October Birthstone Jewellery: Opal and Tourmaline
October Birthstone Jewellery: Opal and Pink Tourmaline
October is a month of changing colours, cozy sweaters, and crisp autumn air. And beyond that, October babies are in luck because they have two beautiful gems to call their own: opal and pink tourmaline.
Both stones full of colour and meaning, making them perfect for creating October birthstone jewellery that tells a story. Whether you’re gifting someone special or treating yourself, these gems bring warmth to any design.
The Magic of Opal: Fire in Stone
Opal feels a bit like autumn itself, full of light, layers of colour, and unexpected beauty. Its rainbow-like flashes have long made it a favourite among gem lovers.
History & Symbolism
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Ancient Rome: Opals were seen as symbols of hope and purity. They were believed to bring good fortune.
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Medieval Europe: Because opals contain so many colours, people thought they carried the power of every gemstone in one. Some even believed they granted invisibility!
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Folklore: Through the centuries, opal has been tied to love, healing, and protection.
Where It’s Found
Most of the world’s opals come from Australia, famous for its fiery black opals. Other sources include Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil—each producing stones with their own distinct character.
In jewellery, opal pairs beautifully with warm yellow gold. Opal is a soft gemstone so yellow gold is a also a better option than white gold because it’s softer. It’s less likely for the opal to be damaged during setting in yellow gold, especially a higher karat.
Pink Tourmaline: October’s Modern Gem
If opal is like autumn leaves dancing in the light, then pink tourmaline is like a late October sunset—soft, glowing, and full of warmth.
History & Symbolism
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Ancient Egypt: Legends said tourmaline travelled along a rainbow from the earth’s core, explaining its many colours.
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18th Century Europe: Tourmaline became popular when Dutch traders brought it from Sri Lanka, where its unusual ability to attract small objects when heated earned it a reputation as a “magnet stone.”
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Symbolism: Pink tourmaline is thought to bring love, compassion, and emotional balance—a gemstone for the heart.
Where It’s Found
Most pink tourmaline comes from Brazil, though it’s also found in Afghanistan, Mozambique, and the U.S. Its soft blush tones make it a versatile stone for both everyday jewellery and one-of-a-kind statement pieces.
October Birthstone Jewellery
Here in Toronto, October is the month where fall really arrives. The changing colour of the leaves, the need to pop on a sweater, all as we recognize a time of thanks giving and gratitude.
At our Toronto studio, we love creating custom opal and pink tourmaline jewellery for October babies and those that love them. Whether it’s a family birthstone ring, a pendant for an October birthday, or a pair of earrings just because.
Opal, being a soft stone, is more suitable for pendants and earrings. If you’d like to create a family birthstone ring we’d recommend pink tourmaline because it’s a bit more durable.
Alternatives for October Birthstones
Not everyone chooses opal or pink tourmaline. Some prefer alternatives that capture October’s romantic, colourful feel while offering a different look or durability:
- Tourmaline – Other colours such as green and blue.
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Rose Quartz – A gentle pink stone symbolizing love and peace.
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Morganite – A peachy-pink cousin of emerald, popular for its elegance.
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Moonstone – With its glowing, mystical sheen, it shares opal’s magical play of light.
Each carries its own meaning, making them lovely substitutes for October-inspired jewellery.
Final Thoughts
October’s birthstones, opal and pink tourmaline, capture the richness of the season. From the fiery flashes of opal to the tender glow of pink tourmaline, each stone carries history, symbolism, and beauty.
If you’re in Toronto and looking to create custom October birthstone jewellery that is as meaningful as it is beautiful, these gems are the perfect way to celebrate the season and the people you love.
