Why October Gets the Best Birthstones

Most months get one birthstone. October gets two, and they're the kind that make people stop mid-conversation to ask where you got that ring or those earrings.

Opal shifts and changes as you move, flashing colors that seem impossible in a single stone. Tourmaline comes in every shade you can imagine, from the softest blush pink to deep forest green, sometimes even both colors in the same stone. These aren't the safe, predictable choices. They're the ones with personality.

If you were born in October, you hit the birthstone jackpot. And if you weren't but love these stones anyway, no one's checking birth certificates. Here's what makes them worth wearing.

What makes opal unique

Opal glows from within rather than sparkling like a diamond. The stone shows flashes of color called "play of color" that shift as you move. Blue, green, orange, sometimes purple or red, all appearing and disappearing as light hits the stone differently.

White opals display their colors against a light background, creating a soft, luminous effect. No two opals look the same. Each stone has its own pattern and personality.

The stone rates 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, softer than diamonds or sapphires. Remove opal jewelry before washing hands or swimming. Store pieces separately from harder stones that could scratch them. The extra care is worth it for wearing something genuinely one of a kind.

Tourmaline's color range

Tourmaline occurs naturally in nearly every color. Pink ranges from pale blush to deep magenta. Green can be mint, olive, or forest. Blue tourmaline is rarer but offers stunning shades from teal to navy.

Some crystals grow with multiple colors in the same stone. Watermelon tourmaline shows pink centers with green edges. Bi-color stones happen naturally and create built-in visual interest.

At 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline holds up better than opal for daily wear. The stone costs less than ruby or emerald while delivering comparable color intensity, making larger stones more affordable.

Opal pieces we carry

14k Yellow Natural White Opal & .08 CTW Natural Diamond Earrings - Pear-shaped opals with diamond accents. Yellow gold warms the opal's color play. $865

14K White Natural White Opal Earrings - Clean studs where the opal takes center stage. White gold creates a modern, sophisticated look. $750

14k Yellow Natural White Opal Geometric Cabochon Earrings - Hexagonal bezels protect the opal in a contemporary design. $855

14k Yellow Natural White Opal Cabochon Crescent Moon Necklace - Adjustable 16-18" chain with a celestial opal pendant. The crescent shape feels appropriate for October's mood.

Pink tourmaline options

Natural Pink Tourmaline & Pink Enamel Stud Earrings - Rose gold bezels combine gemstone and enamel for a romantic, layered look.

14k Yellow Natural Pink Tourmaline & Pink Enamel Stud Earrings - Bolder scale with the same beautiful pink-on-pink aesthetic.

14k White Natural Pink Tourmaline & Pink Enamel Hoop Earrings - 11mm hoops with tourmaline and enamel details. The white gold creates interesting contrast.

14k Yellow Natural Pink Tourmaline & .02 CTW Natural Diamond Hoop Earrings - 19.6mm hoops with diamonds accenting the tourmaline. More substantial size for statement wear.

14k Rose Natural Pink Tourmaline Bezel Set V Ring - Rose gold and pink tourmaline create a warm, cohesive combination. The V shape adds modern edge.

Green tourmaline designs

14k Yellow Natural Green Tourmaline Earrings - Rich green stones in yellow gold. The warm metal brings out golden undertones in the tourmaline.

14k Yellow Natural Green Tourmaline & .08 CTW Natural Diamond Hoop Earrings - French-set diamonds surround green tourmaline in modern hoops.

Mixed tourmaline pieces

14k Yellow Natural Pink Tourmaline & Natural Turquoise Earrings - Pink and turquoise together create unexpected, vibrant color combinations that work beautifully.

How to care for each stone

Opal needs the most attention. Remove jewelry before activities involving water and chemicals. Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth, never harsh cleaners or ultrasonic machines. Store separately from harder stones.

If opal looks dull or shows tiny cracks called crazing, it might be drying out. Bring it in for assessment. Proper storage and humidity help opals maintain their appearance.

Tourmaline tolerates more. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Store separately from diamonds and sapphires that could scratch it.

Both benefit from annual professional cleaning and inspection. We check settings, clean thoroughly, and catch problems early.

Which stone fits your style

Opal works best in earrings and pendants where the stone won't take constant physical contact. The ethereal quality suits people drawn to softer, more romantic aesthetics.

Tourmaline's durability makes it practical for rings and bracelets. The bold colors appeal to anyone who wants gemstone intensity without premium prices. Choose colors that work with your wardrobe or just pick what makes you happy.

Both stones look stunning in gold. Rose gold warms pink tourmaline. White gold creates sophistication with opal. Yellow gold enriches green tourmaline.

See them in person

Visit our Downtown Los Angeles showroom to see how opal's colors shift in natural light and how saturated tourmaline's hues really are. Photos don't capture what these stones do in person.

We can show you color variations, discuss care requirements, and help match pieces to your lifestyle. Whether you're buying for yourself or shopping for an October birthday, these stones offer beautiful alternatives to more common choices.

When properly cared for, both opal and tourmaline create pieces worth keeping. Their unique colors make them stand out in ways diamonds and sapphires can't match.