The pull to attach special significance to gemstones continues in modern times, with the designation in 1912 of birthstones for each month by the American National Association of Jewelers. Whether you choose a stone for its traditional spiritual meaning, its connection to your birth month, or love the color of the stone, it is fun to understand these traditions.
The naturally variable nature of this gemstone means Pink Tourmaline comes in a variety of shades of pink, from soft pale pink to a darker pink with a brownish undertone. HAVERHILL’s Design Lab team in Rhode Island hand selects gemstones for each piece of jewelry we make for you, matching the shades of pink tourmaline for a consistent color.
In the late 1800s, large deposits of Tourmaline were found in Maine and California, and much of this was exported to China. Later sources of Tourmaline were discovered in Brazil and many parts of Africa, including Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, and Namibia. HAVERHILL uses naturally mined Pink Tourmaline from Africa.
Caring for your Pink Tourmaline Jewelry
Pink Tourmaline is rated 7 - 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it is durable and appropriate for everyday wear, with a little caution. In 1822 Friedrich Mohs created this scale to rate gemstones from 1 (softest) to 10 (exceptionally hard), based on their ability to withstand scratches. Pink Tourmaline can be scratched by gemstones which are harder on the Mohs Scale such as Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, and Diamonds. Store your Pink Tourmaline jewelry in your jewelry pouch or box to keep the gemstone from being scratched by these harder stones.
Styling Tips for Pink Tourmaline Jewelry
The soft tones of Pink Tourmaline lend a gentle warmth to any ensemble. October’s enchanting birthstone enhances compassion and brings a flattering blush to your skin.
Combining Pink Tourmalines with Other Gemstones
The subtle tones of Pink Tourmaline are natural partners for the lighter, warmer gemstones. We love pairing them with Moonstones, Amethysts, Citrines, Pink Opals and White Topaz. Explore some of our favorite combinations.
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FAQ
There are several birthstones associated with October for you to choose from. Opal, Pink Opals and Pink Sapphires are also designated as October birthstones. We offer many different personalized designs for birthstone necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. If you are looking for a particular stone, visit our Shop by Gemstone page to see all options for that particular stone.
Naturally mined gemstones come in a variety of shades. All Pink Tourmaline will have a very slight brownish undertone (this is how you can know it is real). Colors can range from a very pale pink to a dark blush, a sign that the stones are naturally occurring.
Inclusions are material that was trapped in a mineral at the time of its formation in the form of liquid, gas or minerals. These are naturally occurring and a sign that the stone was not lab grown. Often, these inclusions are so small they can be seen only with a microscope. Some gemstones like Pink Tourmaline and Moonstone often have inclusions which can add to the character of their appearance.
While in a similar color family, Pink Tourmaline and Pink Sapphire are slightly different. To see the difference in color, take a look at HAVERHILL’s Bayberry Grand & Petite 11 Pink Sapphire Necklace. Pink Sapphires are a 9 on the Mohs scale and so are more durable than Pink Tourmaline, which is rated 7.5. We offer Pink Sapphire in the Grand 6 mm stone size and Pink Tourmaline in the Petite 4 mm stone size.
Absolutely not! People wear gemstones for many reasons, not just because they are the birthstone for the month they were born. You may choose to wear a stone because you feel a connection to the color, because the traditional meaning resonates with you, or because it reminds you of someone you love like a child, a friend or a loved one who has passed away. Jewelry is extremely personal and you should feel free to wear gemstones that speak to you.