One of the first opals I handled as an apprentice wasn’t a large stone, but I’ll never forget it. Under the shop lights it flickered with red, green, and blue as if a tiny fire was trapped inside. Customers leaned in to see it change every time they moved their head. That’s the magic of opal no two stones ever look alike.
Tourmaline, by contrast, makes its mark with colour. I remember a 1940s tourmaline cocktail ring we once sold, its stone a deep raspberry pink. The gem had a warmth that diamonds never quite achieve, and it suited its bold, gold mount perfectly.
At Charles Hart Jewellers, our family has been trading for more than 200 years, and over that time we’ve seen October’s two birthstones appear in every style imaginable from Victorian opal cluster rings to Art Deco tourmaline brooches. Both stones have captivated collectors for centuries, though for very different reasons.
Opal: Fire Beneath the Surface
The name “opal” comes from the Latin opalus, meaning “precious stone,” but the stone itself is anything but plain. Ancient Romans believed opal brought good fortune, while the Victorians adored it for jewellery.
In the 19th century, opals were often set in cluster rings surrounded by diamonds, the sparkle enhancing the opal’s shifting play-of-colour. We’ve handled several Victorian examples over the years, and each one has its own “personality” depending on the colours dancing across the surface.
Collectors often remark that opals feel alive. Some glow with fiery reds, others flash green or violet, and occasionally you find a black opal rare and highly prized for its depth and intensity.
Tourmaline: The Gem of Many Colours
Tourmaline’s name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning “mixed stones,” a nod to its incredible variety. From soft greens to hot pinks and even striking bi-colour “watermelon” stones, tourmaline has long been celebrated for its versatility.
During the Art Deco era, jewellers embraced tourmaline’s bold shades, setting them into geometric designs alongside diamonds. I once examined a Deco brooch where a green tourmaline was cut into a long rectangular shape, flanked by stepped diamond accents. The contrast was striking fresh and modern, even a century later.
Tourmaline also became fashionable in the mid-20th century when cocktail rings demanded large, colourful stones. Those vintage pieces remain highly collectable today.
Collector’s Tips for Opal & Tourmaline
Opals: Look for strong play-of-colour red flashes are the rarest and most desirable. Antique opals can be sensitive to dryness, so keep them away from direct heat.
Tourmaline: Colour is everything. Deep greens, pinks, and watermelon stones are especially sought after. Vintage Art Deco and Retro-era tourmaline jewellery often offers great value compared to modern pieces.
Settings: Both stones often appear in elaborate mounts. Victorian opal clusters, Edwardian rings, and Art Deco tourmaline brooches are all highly collectable.
FAQs About October Birthstones
Q: Are opals fragile?
Over the years we’ve seen plenty of opals lose their glow simply from being kept too dry. Our advice has always been the same: keep them somewhere cool, not right beside a radiator, and if possible in a box that doesn’t dry out.Antique opals in closed-back mounts should be worn occasionally but not daily.
Q: Is tourmaline valuable?
A: It depends on the colour and size. Large pink and green stones, especially in antique rings, can fetch strong prices. Bi-colour “watermelon” tourmalines are particularly prized.
Q: Which is more collectable opal or tourmaline?
A: Some collectors fall in love with opals because every stone feels alive, shifting colour with the light. Others prefer the certainty of tourmaline’s strong greens and pinks. In truth, we see plenty of people who end up collecting both.collectors specialise in one, but many end up drawn to both.
Q: Can opal and tourmaline be worn daily?
A: Tourmaline is hard enough for regular wear, though avoid heavy knocks. Opal needs more care it’s best reserved for special occasions, especially with antique settings.
Q: What styles of antique jewellery feature October birthstones?
A: Victorian opal cluster rings, Edwardian opal pendants, Art Deco tourmaline brooches, and mid-century cocktail rings are the most popular.
Final Thoughts
Opal and tourmaline might share a birth month, but they couldn’t be more different in character. One holds a shifting rainbow within, the other dazzles with endless shades of colour.
At Vintage Tom, we’ve been lucky to handle both across two centuries of jewellery design. Whether it’s a Victorian opal cluster or a bold 1940s tourmaline ring, each piece tells its own
story of style, craftsmanship, and the collector who will cherish it next.
If October is your month, or if these stones simply speak to you, take a look at our collection. You may just find an opal that flickers like fire or a tourmaline glowing with colour each one unique, just as it should be.