A dazzling gemstone is making headlines. An 182-carat Paraíba Tourmaline Set for Hong Kong Auction promises to draw global attention. Known for its vibrant, neon-blue hue and extreme rarity, this exceptional gem is expected to become a highlight of the upcoming high-profile sale.
The 182-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline
182-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Set for Hong Kong Auction. Toronto—A remarkable Paraíba-type tourmaline weighing over 180 carats is set to dazzle collectors as it heads to auction next month at Bonhams Hong Kong. The 181.61-carat unheated gem, known as the “Kat Florence Lumina,” will be featured in the auction house’s “Hong Kong Jewels and Jadeite” sale on May 22.
Bonhams has placed an estimated value of HK$3 million to HK$5 million on the gemstone, which translates to approximately $386,100 to USD 643,500—or about $2,126 to $3,543 per carat.
Named after jewelry designer Kat Florence, the tourmaline carries a story as brilliant as its vivid neon hue. Florence’s husband, gem hunter Don Kogen, originally discovered the gemstone in 2003 in Mozambique’s Mavuco district.. Located in Nampula province. When first unearthed, the rough crystal weighed an impressive 830 carats.
Kogen initially believed the stone could be cut into a clean gem weighing more than 300 carats. But, the crystal remained untouched for years. It wasn’t until this year, encouraged by Florence, that he revisited the project. The first cut produced a massive 315-carat gemstone, but despite its size, the brilliance fell short due to “windowing”. A flatness common in large Paraíba-type tourmalines that reduces their fire and sparkle.
To achieve the best possible brilliance, Florence’s cutting team carefully recut the stone, reducing it to its current 181.61-carat form. The result is a gemstone that balances size with striking visual impact. A rare feat in the world of colored gemstones.
History of Paraíba Tourmalines
Paraíba tourmalines are among the most coveted and rare gemstones in the world. Known for their electric, neon-blue to green hues. Their story began in the late 1980s when a Brazilian gem miner named Heitor Dimas Barbosa spent years digging in the hills of Paraíba. A small state in northeastern Brazil. In 1989, his persistence paid off with the discovery of a vivid, turquoise-blue tourmaline unlike anything the gem world had seen before.
What set these stones apart was the presence of copper. A chemical element not commonly found in tourmalines. Which gave them their intense, glowing color. Later, it was discovered that manganese also contributes to their striking shades. The discovery created a sensation in the gem industry, and prices skyrocketed as demand surged for the vibrant “neon” tourmaline.
By the mid-2000s, miners discovered similar copper-bearing tourmaline deposits in Nigeria and Mozambique.. Though they were not from Brazil, these gems shared the same vivid coloring and chemical composition. Today, gem experts often refer to stones from these regions as “Paraíba-type” tourmalines. While those from Brazil retain the original “Paraíba” name.
Despite debates over naming conventions, experts celebrate both Brazilian and African varieties for their rare beauty. Brazilian Paraíbas remain the most prized due to their origin and extreme scarcity. However, Mozambique has become the primary source for larger stones. Offering collectors and designers more options in size without sacrificing the signature glow.
Due to their limited availability and growing popularity. Paraíba and Paraíba-type tourmalines remain among the most expensive colored gemstones per carat. Sometimes surpassing even diamonds and rubies. Their short history has already made a lasting impact on the gem world.
