In promoting the Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraiba as coming from Brazil, being part of the original mine’s production and being even an authentic Paraiba is reaching a new low in probably confusing the public. This largest of all “Paraiba” tourmaline obviously came from Mozambique and should be called a paraiba type tourmaline or cuprian tourmaline, Paraiba. But I have been told that the dealers do not like paraiba type as a name and I don’t think that the world’s largest cuprian tourmaline, name, would get the same press or price.
Millions of dollars have been spent keeping Brazilian material undiluted by African material. And the technology is available, but in a single stroke of hype, the Paraiba story gets more mixed up and confusing.
Oh and by the way the ECD tourmalines weighs 191.87 and the largest reported piece of gem rough from the original and still superior mine was 175 carats. The day I can cut an almost 200 carat stone from a 175 carat piece of rough will be in my dreams.
Bruce
