This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.

  • ADORN YOURSELF IN ART

  • Free shipping when you spend over $100!

  • Welcome to Our New Jewel Box

October Birthstones: Opal + Tourmaline

October Birthstones: Opal + Tourmaline

Calling all late Libras and early Scorpios! Read all about the birthstones for the month of October and take a look at our gorgeous selection of gems. 

 

Photo by @mineralien
 

Opal is the traditional birthstone for the month of October, making it the perfect stone for the Libras and Scorpios in your life.

Opals historically carry a reputation full of bad luck, superstition, and a set of rules for who can or can't wear them with out bringing doom and gloom. It wasn't always this way. Civilizations from the ancient Romans to the Greeks and Arabs of Muhammad's time considered them to bring luck, wisdom, and prophetic powers to its owners. However, in the 1800's a man named Sir Walter Scott wrote a book called Anne of Geierstein, which portrayed an opal talisman having evil powers. His book blew up, and with its popularity sales of the gemstone dropped by 50%. The fall of the opal continued well into the 19th century, as it was blamed for death, plagues, falls of monarchies, and anything else considered "bad luck." So who was behind the continued dragging of Opal's reputation? None other than diamond traders, who feared the rise of the opal would cause less interest in diamonds. 

Now, opals are said to bring loyalty and faithfulness to the wearer, as well as stimulate creativity. While opals have become popularized due to their beautiful color range and attainable price point, opals are a very soft stone (5.5 on the Mohs scale) and scratches easily. If you're looking for an every day opal piece, we recommend it in the form of a necklace or earrings in lieu of a ring. 

Take a look at our top opal picks for fall, available in store + online now. 

Photo by @mineralien  

For those looking for something a little off the beaten path, Tourmalines are a perfect go-to gem. Tourmalines are said to help with stress relief, as well as strengthening the immune system. It is called a receptive stone, meaning that it fosters compassion and cool headedness for the wearer. 

These stones are harder than opal, making them a great choice for the center stone on a ring. 
 

Maria Baguette Ring with Diamond Halo, $3500 

by Viviana Langhoff

Bloom Pendant, $2300-$2775

by Hayley Elise

Tourmaline Medallion Ring, $700

by Jenni Dowie