October Birthstone: Opal Jewellery Inspired by Art

Celebrate the October birthstone with opal jewellery that is anything but ordinary. Discover unique and meaningful opal birthstone designs — timeless pieces that make a thoughtful gift or a lasting treasure for yourself.

What is the birthstone for October?

As autumn settles in with its golden leaves and crisp mornings, we welcome the month of October and opal birthstone jewellery. Opal has been the official October birthstone for centuries, while Tourmaline is a modern alternative.

In Greek, 'opal' translates as 'see a change of colour'. This description perfectly captures the opal's iridescent appearance that radiates a rainbow of colours. It also reflects the colourful change in seasons, making it a befitting birthstone for October birthdays.

At Paula Bolton, we have been creating handmade jewellery set with real gemstones since 1994. Opal is one of our favourite gems, which is why we chose it for our most popular collection. Read on to learn about the symbolism behind the opal gemstone and discover unique, meaningful opal jewellery.

Opal stone with iridescent colors on a light gray background

The Allure of Opal: Symbolism & Meaning

The opal is unlike any other gem, celebrated for its shifting spectrum of colour.

The most recognisable opals are the classic milky white stones, shimmering with flashes of rainbow colour. Yet there are also striking black opals that intensify their fire, or softer blue and crystal tones. Most are Australian opals, however they can originate from other countries too.

Opal has long been admired for its extraordinary depth and symbolism. In Roman times, opal was celebrated as a symbol of hope and love while the Ancient Greeks believed it bestowed foresight and creativity.

Today, the opal is most widely cherished as a symbol of joy, transformation and good fortune. This rich symbolism and meaning makes opal a meaningful choice for birthstone jewellery and heartfelt gifts.

Woman wearing gold and silver opal necklace, brooch, bracelet, and earrings

Monet Collection: Opal Jewellery Inspired by Art

The Monet collection is one of our most popular and longest running jewellery collections, first launched in 1996. These Monet jewellery designs draw inspiration from Claude Monet’s paintings of his garden at Giverny.

Admirers of these paintings will know that Monet was a master of capturing light, colour and reflection on canvas, so for us, opal was the perfect choice. Opals changing colours that shift in the light beautifully reflect Monet’s love for light on water.

Each piece of jewellery is handmade in ribbons of sterling silver and 18ct gold-plate, reflecting the soft, dreamlike reflections of the paintings. Opals and iolites echo the deeper tones of water, while moonstones represent delicate lilies floating on its surface.

Ring with gold and silver featuring an opal stone

Monet Inspirations Opal Ring

The Monet Inspirations Ring captures the tranquillity of Claude Monet’s impressionist masterpieces in a wearable work of art.

This unique opal jewellery piece is made by hand with a blue oval opal at its centre, complemented by a deep iolite and flowing silver and gold.

Available in multiple sizes, this opal ring is a timeless choice for women seeking birthstone jewellery with artistic flair.

Monet Inspirations Opal Ring

Collage of a opal necklaces and opal pendants with unique designs worn by different people

Monet Inspired Opal Necklaces

These two opal necklaces give different interpretations of Monet’s masterpieces.

For a bolder statement, the Monet Reflections Opal Pendant Necklace features a pendant with five gemstones, including opal, set on gold‑plated curves that evoke reflections on water.

The Opal Monet Inspirations Necklace features a smaller, subtler design set with opal, rainbow moonstone and iolite.

Both opal necklaces celebrate the October birthstone, making them perfect gifts for art‑loving women.

Paula Bolton Silver Jewellery - Monet Brooch with Opal and Gemstones

Monet Reflections Opal Brooch

In 2023, our Monet Reflections Brooch won a global design award, cementing its place as one of our most enduring and beloved collections.

The brooch has a flowing 18ct gold and silver form reminiscent of reflections on water, set with five vivid gemstones including blue opal.

Monet Opal Brooch

Silver and gold bracelet bangle with opals and moonstone gemstones

Opal Bangles & Bracelets

If you're searching for opal bracelets, we have two unique pieces which offer an unusual take on traditional October birthstone jewellery.

The Monet Reflections Opal Bangle wraps the wrist in an elegant band of silver, with a feature design in the centre accented by opal and other gems.

The Monet Inspirations Bracelet offers a more delicate interpretation set on a chain.

These opal bracelets celebrate the October birthstone with jewellery that feels unusual, subtle and timeless.

Woman wearing gold silver and opal stud earrings

Monet Reflections Opal Earrings

The Monet Reflections Opal Earrings distil the artist’s garden into miniature canvases. Luminous opals evoke sunlight filtering through rippling water, while tiny amethysts glimmer like lilies kissed by morning light.

These stud earrings are perfect for everyday wear. A subtle expression of the October birthstone and tribute to one of history's greatest artists.

Silver and gold ring with a central opal gemstone

Opal Jewellery: The Science Behind the Beauty

Opal's flashes of light are known as 'play of colour' and they are created by tiny silica spheres within the stone refracting light in extraordinary ways. Unlike many gemstones, opal is formed with water and silica and doesn't have a rigid crystalline structure.

Blue jewellery box with 'Paula Bolton' branding, including a card and cloth

Caring for Your Opal Jewellery

On the Mohs scale, opal measures 5.5–6.5, making it more delicate than sapphires or diamonds but this very softness is what allows its kaleidoscopic colours to shine through.

To keep your opal jewellery radiant, avoid extremes of temperature, clean gently with warm soapy water, and store it safely away from harder stones.

Every Paula Bolton piece arrives in a keepsake box with a pouch and cloth to help preserve its beauty.

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