An Alternative Guide to Tourmaline: October Birthstone & 8th Anniversary Gemstone
An alternative birthstone deserves an alternative guide…
If you were born in October, you probably already know about Opal. But did you know you have another beautiful birthstone to choose from?
Tourmaline is October’s modern alternative birthstone — and with its extraordinary range of colours, fascinating history and wonderfully individual character, there’s plenty to discover.
It’s also associated with the 8th wedding anniversary, making Tourmaline a meaningful choice for much more than an October birthday.
So, rather than another traditional birthstone guide, we’re sharing some of our favourite facts about this fascinating gemstone — and why we think Tourmaline deserves a closer look.
Why choose Tourmaline?
If you love jewellery that’s a little different, Tourmaline may be the birthstone for you.
Unlike gemstones known for one signature colour, Tourmaline occurs in an extraordinary variety of shades — from delicate pinks and vivid reds to beautiful greens, blues and even gemstones displaying more than one colour.
That means choosing Tourmaline jewellery can feel wonderfully personal. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, an October birthday or a special anniversary, you can look for the colour and piece that feels most like you — or them.
Did you know…? Fascinating Tourmaline facts
Tourmaline is October’s modern alternative birthstone
October actually has two recognised birthstones. Opal is the traditional choice, while Tourmaline is its modern alternative.
So, if you’re an October baby who has never quite felt that Opal was your gemstone, you have another wonderfully colourful option.
DISCOVER OUR OCTOBER OPAL GUIDE
Tourmaline isn’t just pink
Pink Tourmaline may be one of the best-known varieties, but this remarkably colourful gemstone can also be found in green, blue, red and many shades in between.
Some Tourmalines even display more than one colour within the same gemstone.
Which means there really isn’t one typical Tourmaline look — and that’s part of its charm.
There’s even a Watermelon Tourmaline
Yes, really.
Some Tourmaline crystals contain both pink and green colour zones. When the colours resemble the pink centre and green rind of a watermelon, they’re known as Watermelon Tourmaline.
It’s one of the many reasons Tourmaline has such a reputation for individuality.
Tourmaline was once mistaken for other gemstones
Tourmaline hasn’t always been recognised for what it is.
Throughout history, examples have been mistaken for other coloured gemstones, including Rubies and Emeralds — meaning some celebrated historic “Rubies” weren’t Rubies at all.
We’ll be exploring more of Tourmaline’s fascinating jewellery history in this guide soon.
Tourmaline is an 8th anniversary gemstone
You don’t need an October birthday to have a special reason to choose Tourmaline.
Tourmaline is also associated with the 8th wedding anniversary, making a one-of-a-kind Tourmaline jewel a wonderfully meaningful anniversary gift.
And with so many colours to choose from, you can find something that feels personal to the person wearing it, while still celebrating the tradition behind the occasion.
Explore Tourmaline Jewellery
Looking for a birthstone that’s a little different?
Tourmaline makes a wonderful alternative birthstone because there isn’t just one way for it to look.
It might be a soft pink Tourmaline, a rich green gemstone, an unusual multi-coloured stone or a Vintage piece whose colour and character immediately catch your eye.
So, whether you’re choosing an alternative October birthstone, searching for a meaningful 8th anniversary gift, or simply love discovering unusual gemstones, Tourmaline offers a wonderfully colourful choice.
Discover Vintage & Antique Tourmaline Jewellery
At Cavendish Jewellers, we specialise in one-off Vintage and Antique jewellery, individually chosen for its beauty, character and craftsmanship.
Explore our current Tourmaline pieces and discover one that’s as individual as the person who’ll wear it.
Looking for an alternative October birthstone gift?
Discover our current Tourmaline jewellery collection.
Discover More Birthstones
Looking beyond October? Explore our complete Birthstone Jewellery Guide to discover birthstones throughout the year, with inspiration and expert advice for choosing meaningful Vintage & Antique jewellery.
Explore Birthstone Jewellery by Month →
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