Get To Know October's Birthstone: The Opal

With its flashes of eye-catching color and unmistakable individuality, opal has turned the heads of scholars, royals and tribesmen for centuries. As October's traditional birthstone, opal’s dance of color is believed to unlock creativity, inspire hope and unravel mystery. 

No two opals are exactly alike, making this extraordinary gemstone a meaningful way to celebrate the people in your life who make the world more colorful. See how you might personalize this gemstone for someone special. 

Sneak peek of a new one-of-a-kind triplet Opal ring dropping in mid October

Why is opal October's birthstone?

Opal is October's primary birthstone, celebrated for its color play and one-of-a-kind, intrinsic beauty. Unlike most gemstones, opal doesn't have one defining color. Instead, its appearance shifts with the light, revealing flashes of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink and red.

Often referred to as the rainbow gemstone, opal is one of few precious stones that captures the full spectrum of color within a single stone. Its ever-changing tapestry makes it a daring symbol of artistry, imagination and originality. 

While opal is the best-known October birthstone, there’s a second October birthstone—the tourmaline.  

The history of the opal birthstone

Opal has a fascinating history. The ancient Romans prized opals second only to emeralds as a symbol of hope and purity. Arabic legends believed opals fell from the sky in lightning bolts, while the Greeks claimed opal granted prophecy and guarded against disease. The name stems from the Greek word opallios, meaning "to see a change in color."

Over time, opal has inspired legendary stories because of its remarkable ability to seem as though its colors are constantly transforming. Some stones encompass the fiery red of ruby, the rich purple of amethyst and the sea-green of emerald, all at once.

Today, opal is treasured for the same qualities that have fascinated people for centuries: every stone has its own distinctive combination of color, pattern and light.

What makes opal so exceptional?

There are countless beautiful gemstones, but few have the unmistakable characteristics of opal.

Prized for its cosmic color

Opal's most recognizable quality is its interplay of color. The flashes of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink and red appear to flicker across the gemstone as it catches the light.

The phenomenon is created by the way light interacts with tiny silica structures within the opal. Depending on the stone, its colors can take shape as delicate flashes or dramatic patches of the rainbow.

No two opals catch the light and reveal their color in exactly the same way, making each gemstone in a class by itself.

Limited edition opal necklaces with textured borders from the Gemstone Edit

Beloved for their natural beauty

Opal's elegance comes in many forms. White opal has a light, luminous body tone, while black gems feature a darker body that can make its colors come alive with contrast. Crystal opal has a translucent look, allowing color to glow from within.

Opals display distinctive patterns, from broad blazes of color to intricate natural designs. These variations make choosing this stunning birthstone so personal.

Noted for their meaning

Opals are the only gem that draws the visual analogy of volcanoes, fireworks and galaxies. Romans thought of opals as a symbol of love and hope, while other cultures embraced its kaleidoscope features as a supernatural power. Its ever-changing hues make it an outstanding gift for one-of-a-kind loved ones.

Appreciated for their origin

Opal is found in several locations around the world, including Australia, Ethiopia and Mexico. Each source is known for producing opals with distinctive characteristics.

Australia is well-known for its black and white opals, while the Ethiopian gems are famous for their beautiful play of color and translucent appearance. And the warm-toned, fire opal is unearthed in parts of Mexico.

A one-of-a-kind Australian Opal Triplet ring

How to choose an opal

Here are a few features to think about when choosing this traditional October birthstone. 

Prioritize the play of color

When choosing opal jewelry, look for a stone with colors that immediately catch your eye. Cool hues of blues and greens can dominate some opals, while others reveal rich gleams of orange, pink, yellow or red.

There is no single "right" combination of colors. The best opal speaks to your soul and is hard to take your eyes off of its poetry of colors.

Consider the type of opal

Different types of opal present very different looks.

White opal has a classic, luminous appearance, while black opal has a dramatic contrast that makes its colors pop. Crystal opal has a translucent body that lets the light rise and fall through the stone. The fire opal casts shades of warm yellow, orange and red colors.

Think about your style

Opal can make a subtle statement or become a conversation piece. Some opal lovers want their gemstone to take center stage, while others prefer the understated and unexpected flash of color.

At Sarah O., you can find gorgeous limited time opal pieces in our Gemstone Edit. Or feel free to select a piece of personalized jewelry designed to celebrate stand-out people and their life stories.

Necklace stack featuring two limited edition opal necklaces from the Gemstone Edit

How to style opal jewelry

With its beautiful combination of colors, this rainbow gemstone takes your jewelry collection to a whole new level.

Tell your story with opal

The more personal a piece of jewelry, the more meaningful it is to wear. Whether worn as a birthstone, handpicked for its beautiful colors or added to a design to represent someone you love, opal adds a unique identity to every piece.

In other words, an opal can feel like a mirror, reflecting all of the remarkable qualities of the person wearing it.

Layer with your favorite pieces

Opal's twinkles of color make it easy to pair with jewelry you already have and love. Layer an opal necklace with delicate gold chains, create a ring stack that makes a statement or pair opal earrings with other colorful gemstones. No matter your choice, every opal design will no doubt turn heads.

Add color to your collection

Want to introduce color without committing to one shade? Enter the opal. 

Look for an opal with light bursts and color shades that complement your existing jewelry. Or choose a stone with an unexpected combination to create more brilliance. From subtle white to vibrant fire, opal adds a spectrum of possibilities to your collection.

A limited edition Opal on Beaded Chain Necklace from the Gemstone Edit

October birthstone: When to give this beautiful gem

You don’t need a reason to give this iridescent gemstone, yet the opal can add even more meaning to any special occasion. 

Birthdays

If you love someone born in October, you know they’re anything but ordinary. Celebrate their uniqueness with this month's captivating birthstone.You can always work with one of our expert designers to customize a piece of jewelry as a tribute to the colorful presence they bring to your life. 

Anniversaries

Mark an ever-lasting love story with opal. Often given on a 14th wedding anniversary, opal’s rainbow sparkle of color makes it a beautiful symbol of a relationship that continues to deepen and evolve day after day.

Milestones

From significant milestones to exciting new chapters, opals are a profound way to celebrate personal achievements or any unforgettable moment. Make it one’s own with a personalized piece. 

Just Because

Some of the best gifts are given for no reason at all. Opal's one-of-a-kind beauty makes it a thoughtful symbol to share with the people in your life you love dearly.

Caring for opal jewelry

With a hardness of around 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, opal is softer than many gemstones and requires a little extra care. With thoughtful attention, your opal pieces can reveal their beautiful flashes of color and contrast for years to come.

To keep this extraordinary gem looking its best:

- Clean by hand with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth.

- Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners and prolonged exposure to heat.

- Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

- Remove opal jewelry before swimming, bathing, exercising or doing chores.

- Keep pieces separate in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to help prevent scratches.

Turn to our care and cleaning guide for expert guidelines and long-term care advice.

The second October birthstone: Tourmaline

While opal is October's most well-known birthstone, tourmaline also shares the spotlight. 

Tourmaline

Prized for its extraordinary range of natural colors, you can find tourmaline in several hues from vibrant pink and green to blue, red and even multicolored varieties. This incredible color spectrum makes tourmaline just as original of a choice when it comes to honoring October babies.

A limited edition pink tourmaline necklace from the Gemstone Edit

Give October's birthstone

Colorful, captivating and completely unique, opal is both a joy to wear and give. Whether you're honoring an October birthday, marking a milestone or creating a custom creation that tells someone's story, you can find an opal piece with meaning that lasts well beyond the moment.

For something truly personal, explore creating an original piece designed to celebrate a story all its own.