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Step 1
Work with a jeweler or gemologist who is knowledgeable about tourmalines, has a good selection and who you feel you can trust. As with any gemstone purchase, an expert whose knowledge you can rely on will help you get the most for your money.
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Step 2
Look at a diversity of shades before you commit to one. Tourmalines have a complex structure that can incorporate a variety of trace elements, each one of which gives the mineral a distinctive coloration. In addition to blues, pinks, reds and yellows, there are light green gems with yellow overtones, dark greens and pure emerald greens. Some of the best are in the range from blue-green to dark bottle green.
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Step 3
Learn about the origin and issues of your preferred color. For example, Brazilian Paraiba stones are relatively expensive and come in intense, vivid shades produced by the element copper. They also tend to have more inclusions and are sometimes clarity-enhanced, an alteration which reduces their value and should be disclosed by the seller.
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Step 4
Look at the stone from many angles and in a variety of lighting—daylight, incandescent and fluorescent. Tourmaline gemstones grow in long linear crystals that often vary in color. This makes some stones bi-color, like pink and green “watermelon tourmalines.” In others, it produces an attractive, subtle shift in colors as the axis or lighting changes.
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Step 5
Think about size. The price jump between smaller green tourmalines and larger ones can be dramatic, depending on type.
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Step 6
Shop around. You should pay much less than you would for a similar emerald or green sapphire. However, you should not feel like you’re settling. Find a stone of excellent quality that you’re proud to wear or give.
