October Birthstone:

Opal

Every birth month is connected to a different gemstone. Those lucky enough to have an October birthday get to enjoy the mesmerizing opal as their birthstone. Opals are known for the range of shimmering colors that dance across their surface and create a striking optical effect. This phenomenon, known as play-of-color, makes every piece of opal gemstone jewelry extraordinary.

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A Galaxy in a Stone

Opal was admired by many cultures throughout the ancient world, each giving it a unique meaning. In Arabic lore, opals fell from heaven in the form of lightning, while the Greeks believed they could protect against disease and bestow the gift of prophecy. Opal's shifting rainbow of colors has inspired writers to compare it to volcanos, fireworks, galaxies and more.

: Opal's Birthstone History
Diversity in Color and Meaning
Shop Popular Opal Jewelry
Gifting Inspiration for the October Birthstone
Keep Your Opal Jewelry Looking Beautiful for a Lifetime
: January Birthstone: Garnet
February Birthstone: Amethyst
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
April Birthstone: Diamond
May Birthstone: Emerald
June Birthstone: Pearl
July Birthstone: Ruby
August Birthstone: Peridot
September Birthstone: Sapphire
November Birthstone: Citrine
December Birthstone: Blue Topaz

Opal's Birthstone History

When people first began wearing the stones connected to their birth months in the 16th century, opal was selected as the original October birthstone. The National Association of Jewelers also chose opal as the modern October birthstone in 1912.

Diversity in Color and Meaning

Each birthstone has its own meaning and symbolism. Opals are associated with love, hope, faith, loyalty, purity and truth. Through its rainbow of colors, this gemstone is thought to reflect the mood of the wearer, to help release inhibitions and to enhance beauty. Some believe that opal symbolizes the virtues of all colored gemstones, making it one of the luckiest gemstones to wear.

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Gifting Inspiration for the October Birthstone

Celebrate a significant other, a family member or a close friend with a piece of opal jewelry that shows your appreciation. Our selection of opal birthstone gifts offers several options for many different occasions.

An Enchanting Statement of Love

An exquisite opal engagement ring makes an eye-catching, modern statement and can serve as a symbol of your love and devotion. Diamond accents or a full diamond halo bring out an opal's fire and a white gold band complements its kaleidoscopic colors.

Lavish Someone You Cherish

If a special someone's October birthday is approaching, you can't go wrong with an opulent opal necklace that showcases their birthstone. Our selection of opal pendants puts the gemstone's colorful sparkle on full display, in either a solitaire style or with small accent diamonds.

Gifts for Mom

An excellent option for your mom's birthday or for Mother's Day is a pair of elegant opal earrings. Opal lends itself nicely to timeless styles that will pair easily with all of her favorite outfits.

Commemorate a Special Occasion

Important milestones like graduations, weddings, big promotions and the birth of a child deserve a gift that properly marks the occasion. An opal necklace or a pair of opal earrings make wonderful presents for commemorating significant life events.

Keep Your Opal Jewelry Looking Beautiful for a Lifetime

Keep your opal jewelry in good condition with the right gemstone cleaning and care.
Opal is a gem that needs a bit of extra care but can last for decades when well looked-after.
Be sure to put it on last when getting ready and store it in a felt-lined jewelry box away from harder gems after taking it off.
Maintain the beautiful play-of-color of your opal jewelry by giving it a regular cleaning with warm water and mild soap.
We also offer free cleaning and repair services for gemstone jewelry that needs an expert touch to restore its brilliance.

Learn More About Gemstones

Opal jewelry makes a magical gift for someone you love or an excellent addition to your own fine jewelry collection. Learn more about gemstones and jewelry options in our comprehensive gemstone guide.