By Robin Skibicki, CSA
Opal: October’s Birthstone
Opals are known for their spellbinding play-of-color—a shimmering display that seems to dance across the gem’s surface. Ancient legends claimed opals contained lightning captured in stone, while others believed they brought good fortune or mystical powers. From milky white to fiery orange, opals are a perfect birthstone for the spooky season, catching the light in a way that feels almost magical.
October has a second birthstone: tourmaline, offering another intriguing option. From the neon blue of Paraíba to parti-colored varieties that contain two or more hues in a single gem, tourmaline brings its own quiet sense of mystery, making it a fitting companion to opal for October.
Moonstone
Moonstone has an ethereal glow called adularescence, a soft, ghostly shimmer that looks like moonlight floating beneath the surface. Believed to bring protection during travel and intuition to its wearer, moonstone feels almost enchanted. Its dreamy glow makes it a favorite for those who love jewelry with a touch of the mystical.
Star Ruby or Star Sapphire
Star rubies and sapphires hold a special kind of magic. When cut just right, a star pattern seems to glide across the surface, caused by light interacting with needle-like inclusions inside the stone. Historically, star sapphires were believed to ward off harm and guide their wearer, much like a celestial compass. They’re as mystical as they are beautiful.
Black Diamonds
Black diamonds are striking and unconventional. Instead of sparkling like clear diamonds, they shimmer with a smoky, almost metallic glow. Their mysterious appearance makes them a bold choice, perfect for anyone drawn to jewelry with a gothic edge.
Alexandrite
Few gems are as magical as alexandrite, famous for its color-changing ability. By daylight, it shines green; under incandescent light, it transforms to a rich red or purple. This dramatic shift feels like a trick of the eye—a gemstone illusion that embodies the magic of October.
Fluorescent Diamonds
Some diamonds reveal a secret under ultraviolet light: they fluoresce, often glowing blue, with other possibilities including green, yellow, orange, or red. This hidden characteristic makes them feel like treasures with a secret personality. Imagine a diamond that sparkles by day and glows under blacklight at night.
The Magic of Gemstones
If you’re looking to add a little enchantment to your jewelry collection this fall, consider a piece that glows, changes color, or shimmers in unexpected ways. To discover these spellbinding gems, visit ags.org/findajeweler and connect with an American Gem Society jeweler near you.