If you’re born in October, consider yourself lucky - you get not one, but two mesmerizing birthstones to choose from: opal and tourmaline. Both are known for their incredible color, creativity, and individuality, perfectly reflecting the free-spirited vibe of autumn birthdays. Whether you prefer the dreamy rainbow glow of opal or the bold vibrancy of tourmaline, October birthstone jewelry offers endless possibilities for personal style.
Opal: The Original October Birthstone
Opal is one of the most magical gemstones you’ll ever see. Its famous “play-of-color” effect - the way it shimmers with blues, greens, pinks, reds, and golds - makes it feel like wearing a little piece of the rainbow.
Ancient Greeks believed opals bestowed the gift of prophecy and protection, while others thought they held lightning that had fallen from the sky. Today, opal still symbolizes creativity, love, and emotional healing, making it the perfect stone for dreamers and artists at heart.
Popular Opal Jewelry Styles
You’ll find opal in every type of jewelry imaginable - from delicate opal stud earrings to romantic opal pendants and statement rings.
- Opal rings: Ideal for special occasions, often set in yellow or rose gold to bring out their fiery tones.
- Opal necklaces & pendants: Beautiful focal pieces that shimmer in any light.
- Opal earrings: From dainty studs to drop earrings, they add instant color and glow.
- Opal bracelets: Soft and feminine, perfect for layering with gold or diamond accents.
Because opal ranks 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, it’s a little softer than many gemstones. That means it’s best to wear opal jewelry occasionally and store it carefully. Keeping it slightly moist (a trick jewelers recommend) can help prevent cracking.
Tourmaline: A Rainbow Gem for Every Mood
If opal is the dreamy poet of October birthstones, then tourmaline is its bold and colorful twin. Known for its dazzling array of colors, this gemstone comes in nearly every shade imaginable - from bubblegum pinks and rich greens to deep blues and even watermelon hues.
Fun fact: Spanish conquistadors first discovered green tourmaline crystals in Brazil back in the 1500s, though it wasn’t officially recognized as a distinct mineral species until the 1800s.
Why Tourmaline Jewelry Stands Out
Tourmaline’s versatility makes it one of the most exciting gemstones for jewelry lovers.
- Rings: Perfect for everyday wear - choose a pink or green tourmaline ring for a pop of color.
- Necklaces & pendants: A colorful pendant necklace adds a playful twist to any outfit.
- Earrings: Tourmaline drop earrings and studs shimmer with energy and personality.
- Bracelets: Combine different tourmaline colors for your own little rainbow on your wrist.
Tourmaline scores 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, so it’s durable enough for daily wear - and each color is believed to carry a unique meaning. Pink tourmaline is said to represent compassion and love, while green tourmaline symbolizes vitality and growth.
The Magic of Two Birthstones
October is one of the few months that boasts two official birthstones, and that’s part of its charm. Opal’s soft, glowing hues and tourmaline’s vivid energy make a perfect pair - one romantic, the other radiant. Together, they offer a color palette for every mood and a gemstone for every personality.
So whether you’re gifting an opal necklace to someone creative or a tourmaline ring to someone full of life, October birthstone jewelry is all about self-expression, meaning, and color.
Caring for Opal and Tourmaline Jewelry
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Both stones can be sensitive to household cleaners and perfumes.
- Store separately: Keep each piece in a soft pouch to prevent scratches.
- Handle with care: Opals, especially, prefer gentle cleaning with a soft, damp cloth.
With the right care, your October birthstone jewelry can last for generations - carrying both its beauty and its meaning forward.
October’s birthstones jewelry
From opal pendants to pink tourmaline rings, there’s no shortage of ways to bring these gems into your jewelry collection. With their endless color combinations and timeless appeal, October birthstones are more than beautiful - they’re full of personality, energy, and meaning.