Calling all October babies: it’s officially almost opal season.
Reigning as the October birthstone alongside tourmalines, opals have long been celebrated as the glimmering gemstones that are said to be lucky for all those born in the autumnal month. And whilst light rains and cooler temperatures tend to be the norm for most of October, the playfully colourful stone brings a rainbow of shimmer to the season.
Unlike many other birthstones, the opal bears a mysterious aura, diffracting light in many ways and thereby creating an illusion of many colours. In fact, according to the American Gem Society, the name ‘opal’ originates from the Greek opallios, which means as much as “to see change in colour.” And indeed, the kaleidoscopic quality of the harmonious display of colours makes the October birthstone a very unique one (much like anyone born within the special month).
Recognisable by its lustrous and iridescent milky pearlescent shine, we’ve put together a list of six different ways you can sport opal jewellery this October. From darker to lighter variations, there’s something here for every October-born – and every curious non-October-born, too.
Featured and Hero image credit: Dior
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One of the most common ways to wear opals is as a showstopping ring. Made by one of our favourite local jewellery designers, this Nina the Jewel Opal Ring (THB 590,000) features an Australian Black Opal at an incredibly rare size of 8.44 ct. Around the centre stone, the platinum ring features 1.82ct diamonds, making for a very elegant choice of statement or cocktail ring.
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Whilst white or dark blue are definitely the more traditional opal colours, pink opals are popping up more and more in the high jewellery collections of many fine jewellery brands. This Dior Rose des Vents bracelet (approx. THB 246, 690) comes with an 18K pink gold chain, and features 0.21ct diamonds and pink opals. Inspired by Monsieur Dior’s lucky star, the delicate accessory is also right on trend with coin and medallion jewellery, as well as stacked bracelets.
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Bringing all the razzle and the dazzle, Piaget’s Extremely Piaget Pendant (THB 935,000) features a beautiful sun motif with a 14.87ct white opal set with 1.65ct brilliant-cut diamonds and 18K rose gold. Like a ray of sunshine, the pendant emits a fun-loving and exuberant flair, making it a beautiful birthday gift for any bright and sun-beamy October-born you may know. A standout piece that is elegant, and reminiscent of radiant summer days.
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Following on with white opal, local Thai jewellery brand Somjai Jewelry embraces a more minimalist charm with their White Opal Ring (THB 1800), featuring a sweet 1ct white opal stone surrounded by zirconia diamonds on a white gold-plated band. The subtle and feminine piece makes for an easy-to-wear everyday jewellery accessory, as well as a loving gift. Did you know that opals are the stone for 14th wedding anniversaries?
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Bringing not just birthstones but also zodiac signs into an incredibly dreamy dial, the Lady Arpels Zodiac Scorpio Watch (approx. THB 4,121,670) from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Poetic Astronomy collection is a hypnotic timepiece for the beautiful watch lover. The limited edition piece features a vivid white gold, turquoise, diamond, and mother-of-pearl story, as well as a bright blue opal as the heart of the scorpion symbol. A stunning way to bear the marvels of the stars right on your wrist.
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There was no way we could finish our list without mention of Dior’s incredible ‘Dior et d’Opales’ high jewellery collection. One of French jewellery designer Victoire de Castellane’s favourite stones, the collection is a precious testament to the beauty of the opal. These Petit Panache Opal Earrings (POA) are made with yellow gold, diamonds, and black opals, flashing like the ultimate stars that opals (and October-borns) know they are.
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Lisa Gries
Creative Content Director, Bangkok
Lisa is the Creative Content Director at Lifestyle Asia Thailand. When she’s not knees-deep in SEO analysis or editorial calendars, you’ll likely find her in downward-facing dog at the yoga studio, or immersed in conversation at a secret bar in China town. Lisa writes mostly on dining, travel, and pop-culture, and is a huge fan of soup dumplings, Riesling, and power napping — in exactly that order.
