Elite Traveler July-August 2016

Nikos Koulis 18K white gold and grey enamel Oui Necklace with 3.52 carats of Brazilian Paraíba, 10.52 carats white diamonds $168,820, +30 210 723 3783, Zoe Kompitsi, athens@ nikoskoulis.gr

Vianna Brasil 18K white gold Paraíba Wishes Necklace with 13.15 carat Brazilian Paraíba and 13.60 carat white diamonds $195,000, Luciana Vianna, +1 561 826 7174,

JB Star platinum earrings with 7.47 carats of Brazilian Paraíba, 2.14 carats of white diamonds $329,990, +1 800 223 2277, JB Star

Vianna Brasil Boca Raton, Florida

Into the beautiful blue

Discovered in Brazil in the 1980s, Paraíba tourmalines command six-figure prices per carat thanks to their rarity and unique coloring. Greek designer Nikos Koulis makes a pear-shaped Paraíba the focal point of an enamel and diamond necklace. The enamel makes the necklace more playful, versatile and – dare we say it – appropriate for daywear. Sutra designer Arpita Navlakha sets 35 carats of pear-shaped African Paraíbas in chandelier earrings for a perfect red-carpet piece. Brazilian jewelry house Vianna Brasil has been celebrating its country’s people, heritage and culture in its jewelry designs for four generations. The pieces use tourmalines of all colors and this necklace from the Paraíba Wishes collection showcases the intense color of the famous swimming-pool-blue stone. JB

Star makes each of its pieces by hand in its New York studio and focuses on creating statement pieces using significant gems. Misahara’s Crying Eyes ring is sure to turn heads.

Sutra Jewels 18K white gold Oceanic Paraíba Pear-Shaped Chandelier Drop earrings with 35 carats of African Paraíba $300,000, Sara Faherty, Precious Jewels Salon, Neiman Marcus +1 214 891 1250

Misahara 18K oxidized white gold Crying Eyes ring with 6.39 carats of Paraíba, 1.5 carats of blue sapphires, 1.33 carats of white diamonds $80,000, rendezvous@ misahara.com

Coomi 18K white gold Trinity ring with 6.49 carats of African Paraíba, 4.18 carats of white diamonds $120,000, Michelle Kho, +1 866 867 7272, Coomi

Words: Kristen Shirley