Few gemstones have the ability to rival the beauty and diversity of tourmaline. 

“There’s so much variety to be found in tourmaline. It comes in so many incredible hues. But I was really drawn to deep verdant colours that reflect the idea of being deep in nature,” shares SARAH & SEBASTIAN’s co-founder and creative director Sarah Munro.

A trained gemologist and part of the Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Australia, Sarah is passionate about understanding the depths of unique gemstones, working them into her designs in organic ways. Tourmaline holds a particularly special place in Sarah’s heart.

A defining gemstone in our latest collection, PILLAR, we are captivated by the world of tourmaline. From fascinating origins to distinctive characteristics, they make for a unique addition to your fine jewellery collection.

Loose hand-faceted Tourmalines stones

The Tourmaline Pillar Earrings, handcrafted in our Sydney studio

A KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOUR

Named for the Sinhalese word tōramalli, meaning mixed gems, tourmaline can be found in almost every colour of the spectrum, even exposing multiple hues in a single crystal. Forged over millennia and unearthed in deep cavities of igneous and metamorphic rock, the colour of each gemstone results from complex chemical compositions and exposure to various trace elements during the formation process.

From rich reds akin to rubies to vivid greens that are often likened to emeralds and even soft pastels, tourmaline is one of the only gemstones found in such an expansive shade range. Tourmaline can even occur as colour-zoned crystals, revealing a gradient of contrasting hues—often referred to as watermelon tourmaline—and pleochroic stones, which showcase two or three different colours when observed at varying angles.

Each stone used in the PILLAR collection is carefully hand-picked and custom-faceted to celebrate its original crystalline form. “Tourmaline can look almost entirely different depending on which angle you hold it at. I chose to cut the stones in a way that preserves the deepest hues and gives a really rich feel to the pieces,”  says Sarah. 

Faceting tourmaline stones in Sarah Munro's studio

CUSTOM-FACETED FORMS

Inspired by volcanic basalt formations in Tasmania’s deep south, Sarah chose to embrace the natural shape of tourmaline, which typically appears as long shards of prismatic or columnar crystals. 

“I was on a dive in Tassie and I remember looking up out of the water and seeing these incredible cliff faces; the sheer gravity of rock that had been formed over millions of years. But they almost seemed like they’d been hand carved,” muses Sarah.

Through her explorative design practice, Sarah hand-cut each tourmaline stone for the first jewellery samples, enhancing their form into smooth hexagonal cylinders. At once geometric and organic, pieces in the PILLAR collection are composed of bold architectural silhouettes. Rings, necklaces and earrings are designed in 18-karat solid gold and anchored with these teal green tourmaline stones.

Shop the PILLAR collection

Tourmaline Pillar Ring

Verdigris Cluster hoop & stud earrings

STYLING GREEN TOURMALINES

Imbued with rich rainforest green tones, the tourmaline pieces found in PILLAR are designed to be layered with white diamonds, as well as similar-hued gems like emerald and peridot or other coloured stones, including sapphires, citrine, amethyst and aquamarine.

Tourmaline also stands out when worn singularly or paired with classic gold chains, plain hoops and sleek bangles like our Twisted Pipi or signature Suspense designs.

PILLAR’s Verdigris story spotlights intricate designs that feature constellations of natural diamonds, glowing emeralds and green tourmaline. This captivating combination mirrors the vivid spectrum of verdigris patina—a natural phenomena that occurs when copper surfaces are exposed to the elements.

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Fine Verdigris Cluster Hoops

Verdigris Cluster Ring

Tourmaline Pillar Necklace

OCTOBER’S ALTERNATIVE BIRTHSTONE

While iridescent opals are known as October’s original birthstone, tourmaline makes an impact as the month's second gem, offering an added burst of colour.

With a kaleidoscopic palette for every mood, tourmaline is believed to inspire artistic expression and creativity, with each colour exuding a different energy and symbolism. Green tourmaline represents abundance, growth and renewal. It’s also often associated with prosperity and healing, making it a thoughtful gemstone to gift friends and loved ones or as a personal keepsake to commemorate your birth month.

Shop tourmaline birthstones
Shop Australian opal birthstones