2.03 Ct. Tourmaline from Brazil

This 2.03 carat green tourmaline from Brazil exhibits a classic emerald cut, with precise step faceting and truncated corners that emphasize linear symmetry, proportions and optical depth. The faceting scheme consists of broad, parallel crown and pavilion facets arranged in successive steps, forming a large rectangular table that functions as the primary window for light entry and return. The stated dimensions of 8.07 x 6.23 x 5.03 millimeters provide a substantial face up area, and the measured depth relative to the average span of the stone yields a strong pavilion volume that contributes to a rich hall of light reflections. The cutter has maintained even facet junctions and balanced facet proportions, which are critical for step cuts where slight asymmetry can cause uneven brightness and distracting leakage. The overall result is a geometry that favors broad flashes of light and directional brightness, rather than scintillation, which is typical for high quality emerald cut designs.

Optical performance in this specimen is enhanced by the combination of medium light color intensity and a very clean face up presentation, graded as very very slightly included at eye level. Tourmaline commonly exhibits pleochroism due to its anisotropic crystal structure, and this green tourmaline shows subtle variation between greener and slightly bluish green tones when rotated under light, which the emerald cut displays as parallel color bands rather than dispersed color flashes. The refractive index of tourmaline in the typical range of 1.624 to 1.644 and its birefringence in the range of approximately 0.020 to 0.040 interact with the step faceting to produce controlled retardation of light that enhances the stone character without introducing unwanted optical noise. The inclusions are minimal and positioned so they do not interrupt the major light paths across the table, preserving both transparency and color saturation for a clean, vivid appearance.

Craftsmanship quality is evident in the excellent polish and in the crisp facet intersections that define each step, ensuring optimal internal reflection and contrast between the facet planes. The excellent polish minimizes surface diffusion and allows precise light transmission, which in a step cut is essential to maintain the clarity of the hall of mirrors effect characteristic of an emerald cut. Edge beveling at the truncated corners has been kept tight and proportional, which aids setting security while retaining the visual integrity of the rectangular outline. The cutter has made deliberate choices about crown angle and pavilion step depth to balance return of light against color depth, producing an object that reads as lively under daylight and under artificial illumination, with consistent contrast across the face up plane.

This specimen has undergone heat treatment as an enhancement, a recognized and stable method used to moderate hue distribution and improve overall color uniformity, particularly in tourmalines from Brazilian localities. Heat treatment in tourmaline is typically applied to reduce undesirable brownish or grayish overtones and to subtly shift the green towards a clearer, medium light intensity, without compromising structural integrity. The origin of Brazil contributes geological context, indicating a pegmatitic source known for producing well crystallized tourmalines with clean optics, and this provenance aligns with the observed combination of transparency and color. At The Natural Gemstone Company we document such treatments and origins clearly, and we present this gem with full disclosure of its enhancement history and gemological characteristics.

For setting and use the proportions and the clarity grade make this 2.03 carat emerald cut tourmaline highly versatile, suitable for a prominent solitaire ring, an elegant pendant, or refined cuff links, where the strong step cut geometry can be appreciated. The rectangular outline and stable truncated corners facilitate protective prong arrangements or tailored bezel architecture, and the medium light color intensity lends itself to both white metal and warm yellow metal settings, offering contrasting visual effects. When orienting the stone in a design, aligning the long axis with the finger or pendant orientation will maximize the perceived length and the directional flow of color bands. At The Natural Gemstone Company we can advise on setting specifications that preserve the optical performance, and we can provide additional viewing images and angles to assist in custom design decisions.