Windsor, California
Windsor, California
Those born in October enjoy two spectacular birthstones to commemorate their birthdays – opal and tourmaline. Both October birthstones have endless color combinations and beautiful coloring characteristics. Learn more about these two October birthstones and discover the perfect gift for those born in the tenth month.
The name of this, the traditional October birthstone, is believed to have originated in India (the source of the first opals brought to the Western world), where in Sanskrit it was called upala, a “precious stone." .” In ancient Rome, this became opalus. Most opals are valued for their shifting colors in rainbow hues – a phenomenon known as “play-of-color.”
The October birthstone’s dramatic play-of-color has inspired writers to compare it to fireworks, galaxies and volcanoes. Bedouins once believed opal held lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms. Ancient Greeks thought opals bestowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease. Europeans long maintained opal to be a symbol of purity, hope and truth. Hundreds of years ago, opal was believed to embody the virtues and powers of all colored stones.
Opal is also the stone given to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary.
Tourmaline is the newer October birthstone. The name comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colors,” because it often has multiple colors in one crystal. Very few gems match tourmaline’s dazzling array of colors. Perhaps this is why ancient mystics believed this October birthstone could inspire artistic expression – it has a color palette for every mood. Among the most popular are the pink and red rubellites, the emerald green “chrome” tourmalines, and the neon green and blue-to-violet “paraíba” tourmalines.
Because of its vast range of colors, tourmaline was often mistaken for other gemstones One of the “rubies” in the Russian crown jewels, the “Caesar’s Ruby” pendant, is actually red (rubellite) tourmaline. A Spanish conquistador found green tourmaline crystals in Brazil in the 1500s and confused the stones with emerald. These and other cases of mistaken identity continued for centuries until scientists recognized tourmaline as a distinct mineral species in the 1800s.
Different colors of tourmaline are thought to have their own healing properties. Black tourmaline is believed to protect the wearer and give a sense of self-confidence. Pink tourmaline embodies love and is associated with compassion and gentleness. Green tourmaline promotes courage, strength and stamina. Tourmaline is given to celebrate the eighth wedding anniversary.
14 karat yellow gold bezel set opal and diamond pendant. Lightning ridge, black opal, Blue/green coloring, 3.38 carats. 2 round brilliant, colorle...
View full detailsExpertly designed and crafted, this boulder opal and diamond bypass ring boasts a bezel set 4.3 carat boulder opal and 14 round brilliant, natural ...
View full detailsExpertly crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, this hinged bangle bracelet boasts a stunning rainbow gradient of 30 channel-set semi precious gemstone...
View full details14 karat gold cross pendant with 2.7 mm cabachon crystal opal center encircled with filligree. 24 mm length x 13.5 mm width x 4.3 mm thickness, ....
View full detailsThese exquisite earrings feature two 6.5mm pink tourmaline trillion gems with a combined weight of 1.5 carats set in 14k white gold. The stones a...
View full detailsThis contemporary 14 karat solid yellow gold estate ring features a 1.75 carat (estimated) elongated emerald cut green tourmaline center stone fram...
View full detailsThis 14 karat white gold ring features three elegantly cut oval shaped fire opals accompanied by two glimmering natural accent diamonds totaling 0....
View full detailsThis beautiful estate ring features an oval natural crystal cabachon opal measuring approximately .50 carats, and two near colorless , I1 clarity r...
View full detailsThis impressive 6.5 carat cabachon cut crystal opal is set in an estate 14 karat two-tone yellow and white gold freeform ring with a flared ribbon ...
View full detailsThis stylish .33 carat opal and diamond halo pendant is crafted in 14 karat white gold and features a cushion-shaped halo with a lovely round blue,...
View full detailsAndamooka opal, also known as "Queens Opal" because of Queen Elizabeth II being presented with a beautiful specimen upon her visit there in 1947, i...
View full detailsA spectacular Lightning Ridge black opal is showcased in this 14 karat yellow gold ring! Displaying a rainbow of color flashes such as purple, blue...
View full detailsThe play of color in this 1.29 carat natural Lightning Ridge black opal is showcased in this 14 karat white gold ring. The flash of colors such as ...
View full detailsThe natural green tourmaline in this 14 karat white gold halo diamond mounting has fair intensity in a dark green hue. The round tourmaline weighs ...
View full details14 karat yellow gold bezel set, twisted wire rim, 8 x 6 mm white opal pierced stud earrings secured with post and friction backs.
This triangular cabochon shaped natural white opal is bezel set in a 14 karat yellow gold mounting. The custom made mounting has a 3 mm wide shank ...
View full detailsThis substantial 14 karat yellow gold mounting features a 1.25 carat oval crystal opal. The opal displays blue and green colors with play of purple...
View full detailsThe vibrance of this natural black opal radiates throughout, displaying the black background with subtle play of red, blue, green and orange. The ...
View full detailsThe play of color in this exquisite 9.63 carat pear shaped opal has to be seen to be believed. Greens, blues, orange, yellow, red and violet all ap...
View full detailsThis amazing natural crystal opal is enhanced (and protected!) by a rustic 14 karat yellow gold mounting reminiscent of coral branches. The large ...
View full detailsThis nicely detailed estate opal butterfly pendant in 14 karat yellow gold has an oval opal in the center with 3 additional round opals on each win...
View full detailsSix white oval natural opals are the focal point of this estate double bypass style 18 karat yellow gold ring. Four of the opals are set side by si...
View full details14 karat white gold 1.80 carats total weight, 6 mm, round natural pink tourmaline stud earrings set in rhodium finished double gallery mountings wi...
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