Did You Know There Are Two October Birthstones?

October is a month of vibrant colours and changing seasons, and its birthstone, Opal perfectly reflect this transition. With its enchanting flashes of colour and distinctive patterns, Opal is truly unique. However, many may not realize that October has two birthstones: Opal and Pink tourmaline. Opal is the traditional birthstone for October while pink Tourmaline is the newer option for October birthstone jewellery. The main similarity between the two birthstones is that Opal and Tourmaline naturally occur in a variety of colours. These exquisite gemstones charm with their visual appeal and hold profound symbolism, making them a significant choice for anyone celebrating a birthday in October. In this blog, we'll explore the allure of both Opal and Tourmaline, highlighting their unique characteristics and why they've become such treasured birthstones.

Opal: The Mesmerizing Play-of-Colour

Opal is known for its enchanting play-of-colour, a phenomenon that creates a rainbow of colours dancing across the stone's surface. This unique optical effect has made Opal one of the most mesmerizing gemstones, often described as having a magical quality. The variety of colours within a single Opal can range from soft pastels to vivid reds, blues, and greens, depending on how the light hits the stone. 

The Appeal of Opal

• One-of-a-Kind Beauty: The shifting patterns of rainbow hues, known as play-of-colour, make no two Opals identical, making each piece of Opal jewellery a unique treasure. This individuality adds to its allure and value. The four most common Opal used in jewellery design are; 
• White Opal: This gemstone exhibits a translucent to semi-translucent appearance, showcasing a captivating play of rainbow colours against a white or light grey background. 
• Crystal Opal: This stone ranges from transparent to semi-transparent, featuring a clear background that enhances its vivid and deep play of colour. Often referred to as jelly opal, its colourful display gives it a jelly-like appearance.
• Black Opal: Ranging from translucent to opaque, this stone features a dark backdrop that enhances the depth of colour, resulting in solid and vibrant hues.
• Fire Opal: This Opal is transparent to translucent and displays vibrant shades of orange, red, or yellow. Unlike other opals, it does not showcase a play-of-colour but offers a consistent hue throughout the stone. Fire opals can be crafted as cabochons or fully faceted cut stones.
• Symbolism: Opal has long been associated with hope, purity, and emotional expression. Its shifting colours are said to inspire creativity and imagination, making it a popular stone used by jewellery designers. 

Pink Tourmaline: A Gemstone of Love and Healing

While Tourmaline comes in a wide range of colours, the pink variety is the birthstone for October. Pink Tourmaline is a gemstone known for its soft, rosy hue that exudes warmth and tenderness, making it a popular choice for jewellery with sentimental value.

The Appeal of Pink Tourmaline

• The symbolism of Love: Pink Tourmaline is often associated with love, compassion, and emotional healing. It's a perfect gemstone for those who want to carry a love and affection symbol.
• Versatility: With its range of pink tones, Pink Tourmaline suits both modern and classic jewellery designs. Whether set in white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold, this gemstone brings a touch of elegance and femininity to any piece.

How to Style Opal and Pink Tourmaline Jewellery

Opal and Pink Tourmaline offer endless styling possibilities, making them versatile options for all types of jewellery. Whether you're looking for an understated piece or something bold and eye-catching, these October birthstones can be incorporated into various designs.

Styling Opal

• Earrings: Opal earrings, particularly those with a simple stud or drop design, allow light to reflect the gemstone's play-of-colour as the wearer moves.
• Statement Rings: Due to its unique appearance, Opal makes a perfect centerpiece for statement rings. Pairing an Opal with a diamond or a halo setting enhances its natural brilliance.
• Pendants: An Opal pendant allows the stone to catch light from all angles, showcasing its full spectrum of colours. Set in gold or silver, it is both elegant and eye-catching.

Styling Pink Tourmaline

• Delicate Necklaces: A Pink Tourmaline pendant on a dainty chain creates a romantic, feminine look. The soft pink tones are perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.
• Stackable Rings: Pink Tourmaline's versatility makes it ideal for stackable rings. Pair it with other gemstones or mixed metals to create a personalized and unique ring stack.
• Earrings: Pink Tourmaline earrings add colour and elegance to any outfit. Whether it's a drop or a stud, the rosy tones of Pink Tourmaline stand out beautifully.

Comparing Opal and Pink Tourmaline

When it comes to October's birthstones, Opal and Pink Tourmaline both hold significant sentimental and symbolic meanings. Though they share the same birth month, each gemstone has its distinctive qualities that appeal to different personalities and preferences. Let's explore how these two gems compare in terms of symbolism, colour, meaning, and emotional resonance.

1. Colour: Play-of-Colour vs. Consistent Hue

• Opal: Opal's primary allure lies in its iridescent play-of-colour, which displays an array of vibrant hues depending on the angle of light. This makes each Opal unique, as no two stones exhibit the exact same colour pattern. 
• Pink Tourmaline: In contrast, Pink Tourmaline boasts a soft, consistent hue that ranges from pale pinks to deep, rich tones. Its warm and delicate colour makes it a timeless choice for jewellery, exuding a sense of romantic elegance. The uniformity of Pink Tourmaline's colour palette is perfect for those who prefer a more classic look.

2. Symbolism of Colours

• Opal: Opal's play-of-colour symbolizes a spectrum of emotions, experiences, and possibilities. The flashes of different colours are seen as a metaphor for the complexity and beauty of life itself, allowing wearers to express a range of sentiments from joy to introspection.
• Pink Tourmaline: Pink Tourmaline's consistent pink hue represents love, harmony, and friendship. The soft colouris widely associated with warmth and emotional connection, making it the ideal stone for celebrating relationships and the heartfelt moments that come with them.

Wearability & Durability

• Opal is a porous gemstone known for its opaque luster, which makes it ideally suited for cuts like cabochons, doublets, or triplets. With a hardness rating of 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, Opal is considered one of the softer gemstones. When wearing opal jewellery, particularly rings and bracelets, exercise caution and remove them during activities that might cause damage, such as sports, cleaning, or gardening. 

• On the other hand, Tourmaline features a transparent luster that is perfect for both round and fancy cuts. Its hardness rating of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale is well-suited for everyday jewellery wear.

Custom Designs at J.H. Young Jewellers

At J.H. Young, Jewellers specializes in crafting custom jewellery that celebrates your personal story. Whether you're drawn to the ethereal beauty of Opal or the warm, loving symbolism of Pink Tourmaline, our expert jewellers can help you create a piece that's truly unique to you. 

Conclusion

At J.H. Young Jewellers, we celebrate both of October's birthstones with a range of beautifully crafted pieces. Whether you're drawn to the ever-changing colours of Opal or the romantic warmth of Pink Tourmaline, our selection will surely hold something special for you.