31.77-ct Paraiba Tourmaline could Fetch $650,000
June 01, 26
(IDEX Online) - A 31.77‑carat Paraiba tourmaline will be offered for sale with an estimate of $550,000 to $650,000 at Phillips New York.
It is one of the "newest" gemstones. Tourmaline was recognized as a distinct mineral species back in the mid-1700s but Paraiba tourmaline - with its distinctive vivid neon blue‑green glow - was only discovered in 1987 in the Brazilian state of Paraiba.
Gems from Paraiba achieve far higher prices than those from elsewhere.
In December 2025, Christie's New York sold a triangular modified brilliant-cut 13.54-carat Paraiba tourmaline for a world record $4,223,000, more than seven times its high estimate.
The gem leading the Phillips sale, an oval stone set in a ring, embellished by marquise-shaped diamonds and blue tourmalines, is more than twice the size, but is less prized because it is from Mozambique rather than Brazil.
Phillips is selling two other Paraiba tourmaline lots at its New York Jewels Auction on 10 June - a 9.30-carat pear-shaped Paraiba tourmaline (estimate $80,000-$120,000) and a pair of oval Paraiba tourmaline and diamond earrings (total tourmaline weight approx 14.00 carats) with an estimate of $60,000-$80,000.
Pic of the 31.77‑carat Paraiba tourmaline, courtesy Phillips.