People often associate the wealthy with extravagance and ostentation, with European crystal chandeliers here and gilded Roman carpets there.
Little do they know, true wealth is like refined gold, subtly gleaming, not a gaudy display of opulence.
Those that appear overly ornate and magnificent are merely the affectations of the nouveau riche, desperate to flaunt every valuable item to announce their wealth.
Upon entering, Jian's father walked over, his gaze landing on Jiang Ling, "Ah Zhou, is this your girlfriend?"
Jian Zhou took Jiang Ling's hand and replied word by word, "Yes, and she is the one I've chosen as my life partner. I hope to grow old with her!"
Hearing this, Jian's father smiled and nodded, "A true man does what he says. This is your promise to her, and I am a witness. If you ever become fickle, looking for greener pastures, I won't let you off!"
With that, Jian's father took out an exquisite small box and handed it to Jiang Ling, "This is my first time meeting you, and I wasn't adequately prepared. Here's a little trinket I acquired recently. Play with it."
As the box was opened, a dazzling and captivating blue hue met the eye.
Jiang Ling couldn't help but gasp, "Is this a Paraiba?"
Jian's father chuckled, "Indeed. Miss Jiang, you have a discerning eye to recognize it immediately. Others seeing this would mistake it for a sapphire."
Paraiba tourmaline is an exceptionally unique member of the tourmaline family.
In today's jewelry collecting circles, two gemstones hold the highest potential for appreciation and are most favored by collectors: one is Padparadscha sapphire, and the other is Paraiba tourmaline.
Although tourmalines are known as "rainbow gemstones," with nearly every color imaginable found within the family, their overall market value is not high, far below that of the "big two" rubies and sapphires, or emeralds.
Paraiba tourmaline, however, is an exception, for it is truly extraordinary.
When cut, this gemstone emits an exceptionally unique fire and brilliant glow, leaving an unforgettable impression on everyone who beholds it.
An international jewelry magnate once described Paraiba tourmaline as: "The first time I saw it was like being struck by lightning, falling in love at first sight!"
Beyond its fire and brilliance, its color is unparalleled.
Paraiba tourmaline is predominantly blue, but this blue is neither deep blue, nor sapphire blue, nor sky blue. Instead, it is a clear, light blue, filled with romantic poetry and a hint of fragility, reminiscent of the shallow waters of the Maldives bathed in sunlight.
Paraiba tourmaline is extremely rare, and its price is comparable to that of Padparadscha sapphire.
Current market quotations indicate that a high-quality, one-carat Paraiba tourmaline is worth around twenty thousand US dollars.
Stones exceeding five carats can fetch high prices at auctions.
The Paraiba tourmaline before them weighs over ten carats and is flawless in its perfection, undoubtedly a masterpiece for collectors.
Although Jiang Ling was not a jeweler, she knew that such a fine piece would cost no less than eight figures.
While other wealthy individuals might gift jewelry like jade or diamonds, very few would think of Paraiba tourmaline.
Jian's father's gift was not only substantial in value but also incredibly thoughtful.
As Jiang Ling demurred, Jian Zhou whispered, "When my sister-in-law first visited, my father also gave her a piece of jewelry. This is a welcome gift; please accept it."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ling accepted it with grace, "Thank you, Uncle!"
"Alright, don't just stand there. Come over and sit down!"