Tourmaline

• Grading: IF
• Design: Pear
• Color: Pink
• Origin: Nigeria
• Treatment: None
• Hardness: 7-7.5
• Refractive Index: 1.616-1.650            
• Cut: Custom cut by Doug (2X Award-winning gemstone faceter/Certified Master Faceter)  

The gemstone Tourmaline is the official birthstone for October as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912.  It also the traditional birthstone for October, the stone for the Zodiac sign of Leo, and the accepted gem for the 8th wedding anniversary. Tourmaline is the gemological name for an important group of complex gem-quality boron silicate minerals. Tourmaline gemstones can be found in all colors of the rainbow. Owing to its wide range of color availability, tourmaline is considered to be one of today’s most versatile gemstones. Its name is thought to be derived from the Sinhalese word, “turamali”, which means “stone with various colors” in reference to its extreme versatility. Scientifically, tourmaline is not a single mineral, but a group of minerals related in their physical and chemical properties. The mineral Elbaite is the member of the Tourmaline group that is responsible for almost all the gem varieties. Three other members of the group - Schorl, Dravite and Liddicoatite, are seldom used as gemstones.

*CARE (Tourmaline)*

Warm, soapy water is the best method for cleaning tourmaline. The use of ultrasonic and steam cleaners is not recommended.

*CLARITY CHART*

IF – Internally flawless; free of inclusions

VVS – Very, very slight inclusions; microscopic inclusions are barely seen under a loupe with 10x magnification

VS – Very Slight inclusions; visible inclusions that can be seen under magnification and sometimes also with the unaided eye.

SI – Small inclusions; inclusions that are obvious under magnification and to the unaided eye.

I – Heavy or large inclusions obvious to the naked eye

I work exclusively with a precision machine when faceting gemstones. This allows extra brilliance and appeals only seen in precision cut gems. Gemstones are cut at their correct refractive index using digital precision, this facilitates making the correct facet angles allowing the maximum amount of light to enter and reflect back up through the table. This allows optimum brilliance according to each gemstone’s individual refractive index. Special care in polishing ensures that the faceted gem is showcased in all its brilliance. The introduction of precision faceting machines has revolutionized the art of gem cutting allowing the gem cutter to unveil the inner beauty of every single gemstone as it has never been done before. The cut of a gem is one of the main values of a gemstone and each gemstone requires special attention in order to unveil its potential beauty. If you’re looking for that extra special stone, I hope you find it here. Sincerely, Doug

“Light reflects off of Jewels, But, “It” comes from above.”