Cushion Cut Paraiba Tourmaline

The cushion shape is exceptionally well-suited for Paraiba tourmaline because its brilliant facet pattern maximizes the stone’s signature neon glow while its rounded corners accommodate tourmaline’s natural crystal structure. This classic cutting style balances optimal light return with weight retention from the original rough, allowing more of the precious material to be preserved. The cushion’s larger facets showcase Paraiba’s extraordinary color saturation, while its symmetrical outline enhances the stone’s ability to display the electric blue-green hues that make these gems so valuable. This harmonious combination of factors makes cushion cuts a preferred choice for high-quality Paraiba specimens.

A cushion cut creates exceptional color distribution in Paraiba tourmalines through its unique faceting pattern that combines brilliant-style crown facets with step-cut pavilion facets. This hybrid approach allows light to penetrate deeply into the stone and reflect back through its copper-rich crystal structure, producing the intense neon glow collectors seek. The larger facets of a cushion cut minimize light leakage, concentrating color in the center while creating subtle gradation toward the edges. This balanced distribution ensures the natural color appears vivid and evenly saturated throughout the stone rather than concentrated in specific areas.

Antique-style cushion cuts are highly prized for Paraiba tourmalines because their larger, chunkier facets maximize the gem’s extraordinary neon glow by allowing more light interaction with the copper-rich crystal structure. These traditional cutting patterns, with their higher crowns and deeper pavilions, enhance color saturation while minimizing the natural pleochroism (color variation) that can affect tourmalines. The vintage aesthetic of these cuts also complements the rare, collector-quality status of fine Paraibas. Additionally, these cutting styles typically retain more precious material from the original rough crystal, preserving both weight and value in these extraordinarily expensive gemstones.

Fine quality cushion cut Paraibas are most commonly available in the 0.50 to 2.00 carat range, with stones over 3 carats being exceptionally rare and commanding premium prices. The limited size range reflects the scarcity of high-quality rough material large enough to yield significant cushion cuts while maintaining optimal color saturation. Specimens weighing 5+ carats are considered museum-quality and may cost upwards of $30,000-$50,000 per carat, depending on origin and quality. Brazilian material typically yields smaller finished stones than African sources, making large Brazilian cushion Paraibas particularly valuable to collectors seeking these natural treasures in significant sizes.