What are tourmaline paraibas? How are these unique gemstones used? We find out more about tourmaline jewellery from Splitting Colours Jewellery. This independent local brand creates all-occasion fine jewellery and statement pieces using these natural coloured gemstones – including one-of-a-kind bicolour tourmaline pieces.
Since launching, Splitting Colours Jewellery has garnered attention in both the UK and Japanese markets. It’s been showcased on Vogue Retail, for example, and at Takashimaya Osaka. What’s more, founder VINCEE YIP is a featured designer of Women Jewellers Japan. Here, Vincee explains the background and highlights of the brand’s signature gemstone in more detail.
Where do tourmalines come from?
Natural tourmalines are found in various locations. At Splitting Colours Jewellery, we are meticulous about the quality and origins of tourmalines to ensure transparency to our clients. Ours are mainly from Brazil and Africa (including Congo, Nigeria and Mozambique), sourcing either directly from mine owners or our proprietary network of verified suppliers.
What are the various colours of tourmaline?
Tourmaline’s natural colour ranges from black to different shades of rainbow colours. Special names are given to particular shades, including rubellite for red tourmaline, indicolite for blue tourmaline, and Paraiba (named after the Brazilian state of the same name) for electric blue tourmaline. Splitting Colours Jewellery specialises in bi-colour tourmalines. This is where two to three colours are present naturally in one unique tourmaline gemstone, in varying levels of intensity. The most popular bi-colour tourmaline is called watermelon tourmaline, where red and green co-exist in the gemstone. Just like in the fruit itself!
Which are the best settings for tourmaline jewellery?
Tourmalines are very versatile and work very well in different settings. With a hardness of 7.5, they’re sturdy enough for everyday wear. Splitting Colours also provides loose natural coloured gemstones for bespoke projects. Clients can choose the tourmalines or other gemstones that resonate with them and create their very own jewellery piece.
Tourmaline trivia
- Natural tourmalines come in all shades of colour. In fact, the word “tourmaline” originates from the Sinhalese words “tura mali”, meaning “stone of many colours”
- Ancient Egyptians apparently believed that tourmalines travelled along rainbows, picking up all the different colours as they went.
- Tourmaline is the birthstone for October, and it’s also the gemstone to give for an eighth anniversary gift.
- The blue colour in Paraiba tourmalines comes from the presence of copper. These tourmalines are considered the most exquisite variety of the stone, often regarded as rarer than diamonds. They’re also growing in popularity. Zendaya and G-Dragon are among the celebrities seen wearing them recently.
- People have ascribed different properties to tourmaline over the years, including the ability to improve self-confidence, counteract negativity and help with relaxation.
Keen to learn more about the creative possibilities of tourmaline jewellery? Schedule a private appointment at Splitting Colours Jewellery to check out their latest natural gemstone library or to discuss bespoke jewellery ideas with Vincee.
4/F, 6 Pak Sha Road, Causeway Bay
9343 0556 | IG @splittingcoloursjewellery
splittingcolours.com
This article on tourmaline jewellery first appeared in the Autumn 2025 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
