Tourmaline in Jewelry — Stone Properties, Colors, and How to Choose Beads
A single strand of multicolored tourmaline can become a necklace that gradually shifts from pink to green. You can also pick contrasting beads for earrings or use small faceted beads to make a delicate bracelet that changes color from bead to bead.
What Is Tourmaline and What Colors Does It Come In?
Tourmaline is a group of minerals with a wide range of colors. Pink, red, green, blue, and black tourmalines are all used in jewelry. A single stone can display several colors. Tourmaline with a pink center and green rim is called watermelon tourmaline because it resembles a slice of watermelon.
For a color gradient, lay the beads out in daylight and check that you have enough shades to make a smooth transition. For a symmetrical necklace, choose the center bead first and arrange the others on either side.
What Does Tourmaline Symbolize in Esoteric Practices?
In modern esoteric beliefs, black tourmaline symbolizes protection and stability, pink tourmaline is associated with tenderness and self-care, and green tourmaline represents growth and renewal. These associations can inspire a gift. A green tourmaline bracelet, for example, can mark the start of a new chapter. The stone’s effects on health or emotional well-being have not been scientifically established.
How to Choose Tourmaline Beads
- For a delicate bracelet, try small faceted beads. GemBeads carries 2.5 mm faceted tourmaline beads. Check that your thread fits through the hole, especially if it needs to pass through twice.
- For earrings, choose beads of similar size and weight. If each earring has several beads, repeat the same color sequence on both sides.
- For a short necklace, place the brighter beads in the center and the more subdued shades near the clasp. To highlight a single stone, add a small metal spacer on either side.
What to Pair With Tourmaline
White freshwater pearls bring out pink and green tones. Try placing several colored tourmaline beads in the center of a pearl necklace.
Black onyx creates a crisp contrast. For a bracelet, alternate groups of multicolored tourmaline beads with single onyx beads.
Silver-tone findings suit cool greens, while gold-tone findings bring out warm pink and olive shades. Hold the beads next to the findings before stringing to see which combination you prefer.
How to Care for Tourmaline Jewelry
Tourmaline measures 7–7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Protect it from knocks and sudden temperature changes. Wipe the beads with a soft cloth slightly dampened with warm, soapy water, then dry them thoroughly. Steam and ultrasonic cleaning are not recommended for tourmaline.
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