October Birthstone Jewellery: Antique & Vintage Opal and Tourmaline Guide

Last updated: October 2025

October is a month of colour shifts. Autumn leaves glow and the skies deepen. Jewellery wearers turn to stones that echo this change. Unlike September’s single focus on sapphire, October offers two birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Each with its own story, symbolism and style.

From the flashes of opal to the full spectrum of tourmaline, these gemstones bring individuality to antique and vintage jewellery. This guide explores their history, meaning and eras, with practical tips for choosing authentic October birthstone pieces. Prefer a deep dive on sapphire first? See last month’s Sapphire Guide.

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Table of Contents

• A Brief History of October’s Birthstones
• Symbolism & Meaning
• Opal & Tourmaline Through the Eras
• Famous Opals and Tourmalines
• Why Buy October Birthstone Jewellery
• Care and Maintenance
• Doublets, Triplets and Treatments
• Fire Opal. What It Is and How to Choose
• Buying Tips for Antique & Vintage Opal and Tourmaline Jewellery
• FAQs
• You Might Also Like
• Final Thoughts
• About Ps Its Vintage

A Brief History of October’s Birthstones

Opal has delighted wearers since Roman times. The name comes from the Latin opalus for a precious stone. In later centuries it was linked with luck and purity. Its signature look is play of colour: a shifting dance of hues within the stone.

Tourmaline reached Europe in the 1700s with traders who prized its mixed colours. The name traces to a Sinhalese term for a stone of many colours. By the nineteenth century pink and green tourmalines were fashionable in rings and brooches. Bi colour stones became favourites with collectors.

Symbolism & Meaning

• Opal. Creativity and transformation. Each stone feels personal because no two look the same.
• Tourmaline. Balance and compassion. A calming choice with a wide range of colours to express identity.
• October birthdays. Both gemstones celebrate change and individuality that suits the season.

Choose opal if you love an ethereal flash of colour. Choose tourmaline if you want strong colour with everyday practicality.

Opal & Tourmaline Through the Eras

Victorian. Opals in sentimental lockets, brooches and cluster rings. Pink and green tourmalines in warm yellow gold.

Edwardian. Fine platinum filigree work. Opal cabochons set with protective edges. Tourmaline used for refined colour accents.

Art Nouveau. Flowing lines, enamel and nature motifs. Opal glows in organic shapes. Tourmaline adds soft colour that suits the theme.

Art Deco. Clean geometry and stepped halos. Tourmaline brings bold colour. Opal appears in sleek, stylised designs.

Mid century. Statement cocktail rings with large opals or vivid tourmalines. Confident profiles and sculptural gold.

Exploring these eras is a simple way to find a style that matches your taste and wardrobe.

Famous Opals and Tourmalines

• The Andamooka Opal. Presented to Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. A notable gift and a striking stone.
• The Flame Queen Opal. An eye like effect with a red centre. Found in Australia in the early twentieth century.
• Paraiba tourmaline. A neon blue green variety discovered in Brazil in the late twentieth century. Highly sought after.
• Watermelon tourmaline. A natural pink and green combination loved by designers and collectors.

These gems shaped October’s reputation for character and colour in jewellery.

Why Buy October Birthstone Jewellery

• Birthstone link. A personal gift for October birthdays.
• Symbolism. Creativity, balance and self expression.
• Collectable heritage. Antique opals and vintage tourmalines are distinctive and often unique.
• Colour choice. From subtle pastels to vivid tones.
• Seasonal mood. Autumn shades that pair well with gold and silver.

Ready to explore options? Keep an eye on New Arrivals or browse gemstone rings when available.

Care and Maintenance

• Opal. Gentle clean with lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid ultrasonic and steam. Keep away from heat and harsh chemicals. Store in a soft pouch with a little ambient humidity.
• Tourmaline. Wipe with a soft cloth after wear. Mild soapy water is safe. Avoid sudden temperature changes and strong cleaners.
• Settings. Bezels and halos suit opals. Secure claws suit tourmalines. Check stones seasonally for movement.
• Everyday wear. Choose pendants or earrings if you prefer low-maintenance. Rings need a touch more care.

Doublets, Triplets and Treatments

Opal doublets and triplets are assembled stones that use a thin slice of natural opal over a backing (and sometimes a protective cap). They are attractive and good value when clearly described. Tourmaline may be gently heated or irradiated to adjust colour; reputable sellers disclose this. Antique and vintage listings should state construction and any known treatments so you can compare like for like.

Fire Opal. What It Is and How to Choose

What it is. Fire opal is opal with a warm body colour—yellow, orange or red—usually transparent to translucent. The “fire” refers to the body colour, not the rainbow play of colour. Some fire opals also show play of colour, but many do not.

Origins. Classic fire opal is associated with Mexico (Querétaro, Jalisco). You can also see fire-coloured opals from Ethiopia and elsewhere. Origin can influence price and collectability, but quality matters most.

How it differs. Compared with white or black opal, fire opal often has fewer internal patterns and is prized for a clear, vivid body colour. Cabochon and simple claw settings let the colour glow; doublets/triplets also exist and should be described clearly.

• Colour and clarity. Look for even, saturated orange-to-red and pleasing transparency. Milkiness or many fractures reduce appeal.
• Cut and thickness. A well-proportioned cabochon with sensible thickness wears better and protects the colour bar.
• Play of colour. Nice to have, but not required in fire opal. Judge first by body colour.
• Treatments. Some fire opals may be stabilised (resin-filled) or oiled to improve appearance. Reputable listings disclose this.
• Construction. Fire opal doublets/triplets use a thin slice on a backing (and sometimes a cap). Good value when described and priced accordingly.

Durability and care. Like all opal, fire opal is softer (approx. Mohs 5–6.5). Avoid ultrasonic/steam, harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes. Clean gently with lukewarm water and mild soap, then pat dry. Rings need more care; pendants and earrings are lower maintenance.

Where it appears in period jewellery. Late Victorian to Art Nouveau pieces use warm gold and flowing lines; mid-century cocktail rings favour bold cabochons with simple shoulders.

Buying Tips for Antique & Vintage Opal and Tourmaline Jewellery

• Check the setting. Opals benefit from protective bezels or halos. Tourmalines need secure claws and sound seats.
• Read the hallmarks. Date letters and assay marks confirm metal and era. See How to Read Hallmarks.
• Expect variety. No two opals match. Tourmalines vary in saturation and tone. Choose the look you love.
• Buy from specialists. Clear photos and honest condition notes matter.
• Care with sense. Gentle soap and water. Avoid heat and chemicals. Store pieces separately.
• Ring sizing. Vintage bands can feel different on the hand. Use the Ring Size Calculator for conversions.

FAQs

Are opals too delicate for daily wear?

Opals are softer than many gemstones. With a protective setting and mindful use they can be enjoyed. Many owners keep opal rings for occasional wear.

Which is more valuable: opal or tourmaline?

It depends on rarity and quality. Black opal and Paraiba tourmaline can be very valuable. White opal and pink tourmaline are usually more accessible.

Do antique opals lose their play of colour?

Not with sensible care. Avoid heat and very dry conditions. Store away from chemicals and sharp objects.

Is tourmaline only pink or green?

No. Tourmaline appears in many colours including blue, red and bi colour combinations.

Why does October have two birthstones?

Opal is the traditional stone. Tourmaline was adopted as an alternative to offer more colour options and sturdier daily wear in some settings.

What is fire opal?

An opal with a vivid yellow, orange or red body colour. It may or may not show play of colour.

Is Mexican fire opal the best?

Mexico is the classic source, but quality varies by stone. Judge by colour, clarity, cut and construction rather than origin alone.

Can I wear fire opal every day?

Yes with care. Choose protective settings, avoid knocks and clean gently. Many owners prefer pendants or earrings for easy wear.

You Might Also Like

• How to Read Hallmarks in Vintage & Secondhand Jewellery
• How to Tell if Vintage Jewellery Is Real
• Antique vs Vintage vs Secondhand. What Is the Difference?
• Jewellery Symbolism Guide
• Ring Size Calculator

Final Thoughts

Opals and tourmalines bring October to life. Antique opals shimmer with inner fire. Vintage tourmalines glow in many colours. Both offer individuality and meaning. Whether you are marking a birthday or choosing a gift with character, an October birthstone is a beautiful place to start.

When you are ready to look closer, visit New Arrivals or explore rings to find a piece that feels like you.

About Ps Its Vintage

Ps Its Vintage is independently run and specialises in preloved, vintage and antique jewellery. Every piece is chosen for character, quality and story with a focus on hallmarks and makers. Whether you are celebrating an October birthday or exploring gemstone history, this guide is here to help you choose with confidence.