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.
Crescent moon diamond accented stud earrings. One pair of earrings, opal doublets, weighing 12.9 grams. 30 round brilliant, near colorless, VS cla...
View full detailsNatural Opal doublet gold and diamond pendant 14k gold, XRF verified. 2.1 grams total weight. 3 natural round cut diamond accents 1.3mm each.
Pink tourmaline and diamond gold ring. Oval Cut, Natural Pink Tourmaline weighing an estimate 2.77 carats. 14k gold, XRF tested. Three Stone Trel...
View full details8 natural, oval cabochon crystal opals, each set with 4 prongs in a graduated sizing, estimated 1.62 carats total weight 10 natural, round brillia...
View full detailsNatural, oval cabochon, crystal opal, set with 4 prongs, estimated 0.73 carats total weight 1 natural, round brilliant cut, near colorless, SI cla...
View full details1 natural, oval cabochon white opal, estimated 0.25 carat total weight 1 natural, round brilliant cut, near colorless, I clarity diamond accent, e...
View full details14k white gold pendant Bezel set black opal doublet with iridescent hues of blue and green 1 round brilliant, colorless, natural diamond, .015 car...
View full detailsOpal and diamond, 14k yellow gold double gallery, split shank, ring. Natural crystal opal, oval shaped cabochon center stone, .85 estimated carat ...
View full detailsBlack opal and diamond 18 karat white gold ring. Oval shaped, 1.2 carat, natural green/blue black opal. Six round brilliant, Si clarity, near colo...
View full detailsPetal shaped crystal opal and diamond 14 karat white gold ring. Four pear shaped crystal opals totaling .80 carats. One round brilliant, near colo...
View full details1.2 carat, oval pink tourmaline center stone. .50 CTW natural diamonds, I1 clarity, near colorless. Finger size 6.25.
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 details14.62 carat Ethiopian blue/green,pear shaped cabochon, natural opal. 36 round brilliant, G color, SI clarity natural diamonds @ .39 CTW. 14 karat ...
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 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 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 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 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 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 detailsA statement ring, this estate 14 karat yellow gold, wide (13 mm) band, features 3 crystal opals, with the center opal measuring approximately 10 mm...
View full detailsA contemporary 14 karat yellow gold estate ring featuring a brilliant marquise shaped pink tourmaline, graced on either side by 4 small round brill...
View full detailsThis natural white opal is an affordable pendant to commemorate an October birthday. It is 10 karat yellow gold with 3 SI quality baguette cut dia...
View full detailsThe 18 karat yellow gold bypass style design of this estate ring forms an elongating swirl that lengthens the finger and allows a fine natural pink...
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