The Jewel of Paraiba, 37.34 Carats

The rarity and size of this monumental 37.34-carat untreated Brazilian Paraíba would be difficult to overstate— there are no other untreated Batalha Mine Paraíbas over thirty carats known. Its Heitorita coloration, named after the visionary who first discovered these gems, is deep in color and stands as the most beautiful, desirable and rare tourmalines in existence. These gems are so scarce, all the large and unheated Heitorita stones ever discovered could easily be cradled in the palms of one’s hands. To find a perfect Heitorita of this magnitude is astonishing. 

Glowing with an untreated deep peacock blue hue, the unprecedented grandeur of this Paraíba is heralded by an accompanying folio from the American Gemological Laboratories—the highest honor a gem can receive. In the book’s opening appendix letter, Christopher Smith, president of the AGL, writes, “It is not likely that any more Brazilian Paraíba tourmalines of this importance will ever be unearthed.”

Additionally, this gemstone is the subject of the first-ever Gemmological Profile book completed by Gübelin Gem Lab on a Paraíba tourmaline. Recognizing the increasing global interest in Paraíba tourmalines, Gübelin specifically sought out this exceptional stone as the finest available example to anchor its research and publication.

The Profile confirms the tourmaline’s exceptional quality, citing its unheated status, Brazilian origin, remarkable size and saturated, homogeneous neon-blue color. It highlights the extreme rarity of finding an untreated Paraíba tourmaline of this size and purity, especially from Brazil, as almost all examples are treated to enhance color or clarity. This Gemmological Profile not only establishes Gübelin as a leader in Paraíba expertise but also positions this gemstone as perhaps the finest natural example in existence.

In 1981, the gem miner Heitor Dimas Barbosa, commonly known among the local villagers as “Heitor the Fool,” began tunneling in the hill behind São José de Batalha, Paraíba, Brazil. Led by an internal belief, Barbosa was sure he would find gems of ethereal beauty. Despite having no electricity or dependable water, Barbosa persevered and in 1987, his efforts were rewarded by the discovery of the first Brazilian Paraíba. It is thanks to their rare chemical composition that these gems owe their spectacular coloring and oceanic-bright glow that appears to light the stone from within— a stunning effect, unlike any other gem. Soon after their discovery, production began to dwindle; over 90% of the tourmaline production occurred between 1989 and 1992.

Considering its size, place of origin and untreated coloration, this Paraíba tourmaline is a singular beauty. The gemstone is carefully complemented by a framing circle of pink diamonds totaling 1.50 carats and white diamonds totaling 9.19 carats. Set in 18K rose gold and platinum.

2" length

Download the Reports and Gemmological Profile Book