Editors

October Birthstone Baubles

EditorsOct 03, 2016

October Birthstone Baubles

Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator highlights the two stones that step into the spotlight this month: tourmaline and opal.

20161003_Lydia-Courteille.jpg

I have mixed feelings about so many months having multiple birthstones. I get why some were added throughout the years--to increase awareness or offer consumers more options--but to a degree it seems like it could just make things more confusing.

But, I love that October is lucky enough to have both opal and tourmaline. It’s sort of perfect that a month gets to have one gemstone that shows such a range of colors within it that throughout history it has been considered the luckiest and most magical of all, and another that comes in so many different colors, it covers almost the entire spectrum.

Both also seem to be doing extremely well in the colored stone market right now, as black and boulder opals especially trend upward and tourmaline pops up in more and more designs. Paraiba also continues to sit among a few others stones at the top of the gem hierarchy, and that doesn’t seem likely to change.

These are two stones that seem to be almost universally loved; here are 14 jewels to showcase their beauty.



This is Meira T’s Australian opal and diamond ring made in 14-karat yellow gold ($575).
MeiraTDesigns.com



Elisa Solomon’s 18-karat yellow gold disk stud earrings with opal cabochons, pearls and white diamond melee ($930)
ElisaSolomon.com





Maya Brenner’s triplet studs with opals and 14-karat yellow gold ($960)
MayaBrenner.com



These baguette studs are part of the Kalan by Suzanne Kalan collection created by the designer’s daughter, Patile. They feature opal center stones with a white diamond bezel set in 14-karat rose gold ($1,452).
SuzanneKalan.com



Borgioni’s 18-karat white gold, opal slice and diamond drop earrings ($7,370)
Borgionis.com



Yoko London’s earrings feature opals, 13 to 14 mm South Sea pearls and diamonds in 18-karat white and black gold (price available upon request).
YokoLondon.com



Lydia Courteille’s 18-karat gold earrings with opals and diamonds (price available upon request)
LydiaCourteille.com


Margoni 18-karat yellow gold studs with pink tourmaline ($750)



Daria de Koning’s “Delicate Czarina” ring with pink tourmaline set in 18-karat yellow gold ($900)
DariadeKoning.com





M. Spalten Jewelry’s double tourmaline “Brick” necklace in 18-karat rose gold ($2,872)
MSpalten.com




The “Madame la Marquise” Paraiba tourmaline and diamond ring from Kataoka Jewelry ($6,980)
Kataoka-Jewelry.com




Stefere’s 18-karat white gold “Hibiscus” ring features a green tourmaline at center, accented with green garnets and diamonds ($9,900).
Stefere.com



This is Bavna’s 18-karat rose gold bangle with rose-cut champagne diamonds, polki-cut diamonds and rubellite tourmaline ($18,000).
Bavna.com

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Rendering of renovated Orloff Jewelers store
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better Location

The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

Chelsea Gabrielle Momentum Infinite Ring
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

JCK Industry Fund logo
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 Applications

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Remi Guillemin
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of Watches

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelers of America logo
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

Robert Pattinson Jaeger-LeCoultre
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand Ambassador

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Sydney Evan Little Love Open Coin Fixed Necklace
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New Collections

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi Scheme

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Sandy Lerner’s 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for You

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of Americas

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

Glitter in the Grove Logo
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

Stainless steel Patek Philippe Calatrava watch
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry Box

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Smart Age Solutions founder and CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal Problem

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Charlotte Fournet and Krizia Cucurachi
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOs

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

Anne Marie Shulman
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA Global

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Photo of one of the suspects in theft of Queen Nazli’s necklace from MAK museum
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

Ethiopian paraiba tourmaline
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in Ethiopia

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

Levinger & Bissenger silver floral pendant
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Catbird First Men’s Collection Worn Well
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry Collection

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

Buddha Mama Butterfly Necklace
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

Gareth Penny
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary Congress

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.

Day’s Jewelers store in Salem New Hampshire
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace Awards

The employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.

Alex Consani in Pandora Talisman campaign
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues

The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds

General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.

Counterfeit Cartier Love bracelet
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry

The package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy