No two opals are alike. The shifting flashes of colour inside the stone — what gemmologists call play-of-colour — come from microscopic spheres of silica diffracting light, so the pattern in every opal belongs to that single gem. Most of the world's fine opal comes from Australia, where it formed over millions of years in seams of silica-rich water.

October shares its birthstone with tourmaline, a gem that runs from deep green to watermelon pink. Both suit the month: one holds every colour at once, the other comes in more colours than almost any other stone.

A note on caring for opal. Opal is softer than most gemstones and holds a small amount of water within its structure, so it asks for more care than a diamond or sapphire. Keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes, and store it apart from harder stones that could scratch it. Warm water and a soft cloth are all it needs — and we're always happy to check and clean yours in the showroom.

Our October collection brings together opal rings, pendants and earrings — vintage and estate pieces alongside contemporary settings, each chosen by our family of jewelers here in Newport Beach.