Opulent October: Brilliant opal and tourmaline birthstone jewellery
Spoilt for choice: those born in October can curate a collection of birthstone jewellery featuring both rainbow-hued opals and vibrant tourmalines
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
Those born in October are lucky enough to have two birthstones from which to choose. Opals, opaque and white, with an iridescent, rainbow-coloured shimmer, are the traditional October birthstone and their name, it’s thought, originated in India; in Sanskrit the stone was called upala, ‘precious stone’, which became opalus. Most opals are valued for their shifting colours – known as ‘play-of-colour’ – which led writers over the centuries to compare them to fireworks, galaxies and volcanoes. Our ancestors have variously prized opals for the gift of prophesy and protection from disease, as well as as a symbol of purity, hope and truth.
Tourmaline, the newer October birthstone, is just as striking. Its name comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means ‘stone with mixed colours’; it often has multiple colours in one crystal. Popular are pink and red rubellites, emerald green tourmalines, and bright green and blue-to-violet paraíba tourmalines. Tourmaline is said to be a receptive stone, calming, soothing and spiritual, and ancient mystics believed that this October birthstone could inspire artistic expression. Here’s our guide to the best opal and tourmaline birthstone jewellery for October.
Irene Neuwrith Gemmy Gem tourmaline earrings
Created for the designer’s Gemmy Gem collection, these vibrant drop earrings by Irene Neuwirth are crafted using 18-karat rose gold. They feature an alluring assortment of tourmalines and are finished on diamond pavé hooks. Subtle enough for the everyday or style perfectly with elegant eveningwear.
Pippa Small Iris tourmaline earrings
An ideal gift for the ethically-minded jewellery lover, this dainty but colourful pair of Pippa Small earrings is hand-cast by skilled artisans from 18-karat gold. Draped with red and green tourmalines that will naturally shine in the light, they’re vivid and unique for a dazzling addition to her jewellery box.
Kiki McDonough tourmaline and diamond pendant
As part of its Birthstone necklace collection, all featuring an exquisite birthstone on a delicate gold chain, Kiki McDonough chooses a bright pink tourmaline to take centre stage for October’s design. Held in place by two diamond-set loops, it’s as striking as it is elegant and dainty.
Harry Winston
One of a kind? Tick. Fancy-coloured centre stone? Tick. Unsubtle, carat-tastic and completely fabulous? Tick, tick, tick. This majestic pendant puts a cushion-cut green tourmaline front and center, enclosed by yellow sapphires, pink sapphires, turquoises, paraibas and diamonds. Goes with everything; wear to everything.
Chupi
This beautiful ring also comes in white gold, and was designed by Chupi as part of its Evil Eye collection; its pieces are to be worn as tokens of protection and good fortune, inspired by ancient amulets. A sparkling opal is held in a solid gold East-West setting (where the stone is oriented horizontally on the band) and flanked by diamonds on a knife edge band. Chupi reminds us that opals are beautiful but delicate, and need to be worn with care.
JIA JIA Soleil gold opal bracelet
Sweet and feminine, Jia-Jia’s bracelet is crafted from gold and spotlights a string of girly pink opals. The perfect item to wear all day everyday, stacked with other bracelets or worn solo. Play around with its joyful style and inspire feelings of optimism and creativity.
Flora Bhattachary Pankhuri opal earrings
Handmade and hallmarked at the Goldsmiths Centre in London, these beautiful earrings feature teardrop opals and diamonds set in ethical recycled gold. They’re from Bhattachary’s Mor Collection and the design was inspired by the peacock vahana who travels with Saraswati, goddess of learning and culture.
Le Ster Cherry trailblazer ear jacket & bang stud
We love the way the pale pink sapphires in these earrings complement the tone in the tourmalines, while the diamonds and yellow gold reflect their warm, sunshiny aspect. The colourful ear jackets can be separated from the studs and add an instantly dynamic element to your look with the starburst silhouette. You might be able to tell that the brand’s founder, Aishleen Lester, was a successful sculptor before she moved into jewellery design.
Ashley Zhang Opal bubble ring
A favourite at Ashley Zhang, this gypsy-style ring features a beautiful iridescent opal cabochon at its centre. Set in a 14-karat gold band, the dome-shaped ring is handmade to order, whether gifting to a dear one or yourself, and will glow from every angle.
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