Fall Birthstone Jewelry to Make the Season Sparkle

The air turns crisper, the leaves change color and we return from our summer vacations. Fall is a time to celebrate change and embrace renewal. One of the best ways to honor this season of transformation is with a personal style refresh, and what better way to spruce up your autumn wardrobe than with some gorgeous gemstones?

In this article, we’ll dive into the captivating world of fall birthstone jewelry. From opal to topaz, let’s explore the traditional and alternative birthstones for September, October and November.

1. What is September’s Birthstone?
2. What is October’s Birthstone?
3. What is November’s Birthstone?
   
   

What is September’s Birthstone?

September babies are blessed to have the stunning sapphire as their birthstone. These gemstones belong to the corundum mineral family. They are one of the hardest gemstones, ranking at a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds are a 10). Though blue is, of course, the best-known variety, sapphires come in every color of the rainbow except red. Red corundum are known as rubies. 



Sapphires are counted among the “Big Four” gems, which are gemstones that hold a special position of historical and cultural significance. Before diamonds gained popularity, the sapphire was considered the ‘stone of royalty.’ To this day, many royal families count sapphires among their crown jewels. The aura of nobility still surrounds the sapphire, and it’s hard not to feel like a queen when wearing one. These gemstones were also associated with wisdom, truth and loyalty. 

For a thoughtful gift to the September baby in your life, or to elevate your personal style, a pair of shimmering sapphire stud earrings is sure to do the trick. This timeless gemstone effortlessly adds an air of refinement to both casual and formal ensembles.

 

What is October’s Birthstone?

The traditional birthstone for October is the opal, while the modern alternative birthstone is the pink tourmaline. 

 

The Opal Birthstone

Opal's allure harmoniously complements the shifting hues of autumn. With its entrancing play of color, opals unveil a captivating dance encompassing nearly every shade of the rainbow. This resplendent gem mirrors the brilliance of fall sunsets and the golden swirl of leaves.

When we picture opals, we tend to picture them milky white. However, based on their point of origin, opals may come in shades of black, orange, red, pink or blue. Black opals hail from Australia, while vibrant fire opals come from Mexico, and blue opals may be found in Peru.

The opal, sometimes called “The Queen of Gems,” is steeped in lore. Ancient Romans believed opals possessed the essence–and power–of all precious gems within their multicolored depths. Ancient Arabs believed that opals formed when lightning bolts struck the earth.



 For a long time, they were associated only with good fortune and natural beauty. Then, in 1829, Sir Walter Scott published a novel called Anne of Geierstein. In the book, a character called the Baroness of Arnheim wears an opal talisman which curses her. The popular book led to a superstition that opals bring bad luck. 

Of course, nowadays, we know that opals have no impact on your personal fortunes. However, there are a few important things to note before buying your own opals. They are softer than other colored gemstones, ranking between 5 and 6 (out of 10) on the Mohs hardness scale. They can scratch and chip fairly easily, meaning that they are best suited for necklaces and earrings, as opposed to rings and bracelets that encounter greater wear.

Opal necklaces effortlessly draw the eye and evoke awe. Whether you wear a statement pendant or a subtler multi-stone piece, opals have the power to elevate any ensemble. Their color-shifting magic makes them a versatile choice for both daytime and evening aesthetics.

 

The Tourmaline Birthstone

Pink typically doesn't come to mind when we think of fall colors. However, tourmaline, October’s alternative birthstone, may just change your perspective. Exhibiting a spectrum of pink tones from soft pastels to deep rosy hues, this gem introduces a touch of romance to the fall season.

Tourmaline comes in a diverse palette of colors, including black, blue, and green variations. It even forms multi-colored crystals, like the rare pink and green "watermelon tourmaline.” Because it can be found in nearly every color, tourmaline was frequently misidentified as other gemstones. In fact, the Spanish conquistadors who first brought tourmaline back to Europe believed they were bringing emeralds. It wasn't until the late 18th century that tourmaline was properly classified as a new, unique gemstone. 



Historically, tourmaline was valued by actors, artists and writers for its supposed ability to enhance intuition and creativity. Beyond being October's alternative birthstone, it is also the traditional gem given on eighth wedding anniversaries.

A pink tourmaline necklace is a delightful choice for a tourmaline gift of any kind, whether you’re celebrating an eighth anniversary, an October birthday present, or simply treating yourself to some new jewelry. 

 

What is November’s Birthstone?

The traditional birthstone for November is the citrine, while topaz is the modern alternative birthstone. 

 

The Citrine Birthstone

Luminous citrine gets its name from the French citron, meaning “lemon,” and it’s easy to see why! This golden-hued gem can be found in a range of earthy tones, from yellow-orange to rich amber. There’s no gemstone better suited to a season of falling leaves and vivid sunsets. 

A member of the quartz family, citrine can be found on almost every continent, though it’s mostly mined in Brazil (along with amethyst, another member of the quartz group). Thanks to its sunny shimmer, citrine is primarily associated with optimism and joyfulness. Looking at a citrine is said to be soothing to the mind, body and spirit. In ancient lore, citrine was also thought to sharpen the wearer’s wit and intelligence.



With a Mohs hardness scale ranking of 7 out of 10, citrine’s durability can withstand everyday wear, making it an ideal candidate for rings. Popular designs for citrine include cocktail rings featuring a solo statement gem, as well as sparkling diamond halo rings. Gorgeous citrine rings will infuse warmth into even the coldest days. 

 

The Topaz Birthstone

Topaz is allochromatic, a scientific term meaning that it’s naturally colorless. It takes on color through accidental contact with trace minerals in its environment. Shades of red, orange and blue are the most common, but topaz comes in plenty of other colors, too. Some topazes are heat treated to enhance these hues. 

Topaz is beloved around the world, but it has a particularly special place in Portuguese history. In the late 18th Century, a 1,680-carat colorless topaz was gifted to Portugal’s Queen Maria Isabella. The royal court believed that it was a massive diamond. Eventually, the case of mistaken identity was solved, and the Portuguese still treasure their Imperial Topaz to this day. In other European countries, topaz was valued for its supposed ability to ward off the evil eye.



Topaz most likely gets its name from the Greek island of Topazios, where miners discovered what they believed to be deposits of topaz. Though it turned out to be peridot, the name stuck. Some believe, however, that the word topaz is derived from tapas, the Sanskrit word for “fire.” Regardless of how topaz came to be, there’s no denying its remarkable beauty.

Let topaz breathe new life into your jewelry collection. Add some sparkle to your autumn accessories with a pair of blue topaz earrings. Beautiful topaz studs will stun whether set in white gold or yellow gold. The icy edge of blue topaz will usher in the transition from fall to winter. Whatever you choose, topaz will keep you looking beautiful through this season and beyond.

 

The Splendor of Autumn Birthstones Shines at Maharaja’s Jewelry in Panama City, Florida

Even if you weren’t born in one of these months, the allure of fall birthstones is undeniable. Their unique tapestry of colors captures the essence of this vibrant season. Each one tells a one-of-a-kind story, allowing you to carry the beauty of autumn with you, wherever you go.

So, as leaves rustle and the air cools, join us for a journey through the world of fall birthstones. Visit us at Maharaja’s, where our team of jewelry experts stands ready to assist you in discovering the finest fall birthstone pieces for your collection.