20 Nov
The October birthstone, the opal, is much like the month it belongs to: quiet and subdued, with streaks of brilliance that dance with fiery Fall colors. The opal is certainly one of the most interesting looking gems, which makes it perfect for October babies who have an eye for the unique. For October born ladies who love conventional girly glam in lieu of artsy and unique gems, the alternative October birthstone – pink tourmaline – makes the perfect present.
Opal History & Myth
Opal gemstones were highly regarded in the Middle Ages, as the rainbow of colors visible in the gem was thought to encompass all the mythical qualities of the other gemstones represented in the spectrum. Additionally, it was believed that opals, when wrapped in a bay leaf, had the power to make the possessor invisible to those around them. In the ancient world, leaders and monarchs even ingested ground opal, believing that it promotes healing and gave them protective powers.
Opal Properties
The opal is a very delicate gemstone due to its high water content and relative softness. Opal usually forms in the fissure of different types of rocks, most commonly limonite, basalt and sandstone. Ninety percent of all opal found is the white milky opal with lines of brilliant colors, and most opal jewelry is created with this milky form of opal. The vast majority of opal gemstones are mined in Australia, and not only is opal the October birthstone, it is the national gemstone of the land down under.
October Birthstone Jewelry: Opal and Pink Tourmaline
The only thing prettier than an opal gemstone might be an opal paired with diamonds. Get a loved one their October birthstone and a girl’s best friends with our opal and diamond heart necklace pendant in 14K solid white gold.
For the true glamour girl, go the route of the alternative October birthstone with our marquis and pink tourmaline diamond pendant. It’s a gorgeous, feminine pendant that is guaranteed to light up her face.
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14 Nov
Interestingly, the lustrous pearl is the alternative June birthstone, not the traditional June birthstone. Yet, most people think of the pearl as the June birthstone simply because the traditional gem for June babies is a scarce, obscure one – Alexandrite. Alexandrite is a young gemstone, and was only discovered in the mid 1800s. The Alexandrite gemstone is dual-tone in color, both a bluish-green and a reddish-violet, depending on the light. Since green and red were the colors of Russian royalty, Alexandrite was considered the official gemstone of Russia under the rule of the tsars. Today Alexandrite is very scarce, and because of this, the pearl is the June birthstone alternative – and a beautiful one at that.
Pearls make a fabulous birthday present because of their universal appeal. You’d be hard pressed to find a woman who does not like pearls, since they can be integrated into jewelry in so many different ways. From traditional pearl strands and pearl stud earrings to baroque and freshwater pearls of all colors and sizes in more modern pieces, it’s easy to find the perfect birthday present for the one you love. Here are three of our favorite June birthstone pearl rings that fit a wide range of budgets and taste:
South Sea Pearl and Diamond Blossom Ring
This lovely ring (above left) has elements of both traditional and modern jewelry design. A large, high quality South Sea white pearl sits perched in the middle of an architectural diamond pave blossom for the ultimate cocktail ring. This pearl ring is perfect for wearing during special occasions and evening events, and can help dress up even a casual outfit.

Handmade Silver Pearl Eye Ring
For June birthday girls who have a flair for the unique, this sterling silver and freshwater pearl ring is bound to be a new jewelry box favorite. Handcrafted by jewelry Isreali designer David Tishbi, each ring is completely unique and one of a kind. It’s the perfect antidote to mass designed jewelry, which makes it a truly personal birthday gift.
Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Eternity Ring
For women who will only settle for the best, our Tahitian pearl and diamond eternity ring is an unforgettable way to say happy birthday. A whopping 11 mm Tahitian black pearl is set atop three sparkling diamond encrusted bands to create a stunning piece of jewelry that will take her breath away. I mean, you just can’t go wrong with black pearls and diamonds.
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