We are excited to shine a spotlight on this month's captivating birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline. These gemstones are not only stunning in their appearance but also rich in history and symbolism, making them perfect for those born in this vibrant autumn month.
Tourmaline
A crystalline boron silicate mineral that is highly prized for its wide range of colours and its unique ability to display multiple hues within a single crystal. This gemstone is known for its complex and varied chemical composition, which contributes to its diverse colour palette, including shades of pink, green, blue, yellow, and black. Tourmaline is often used in jewellery and is believed to have metaphysical properties, such as promoting balance and protection. Its name is derived from the Sinhalese word "turmali," meaning "mixed gems," reflecting its colourful diversity.
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Pink Tourmaline
A captivating gemstone ranging from soft pastels to deep, rich hues. Pink tourmaline is often associated with love, compassion, and emotional healing, making it a popular choice for jewellery and spiritual practices. Its unique colour is due to the presence of trace elements like manganese. With a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, pink tourmaline is durable enough for everyday wear, making it a favoured choice for rings, necklaces, and other adornments. Its beauty and metaphysical properties make it a cherished stone for both collectors and those seeking emotional balance. Our selection of tourmaline offers something for every taste and occasion.
Tourmaline was first discovered in Sri Lanka, but significant deposits have also been found in Brazil, which remains one of the largest producers of the stone today. In the 18th century, Dutch traders brought tourmaline to Europe, where it gained popularity among collectors and jewellers.
Green Tourmaline
Also known as verdelite, is a captivating gemstone with hues ranging from pale green to deep forest green. This semi-precious stone is prized not only for its beauty but also for its purported metaphysical properties, believed to promote compassion, healing, and a connection to nature. Its rich colour is often attributed to the presence of iron and chromium within its crystal structure. Popular in jewellery, green tourmaline is often cut into various shapes to enhance its natural brilliance, making it a favourite among gem enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Opal
A hydrated amorphous form of silica, renowned for its stunning play-of-colour, which is the ability to display a spectrum of colours when viewed from different angles. This phenomenon is caused by the diffraction of light through its microscopic silica spheres. Opals can range from milky white to vibrant hues of red, blue, green, and orange, with black opals being the most rare and valuable. Often associated with creativity and inspiration, opal is a popular choice for jewellery and is the birthstone for October. Its name is believed to originate from the Sanskrit word "upala," meaning "precious stone."
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Ethiopian Opal
A captivating gemstone renowned for its vibrant play of colour, displaying a mesmerizing spectrum of hues that dance across its surface. This unique opal, primarily sourced from the Wollo Province, is celebrated for its striking transparency and vivid colour patterns, ranging from fiery reds and oranges to cool blues and greens. Its enchanting beauty makes it a sought-after choice for jewellery enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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Opal Doublet
A popular and affordable alternative to solid opals, crafted by layering a thin slice of precious opal onto a dark backing, which enhances the stone's vibrance. This technique not only makes opal doublets more accessible but also allows for a stunning display of the opal's natural beauty.
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At Vandenbergs, we offer an exquisite collection of different opal jewellery designs, ranging from elegant pendants to eye-catching earrings, each piece meticulously crafted to highlight the unique allure of these captivating gemstones. Whether you're seeking a statement piece or a subtle touch of colour, our opal doublet jewellery is sure to enchant and delight.