October boasts not one, but a spectrum of birthstones, with tourmaline taking a prominent position. This article explores the significance of tourmaline as the October birthstone, particularly as it is featured in sterling silver necklaces, drawing exclusively from available sources. While the provided materials primarily focus on retail descriptions and care instructions, they offer insights into the gem’s symbolism, material composition, and contemporary presentation.
History and Lore
The sources indicate that tourmaline has been recognized as the birthstone for October. Honey Willow specifically states, “Tourmaline is the birthstone for October.” Beyond this direct association, the provided texts offer limited historical context. However, the emphasis on the “Trinity Knot” alongside a rose-colored gem in one necklace suggests a blending of Celtic symbolism – the Trinity Knot representing eternal love – with the birthstone tradition. This indicates a modern interpretation of the stone’s meaning, linking it to enduring affection. La Côte Club highlights the stone’s association with “love and compassion,” and “emotional healing and inner harmony,” suggesting a contemporary understanding of its metaphysical properties.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not detail the geological formation of tourmaline or its primary mining locations. They focus solely on the finished jewelry pieces and their materials. Therefore, no information regarding the gem’s origins can be included based on the available data.
Gemological Properties
The sources offer limited gemological data, primarily focusing on the material composition of the jewelry itself rather than the tourmaline’s inherent properties. The descriptions consistently feature tourmaline set in sterling silver. Sterling silver is defined as .925 genuine silver, composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals for increased durability. This composition is consistently noted, with pieces stamped “925” to verify authenticity.
Regarding the tourmaline itself, the sources specify “Pink Tourmaline” as a variety featured in the necklaces. Pendant dimensions are given as .21" x .21" (5.3 mm x 5.3 mm) for La Côte Club’s offering, and 6mm in diameter for the Honey Willow pendant. One necklace features a cubic zirconia rather than tourmaline, described as “Polished Cubic Zirconia” and 0.03 ct. Lafonn Jewelry is noted for using simulated diamonds handset in sterling silver.
The sources do not provide information on tourmaline’s hardness, refractive index, specific gravity, or chemical formula.
A summary of the material properties, as described in the sources, is presented below:
| Material | Composition | Purity/Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Silver | 92.5% Silver, 7.5% Other Metals | .925 | Stamped with "925" for authenticity |
| Pink Tourmaline | (Composition not specified in sources) | N/A | Featured in pendants |
| Cubic Zirconia | (Composition not specified in sources) | N/A | Used as a simulated gemstone |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
As previously mentioned, the sources connect tourmaline, particularly the pink variety, with themes of love, compassion, and emotional healing. La Côte Club explicitly states the pink hue symbolizes these qualities. The combination of tourmaline with the Celtic Trinity Knot further reinforces the association with eternal love. While the sources do not delve into historical or cross-cultural symbolism, the modern interpretations presented suggest a focus on the gem’s potential to promote emotional well-being and strengthen relationships.
Care and Cleaning
La Côte Club provides detailed jewelry care instructions applicable to both the sterling silver and the tourmaline settings. These recommendations include:
- Removing jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising.
- Avoiding contact with perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and cleaning products.
- Storing each piece individually in the provided pouch.
- Regular cleaning with a soft, dry cloth.
- Using a polishing cloth to maintain shine, but advising against over-polishing gold vermeil to preserve the plating.
These instructions emphasize the need to protect the sterling silver from tarnishing and the gemstone from potential damage caused by harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Contemporary Presentation and Craftsmanship
The sources highlight the craftsmanship and quality of the featured necklaces. Honey Willow emphasizes that the pendants are “Handmade with recycled silver” in Bath, England, and that the company is a family business founded in 2010. La Côte Club details the use of .925 genuine sterling silver and gold vermeil (18k gold layered over sterling silver to a thickness of at least 2.5 microns). Lafonn Jewelry is described as offering “extravagant handcrafted designs” with “unsurpassed quality and dazzling perfection,” and having over 30 years of experience in fine jewelry. These descriptions emphasize the attention to detail and the use of high-quality materials in the creation of these pieces.
Purchasing Considerations
The sources provide information relevant to purchasing these necklaces. La Côte Club notes that natural gemstones may vary slightly in color. Honey Willow provides delivery information for the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, including details on shipping times and potential customs duties. Cellini Design Jewelers notes that one particular item is currently out of stock. Sezzle is offered as a payment option by Cellini Design Jewelers, allowing customers to split their purchase into four interest-free payments.
Conclusion
Based on the provided sources, tourmaline, particularly the pink variety, is presented as a significant October birthstone, embodying themes of love, compassion, and emotional healing. The necklaces described showcase the gem set in high-quality sterling silver, often incorporating additional symbolic elements like the Celtic Trinity Knot. The sources emphasize the craftsmanship, material quality, and the importance of proper jewelry care to maintain the beauty and longevity of these pieces. While the available information is limited in scope, it provides a glimpse into the contemporary appreciation of tourmaline as a cherished birthstone and a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection.