Celebrating Opal – the birthstone for October
October’s birthstone is Opal. Subtle in beauty, diverse in colour and perfect for October birthdays and anniversaries.
Owing to the diversity of shapes, sizes and colours, we create most Opal jewellery by bespoke design. To explain, no two Opals are the same. Furthermore, the colours vary from white to black with variations in orange from Fire Opals.
Example of a Fire Opal and diamond halo ring – made by bespoke design at Serendipity Diamonds
What is Opal?
Opal forms from a solution of silicon dioxide and water. Water flows through the earth and collects Silica from sandstone.
A Silica-rich solution falls into cracks and voids, caused by natural faults. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a silica deposit. Over a long period of time, Opal forms.
Example of a re-created Antique Opal and diamond ring. Antique design with ornate back. From the Bespoke Opal ring collection created by the team at Serendipity Diamonds.
Where is Opal mined?
October’s birthstone Opal comes from many different countries. These include Australia, Ethiopia Mexico and USA. In addition, from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Brazil and Indonesia.
Black Opal
Black opals stand out as truly unique gemstones, setting themselves apart with their dark, almost ebony backgrounds. Unlike their more common counterparts, black opals boast a deep, rich body tone that spans from a mysterious dark grey to an intense jet black.
What truly elevates these gemstones to a league of their own is their mesmerizing display of spectral colours. Their vibrant and dynamic array of hues, including stunning reds, electric blues, and lush greens, creates a visual spectacle that is nothing short of breathtaking. This occurs due to the diffraction of light within microscopic layers of silica spheres in the opal.
Consequently, a striking interplay of spectral colours emerges against the dark canvas. Originating primarily from the renowned Lightning Ridge region in Australia, black opals command attention and hold immense value as some of the world’s most coveted gemstones.
October Birthstone Gift Inspiration
Brand New Opal Necklace and Matching Stud Earrings
Available to purchase separately.
Brand new for October 2021 – opal and diamond stud earrings. Crafted in 9ct Yellow Gold, each stud holds a Opal measuring 4mm. The earrings arrive by secure courier in our gift packaging.
Also available and in stock is our new Opal necklace. Matching perfecting to the stud earrings, the pendant has also been crafted in 9ct Yellow Gold. With a central Opal measuring 5mm surrounded by contrasting diamonds.
Opal Trilogy for October’s Birthstone
Recent bespoke commission one diamond, and two opals set within a trellis-style setting. Based on the Ciel ring design.
Firstly, our client chose a beautiful combination of a single lab-grown ethical diamond set between two iridescent white opals. The entire ring was crafted in 950 Platinum. At the centre of the design, an ideal-cut lab-grown diamond measures 5mm in diameter (0.50-carats) graded D colour and VS2 clarity with full certification provided for the diamond.
Antique Opal & Diamond Ring
Our client’s brief involved the re-creation of an existing vintage opal and diamond ring design. For the new commission, we initially sourced a large cabochon oval opal, 3.32 carats in weight. As already explained, opals vary immensely in their size, shape, colour and variation of colours.
For this reason, we sourced a large selection of gemstones for our clients to choose from. Cabochon gems provide a distinctive domed appearance. In this exceptional example, the colours varied from reds to greens.
Caring for Opal. How delicate is October’s birthstone?
Opal’s toughness can be described as poor to fair—5-6.5 on Mohs scale of hardness. Most importantly, Opal does not respond well to changes in temperature. For example, intense heat can craze the surface. Moreover, Opal does to fair well over time in dry conditions. For this reason, we recommend cleaning in a gentle warm soapy water. Also, we suggest an Opal necklace or pair of Opal earrings rather than an Opal ring.
Opal rings often receive wear through damage whilst on the h
and. Unlike rings, both pendants and earrings avoid similar wear. For this reason, they are the perfect luxury gift for an October birthday or anniversary.
Contact our friendly team for information on how to create the perfect item of Opal jewellery.
Tourmaline Gemstone – October’s Second Birthstone
October’s commonly known birthstone is the Opal. However contrary to belief people born in this month are lucky to have the addition of Tourmaline.
What Is Tourmaline?
Tourmaline has a hardness of 7 – 7.5 on the Mohs scale, with many shades of this unusual, beautiful gemstone available, such as red, pink, greens, watermelon, brown, and yellow. Interestingly, this gemstone is one of the only stones available in various shades and colours. Therefore, making it a versatile gemstone with many options available to create a special jewellery item.
Tourmaline Engagement Rings
The Cherry Pink Tourmaline engagement ring bursts with vibrant colour from a natural Pink Tourmaline with an intense dark pink colouration; the Tourmaline measures 4mm in diameter, with a carat weight of 0.25cts or above.
Shown alongside the bespoke cushion cut teal tourmaline ring, originally crafted with a 6 x 5mm, weighing 1.18 carats. In addition to brilliant white round brilliant diamonds, weighing 0.25cts GVS colour and clarity.
Tourmaline’s chemical composition directly influences its physical properties and is responsible for its colour. Commonly comprised of aluminium and boron but contain a mixture of other elements such as sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, chromium, vanadium, fluorine and sometimes copper.
Healing Properties
Tourmaline – thought to heal a broken heart, as it encourages love, gently disperses emotional pain and dissolves disruptive feelings. It calms the negative emotions that upset relationships.
Also considered an aphrodisiac, helping people realize when it is safe to love and when it is time to overcome sorrow or traumatic memories.
Watermelon Tourmaline
In addition to tourmaline being available in a wide range of colours and shades, the watermelon tourmaline is also a very popular option for this precious stone.
As the name suggests, watermelon tourmalines feature a red/pink centre with green hues around the sides. All coloured Tourmaline display pleochroism, meaning the colour changes greatly when viewed at different angles.
In some Tourmaline gems, this effect is hardly noticeable, while in others it is a strong contrast. The brightly coloured zones can also occur at either end of the gem.
Mint Green
Available from the loose gemstone section.
Highly unusual tourmaline – due to the mint green shade and the fancy round cut of the stone itself. Weighing 3.78cts and measuring 9.8mm in diameter x 6.9mm in depth.
Available to purchase as a loose gemstone or for enquiries on a set and finished item of jewellery.
Pear Tourmaline Pendant
Lastly, making a perfect gift for October’s birthstone – Halo pear shape green tourmaline drop pendant.
Handcrafted in 9ct white gold, featuring a 1.95-carat natural green tourmaline pear-shaped gemstone.
Set within a pear-shaped halo of round brilliant cut diamonds, 0.30 carats in weight, graded F colour and VS clarity. The necklace features within our individual one-of-a-kind showroom items of jewellery available with fast delivery.
Fact File:
- Formation: Opals are formed from silica-rich water seeping into crevices and solidifying over millions of years, often containing remnants of ancient organisms.
- Opal’s Association with October: Opal is the birthstone for October, making it a popular choice for jewellery pieces gifted to those born in this month.
- Historical Significance: Surrounded by superstitions and beliefs. In the past, opals were considered lucky.
- Opal Mining Locations: Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy and Andamooka in Australia.
- Care and Maintenance: Avoid exposure to excessive heat or sudden temperature changes.
About Emily Austin
Emily is one of our dedicated team members. She remains a valued member of our expert team and a part of the Serendipity Diamond family. Emily works on almost every aspect of our shop, from helping customers to updating our social media pages. She also takes care of many of our international deliveries, ensuring they arrive with clients safely as expected. Contact Emily directly by email or chat with her most days online.
