Indicolite & Verdelite Tourmalines: Rare Jewels in Vintage Jewellery
Tourmalines are some of the most diverse and fascinating gemstones found in vintage jewellery, prized for their extraordinary range of colours and captivating depth. Among the many varieties, Indicolite (blue tourmaline) and Verdelite (green tourmaline) stand out for their rarity, beauty, and versatility. These two coloured tourmalines have become popular centrepieces in vintage rings, brooches, and pendants, often found in antique gold settings or paired with diamonds for a dramatic contrast.
What Is Indicolite Tourmaline?
Indicolite is a rare variety of tourmaline that ranges in colour from deep teal to vibrant denim blue. The name comes from the Latin “indicum,” referring to indigo dye, reflecting the stone’s rich blue tones. Unlike more common blue gemstones like Sapphire or Topaz, Indicolite often displays a unique greenish or slightly violet undertone, giving it a mesmerising oceanic feel.
This gemstone is relatively rare, especially in vintage jewellery, as true blue tourmaline was historically difficult to source and cut. Most vintage Indicolite pieces date from the late Victorian to Art Deco periods, when jewellers sought unusual colours to create standout designs. You’ll often find Indicolite set in intricate 18ct yellow gold or platinum filigree mountings, either as solitaire rings or surrounded by seed pearls or rose-cut diamonds.
Verdelite: The Green Beauty
Verdelite is the green variety of tourmaline and is prized for its vibrant, fresh hues. Unlike Emeralds, which tend to have visible inclusions, Verdelite offers a clearer and more radiant green, often with fewer imperfections. Its colour ranges from pale spring green to intense forest green, sometimes rivaling the finest Tsavorite garnets or Peridots.
Vintage Verdelite jewellery surged in popularity during the Edwardian and Art Deco eras, when green gemstones became fashionable in floral and geometric designs. You’ll often find Verdelite in vintage cocktail rings, dress rings, and floral brooches, commonly paired with diamonds or other pastel-coloured stones in platinum or white gold settings.
Tourmaline’s Vintage Appeal
The rise of coloured gemstones in vintage jewellery history corresponds with changes in both fashion and access to materials. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, global trade routes expanded, and gems like tourmaline began arriving in European markets from mines in Brazil, Africa, and Afghanistan.
Vintage jewellers—particularly during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods—embraced tourmaline’s exotic hues. Indicolite and Verdelite, in particular, allowed designers to move away from the traditional ruby-sapphire-emerald trinity and create one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces. These gemstones appeared in bold cocktail rings, delicate sautoirs, and colourful brooches—often with highly detailed settings and romantic motifs.
For collectors and vintage jewellery lovers today, Indicolite and Verdelite offer an opportunity to own a gemstone with both historical significance and unique aesthetic appeal. No two stones are exactly alike, making each piece a personal and expressive choice.
Metaphysical Properties
Tourmaline is considered a protective stone, often used to repel negativity and promote emotional balance.
Indicolite is said to enhance communication, intuition, and truth, aligning with the throat chakra.
Verdelite is linked to the heart chakra and is believed to foster compassion, vitality, and personal growth.
These metaphysical associations only add to their allure in the world of vintage jewellery, where meaning and symbolism are often as valued as beauty.
Buying Tips for Vintage Tourmaline Jewellery
When buying vintage jewellery featuring Indicolite or Verdelite, consider the following tips:
Check authenticity: True Indicolite is rare. Ensure the gemstone has been properly identified and hasn’t been mislabelled.
Examine condition: Vintage jewellery can show signs of wear. Look for cracks, chips, or loose settings.
Seek hallmarks and provenance: Hallmarked metals and known makers (such as French Art Deco jewellers or British Edwardian designers) can add value and authenticity.
Value clarity and colour: Both Indicolite and Verdelite are judged on clarity and intensity of colour. Avoid overly dark stones that appear black or overly pale ones lacking vibrancy.
Why Collect Vintage Tourmaline?
Vintage Indicolite and Verdelite pieces are not just beautiful—they are sustainable, rare, and often more affordable than their modern equivalents. Collectors are drawn to these gemstones not only for their vivid hues but also for the craftsmanship found in older jewellery.
Whether you’re after a 1930s Indicolite cocktail ring or a 1920s Verdelite pendant in filigree white gold, these stones bring a splash of colour and history to any collection. Their growing popularity also means they are gaining investment value, especially as high-quality stones become harder to source.
Final Thoughts
Indicolite and Verdelite tourmalines represent the colourful soul of vintage jewellery. Rare, meaningful, and visually stunning, they reflect an era when jewellery was made with artistry and intention. For anyone looking to build a unique vintage jewellery collection, these two tourmaline varieties are well worth exploring.