat treated to stabilize and enhance tone, treatment that is common in the trade and disclosed for full transparency, and the material is sourced from Nigeria, exhibiting the vivid neon green to greenish blue character associated with West African copper bearing tourmalines.

Optical properties and cutting choices are central to the performance of this piece, and they are worth detailing for a technically minded buyer. The Paraiba tourmaline family typically refracts light in the range of approximately 1.624 to 1.644, with birefringence that can vary from roughly 0.014 to 0.030 depending on crystallographic orientation, and this stone displays the characteristic pleochroism of tourmaline, shifting subtly between more saturated green and cooler blue green tones as the viewing axis changes. The mixed brilliant pattern is selected to exploit these optical traits, using a brilliant crown to produce lively scintillation and sparkle, while pavilion facet geometry is tuned to return more saturated color to the table. Because the depth is on the shallower side, the cutter has emphasized spread and face up brilliance, which provides an immediate visual impact, and the slightly included clarity grade is consistent with natural formation, often presenting as fine needles or oriented growth features that serve as internal fingerprinting of origin rather than detracting defects.

When set into jewelry the intense green hue of this Paraiba tourmaline offers versatile interactions with skin tone and metal choices, enabling designers to tailor the final piece for specific aesthetic effects. For warm undertones, the neon green leaning toward yellow green will harmonize with yellow gold and rose gold, where the warm metal reinforces skin warmth and creates a rich, integrated appearance, the result is a luminous, organic feel that reads naturally on olive or golden complexions. For cool undertones, the blue green facets of the stone respond particularly well to white metals such as platinum and white gold, where the neutral backdrop emphasizes the stone s cooler spectral components and produces a crisp, modern contrast, this pairing is especially effective on fair skin where the gem s vibrancy can read almost electric. Neutral or mixed undertones can take advantage of either metal family, and for a more dramatic presentation consider a darkened or pavé seat behind the stone to intensify perceived saturation, or a delicate diamond halo to emphasize contrast and increase perceived size.

From a setting and care perspective, the mixed brilliant cut and excellent polish allow for flexible design choices while respecting the stone s natural behavior and optical needs. The cutter s decisions yield a broad table and lively facet interplay, so orientation in the mount should aim to align the most saturated pleochroic axis to the table for optimal face up color, a competent lapidary or jeweler can advise on exact axis placement based on photos taken with a standard light source. Heat treatment is a stable intervention and is fully disclosed, and the internal inclusions are consistent with natural Nigerian provenance, often used as an indicator of authenticity by experienced gemologists. This Paraiba tourmaline is offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, and we can provide additional magnified photography, cut videos, and laboratory documentation upon request, our team is available to discuss setting recommendations, certification options, and bespoke mounting solutions to showcase the stone s intense color and exceptional craftsmanship.