*Images courtesy of Monica Vinader, Astrid & Miyu, Shopbop, Missoma and Mejuri*

October is a month of contradictions—crisp air and golden sun, turning leaves and the last whispers of summer.

So it’s fitting that those born in this liminal month are spoiled with not one but two birthstones: opal and tourmaline, each bringing its own energy. If you’ve ever wondered why, it’s a tale of tradition evolving. Opal was the classic, steeped in folklore and mystique, while tourmaline became the modern choice, prized for its incredible range of hues. If that sounds confusing, I’ve sifted through my favourite jewellery brands so you don’t have to. So here’s your guide to October’s most enchanting birthstone jewels, whether you’re drawn to opal’s kaleidoscopic depths or tourmaline’s pink optimism.

The Enchantment of Opal

Let’s start with opal, a stone that looks like bottled magic. The name “opal” comes from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone,” and the Greek opallios, “to see a change of colour.” That’s precisely what opals do: shift and shimmer in a dance of rainbow light, so every piece is as individual as a fingerprint. There's something about its iridescence that feels almost celestial, like you’re wearing a bit of the sky or a drop of morning dew.

Opal pairs beautifully with both gold and silver, but there’s a special kind of poetry when set in yellow gold, where its flashes of colour are warmed and enhanced. Silver, on the other hand, can make opal’s colours pop in a cooler, more modern way—think urban moonlight rather than golden hour. Symbolically, opal is the stone of hope, love, and luck, meant to evoke inspiration, intensify emotions, and spark creativity.

The Modern Muse Tourmaline

Tourmaline is opal’s vibrant, playful counterpart. Its name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning “stone of mixed colours”, the perfect description for a gem that comes in every shade imaginable, but especially in pinks and greens for October. Pink tourmaline, the birthstone’s most popular variety, is soft but powerful, like a watercolour sunset.

Tourmaline is a chameleon, looking equally at home in gold or silver, but I find that pink tourmaline positively glows against yellow gold, bringing a dose of warmth and femininity that’s hard to resist. This gem is all about emotional healing, compassion, and joy. It is said to attract love and dissolve emotional pain, making it a beautiful talisman for anyone who wants a daily reminder to stay open-hearted.

The October Birthstone Jewellery Edit

From left to right, top to bottom

1 | Pink Tourmaline Necklace and Bracelet Set

An 18k gold vermeil duo that nails everyday elegance. These adjustable pieces layer perfectly together or solo, and the complimentary engraving is a sweet, personal touch.

2 | Duo Opal Studs

14k white gold sets off the natural beauty of Australian opals, stacked in a playful pear-and-dot design. These are dainty but eye-catching—ideal for a second or third piercing, and perfect for everyday stacks.

3 | Opal and Diamond Ring

A delicate 14k gold band with an offset opal and diamond—pure stacking heaven. Pair it with the matching bracelet and necklace for a coordinated yet effortless look.

4 | Opal Band Ring

Opal effect nano gems set in rhodium-plated silver. I adore how these rings reflect light and pair beautifully with dainty silver separates—try stacking with the cocktail ring for a double hit of iridescence, or layer with the matching necklace and huggie earrings.

5 | Crescent Opal Bracelet

14ct recycled gold, cultured opal, and lab-grown diamonds—a trio of ethical sparkle. The matching necklace and earrings create a moonlit set that feels almost talismanic.

6 | Opal Stud Earrings

Tiny, classic, and set in 14k gold. They’re subtle but never invisible, perfect for a bit of asymmetrical play in your lobe and helix piercings.

7 | Pink Tourmaline Pendant Necklace

A star-etched gold vermeil pendant with natural pink tourmaline. Layer it with the bracelet and charm hoops for a celestial, coordinated vibe.

8 | Mixed Tourmaline Beaded necklace

Natural tourmaline beads in a spectrum of rosy and green hues. The matching bracelet completes the set and adds a playful, stackable edge to any wrist.