16.60 Ct. Tourmaline from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

A jewel such as this green tourmaline invites a conversation that spans centuries, a conversation about earth born beauty and the human impulse to honor that beauty through craft. Mined in Ceylon Sri Lanka, a land with a storied history of gem trade that reaches back to ancient maritime routes, this transparent 16.60 carat cushion shaped tourmaline speaks with the quiet authority of an heirloom in the making. Its mixed brilliant cut draws light inward and releases it with a lively yet controlled scintillation, revealing a vivid color intensity that recalls the deep tropical forests of its birthplace. The proportions are generous, with dimensions of 16.88 x 13.42 x 9.13 mm, and the excellent polish enhances each facet to produce a mirror like surface that still breathes with internal fire. The clarity grade is eye clean evaluated at eye level, a quality that allows the gem to appear pure and luminous to the naked eye. This stone has been heat treated, a conventional enhancement that stabilizes and intensifies natural color, and when placed in a setting it presents itself as a piece that carries both provenance and presence.

The history of tourmaline is entwined with legend and reverence across cultures, often associated with protection and emotional balance, and this particular example from Ceylon carries that lineage into a modern context. At The Natural Gemstone Company we curate stones with an emphasis on origin and character, and this green tourmaline is a rare instance where size, color, and clarity converge in a classic cushion silhouette. The mixed brilliant cut is a thoughtful choice for such a gem, combining the depth and larger table of a traditional cushion with the lively faceting of a brilliant pattern, so that the gem reads as both old world and contemporary at once. A masterful setting will frame the stone without competing with it, whether that setting is a simple four prong ring for everyday reverence, a halo that amplifies the green with soft white diamonds, or a bespoke brooch that becomes a central motif in a family collection. The stone’s generous depth of 9.13 mm gives a satisfying weight and presence on the hand or neck, making it suitable for a display piece that will be admired across generations.

To consider this tourmaline as a generational heirloom is to imagine stories being told around it, names being attached to moments in a family history, and the gem acting as a chapter marker for births weddings anniversaries and quiet achievements alike. Its durability and polish mean it will stand up to gentle wear, and the heat treatment performed to enhance its vivid green is a stable and accepted practice in fine gemology that does not detract from the gem’s natural identity. When set with intention and cared for according to standard gem care practices, this 16.60 carat treasure will retain its brilliance and character over decades, becoming more than a personal ornament. It can become a symbol of continuity, an object that links grandparents to grandchildren, and a tactile reminder of a lineage. Imagine a wedding morning when a ring containing this tourmaline is passed across hands, or a graduation when a pendant is gifted as encouragement and legacy. These are the moments that transform a beautiful stone into a family heirloom.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we understand the responsibility that comes with sourcing and presenting stones destined for legacy. We provide detailed documentation that records the gem’s origin as Ceylon Sri Lanka, the measurements of 16.88 x 13.42 x 9.13 mm, the weight of 16.60 carat, the mixed brilliant cut, the clarity grade of eye clean evaluated at eye level, the vivid color intensity, the excellent polish, and the enhancement by heat treatment, so that future generations will know the full story of the gem they inherit. Our team can assist with design consultations to create a setting that both protects the gem and honors its historical character, suggesting metals and complementary stones that will stand the test of style and time. For collectors and families seeking to establish a tangible legacy, this green tourmaline offers a rare combination of scale, color, and provenance, and it arrives ready to be written into the next chapter of your family history. Contact us at The Natural Gemstone Company to begin a conversation about setting options and certification, and let us help you transform this exceptional tourmaline into an heirloom that will be treasured for generations.