Spreading a bit of sparkle… A closer look at the October birthstone

In many cultures birthstones are a well established tradition whereby a gem is associated with a birth month.  Each stone has a special meaning and it is believed by many that wearing your birthstone will bring good fortune. 

Tourmaline is the newer, modern birthstone for October, along with traditional Opal. It is also the gemstone for the 8th wedding anniversary. 

The name Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colours,” because it often has multiple colours in one crystal. It is one of the few gemstones that come in a dazzling array of colours. The most popular are the pink and red, emerald green, and the neon green and blue-to-violet paraiba tourmalines that were discovered in Brazil in the 1980’s.  Watermelon tourmaline is green in the outside and pink on the inside so when cut looks just like a slice of watermelon! 

This October birthstone is most commonly mined in Brazil, but it is also found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar and Mozambique. Historically, California and Maine were also large producers of tourmaline.  

The ancient mystics believed tourmaline could inspire artistic expression as it has a colour palette for every mood. Pink tourmaline specifically symbolises love and is associated with compassion and gentleness. 

The Swiss Blue birthstone collection for October consists bracelets and earrings created with pink tourmaline beads and sterling silver or gold filled beads and earhoops. Both these precious metals are hypo-allergenic and lightweight, so they are ideal for everyday wear.  

This collection is available online at www.swissblue.co  Use the code VIVA10 at the checkout to get 10% off your order! (One time use per customer) 

 About the author 

Liz Le Feuvre set up Swiss Blue jewellery four years ago and is inspired by the colours and textures found by the lakes and mountains in Switzerland. She enjoys creating pieces that are attractive and enduring, using high quality materials and stones, and loves to make jewellery that makes YOU feel special everyday!  

Free shipping is offered throughout Switzerland and all these items can be found online at the website www.swissblue.co​  on Facebook or Instagram