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. Set on hugely wearable everyday huggie hoops, they feature 6.85 carats of tourmalines, which graduate between rosy pink and light lavender.
Pippa Small
An ideal gift for the ethically-minded jewellery lover, this dainty Pippa Small bracelet is hand-cast by skilled artisans from 18-karat gold. Inspired by Small’s childhood love of collecting pebbles, beads and shells, it features vivid green tourmalines that retain their unique seams and markings, making for a truly one-off piece.
Kiki McDonough
As part of its Birthstone necklace collection, all featuring a birthstone and a delicate gold chain, Kiki McDonough chooses a bright pink tourmaline to take centre stage for October’s design, held in place by six small diamonds and within two interlocking yellow gold rings.
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.
Covett
A different take on jewellery ownership comes courtesy of Covett, where spectacular everyday or occasion jewellery can be rented or shared. The Theo Fennel Boulder earrings feature a dazzling opal offset with diamonds. Wear the versatile statement earrings with pulled-back hair to let them shine.
Flora Bhattachary
Handmade and hallmarked at the Goldsmiths Centre in London, these beautiful hanging 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
We love the way the pale-pink sapphires 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.
Tessa Packard
Inspired by Tessa’s love for nostalgia and sweet treats, this ring is for anyone who can’t possibly commit to one gemstone. It contains a ‘scoop’ of October birthstone tourmaline, in a fruity raspberry hue, with blackcurrant amethyst, deep cherry garnet, rose quartz, orange citrine and hessonite to boot, all set in an 18ct yellow gold cone-style basket.
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