Ah, October, that time when leaves turn amber and the air turns crisp, and we get two stunning birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Having options makes things extra fun, right?
These stones bring colour, mystery, and personal meaning. Let’s dive in, and of course, I’ll share some Polka picks to inspire you.
What makes them special?
Opal
Known for its play-of-colour - flashes of rainbow hues inside the stone.
It’s softer (5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale), so needs gentle care (no rough knocks).
Symbolically, opal is often linked to creativity, emotional strength, and originality.
Tourmaline
A gem that comes in so many colours - from pale pinks to deep greens.
More durable than opal (7–7.5 on Mohs), which makes it a bit more practical for everyday pieces.
It’s often associated with healing, balance, and energy flow.
So depending on your style (bold vs. wearable), you might lean toward one — or combine both for extra drama.
Polka Picks to Love Right Now
Here are a few pieces (from Polka’s October collection and beyond) that really capture the essence of opal and tourmaline.
Opal & Gold Earrings - classic and elegant, perfect for drawing out the soft fire of opal.
Corkscrew Willow Eternity Ring - full of character and texture, incorporating October stones.
Mint Tourmaline & Gold Ring - a fresh, green tourmaline that works beautifully in gold.
Styling & Gift Ideas
Pair a soft opal earring with a textured gold band - the colour contrast is dreamy.
For stacking, mix tourmalines of different hues (pink, green, blue) for a “gemstone garden” effect.
October birthdays often like meaningful, emotional gifts - opal’s glow or tourmaline’s vitality make for great stories to tell.
Care Tip (because we care)
Opal is more delicate, so avoid exposing it to heat or harsh chemicals. Store it away from harder stones. Tourmaline is tougher, but still deserves gentle cleaning (soft brush, mild soapy water).