Tourmaline Jewelry

What tourmaline is

Tourmaline is a mineral family with one of the widest color ranges of any gem. Its name comes from the Sinhalese toramalli, stone with mixed colors, because a single crystal often shows more than one. Pink to red tourmaline is called rubellite; vivid green chrome tourmaline and neon blue-green Paraíba tourmaline are prized varieties. Tourmaline was mistaken for other gems for centuries: the famous Caesar's Ruby pendant is actually red tourmaline. Scientists recognized it as a distinct mineral only in the 1800s. Our tourmaline guide goes deeper.

Pink tourmaline in this collection

Most of our tourmaline jewelry is pink, a color that runs from pale blush to saturated raspberry and sits beautifully with diamonds. The engagement rings set oval and cushion tourmaline centers from 1 to 2 carats; the necklaces, pendants and earrings use smaller pink stones in halos, bars and clusters, and two earring styles use green tourmaline. Every tourmaline here is natural and mined; Brazil, especially Minas Gerais, is the most common source, with others in Afghanistan, Pakistan and East Africa. A few pieces pair tourmaline with amethyst, citrine, pearl or lab-grown pink sapphire, and their titles name both stones.

Tourmaline, an October birthstone

Tourmaline shares October with opal, and GIA lists it for the 8th wedding anniversary. Pink tourmaline is often associated with love and gentleness, which makes tourmaline birthstone jewelry a warm October gift; earrings and pendants need no sizing. Read about the October birthstones, see birthstones by month, or browse birthstone jewelry.

How to judge pink tourmaline

Look for an even, saturated pink that stays lively indoors; brownish or very pale stones are worth less. Pink tourmaline often has a few small inclusions, which are expected and rarely visible in jewelry sizes. Deeper raspberry tones look rich in yellow and rose gold, while softer pinks shine in white gold and platinum.

Caring for tourmaline

At 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline is durable enough for regular wear, including rings with a protective setting. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended, and heat can damage the stone, so keep it away from hot water and ask your jeweler before any repair involving a torch. More in our Mohs hardness scale and jewelry cleaning guide.

How to choose tourmaline jewelry

For a gift, the diamond-halo studs and starburst pendants are easy to get right. For a ring with color and meaning, a tourmaline engagement ring is a romantic alternative to pink sapphire; choose a halo or cathedral setting and plan on an occasional prong check. Rose gold makes pink tourmaline look warmer, white gold and platinum cooler and brighter. Rings are made to order in your size, so start with the sizing guide.

Tourmaline Jewelry at a glance