Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
EditorsOct 03, 2016
October Birthstone Baubles
Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator highlights the two stones that step into the spotlight this month: tourmaline and opal.
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
More on Editors
The Latest
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
Lab-GrownAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
