HOW TO CHOOSE

Because green tourmaline is a relatively inexpensive gemstone, one should boldly choose a bright 3- to 10-carat stone of gem quality. Generally speaking, a tourmaline of quality comparable to a $100,000 “precious stone” (emerald, ruby, sapphire, or diamond), can be obtained for about $10,000. These prices are due to current demand that is relatively soft compared to production. As their popularity increases, tourmalines will eventually become more scarce, driving prices up. Gem qualities of colored stones such as green tourmaline are promising items with great potential.

Lighter “pastel” colors are recommended for use in jewelry. Such colors appear especially beautiful under artificial lighting, but stones with a brownish hue are not as attractive, and it would be wise to avoid these even if they are moderately priced. Accessory-quality stones are technically classified as gemstones, but from the standpoint that they lack beauty, it may be aid that they are unworthy of the name. Even if it means saving up funds, it would be preferable to choose something of jewelry quality or higher.

The value of a three-carat-size green tourmaline of jewelry quality is approximately US $500 for the stone alone (2004).