Every month of the year is graced with a birthstone (or sometimes two) that has a special significance unique to those dates. Now, we would never pick favorites, but some might argue that certain birthstones are better than others. If that were the case, October is a clear standout.
The tenth month of the year has two birthstones associated with it: opal and tourmaline. The former, the opal, is the more traditional option, and that is the stone we will be exploring today. Opals are famed for their shifting colors in a variety of rainbow hues. Opals are often set in jewelry, where they can show off their kaleidoscope of colors, but you will also find opals and stones with an opalescent effect in watches and other accessories.
In addition to their status as October’s traditional birthstone, opals are also the gift of choice for those celebrating a 14th wedding anniversary. No matter what milestone you are honoring this year, consider an opalescent watch to give the gift of ethereal beauty and never-ending love.
All About Opals: October’s Beautiful Birthstone
Thought to originate from India, opals are a much-loved birthstone and a favorite gem for setting in watches, jewelry, and accessories. Writers have compared their ever-changing colors to fireworks, galaxies, or even volcanoes. Whether you choose an authentic opal or a similar stone that offers similar vibrancy and movement, you cannot go wrong with these dynamic pieces.
The gorgeous hues of opals have inspired countless myths and legends. For example, Bedouin tribes once believed that Opals held lightning within them and fell from the sky during thunderstorms. Ancient Greek culture held that opals could bestow the gift of prophecy and protection from disease. In western Europe, people believed that opals symbolized purity, hope, and truth.
Opals come in a variety of different tones, ranging from the traditional and perhaps best-known white opal (which offers a moonstone-esque effect) to coveted variants like the eye-catching black opal and the passionate fire opal. These stones are mined throughout the world, with some of the most productive mines located in Australia, Mexico, and Ethiopia.
Although opals are beautiful, they are not particularly durable on the Mohs scale of hardness. Opals fall between 5 and 6.5. For comparison’s sake, diamonds are the hardest material on the Mohs scale at a 10 and sapphires and rubies follow closely after at 9. For that reason, it is important to store opal jewelry and watches separate from any pieces you have with harder gemstones, as these more robust stones can scratch or damage October’s birthstone.
Opal’s less durable nature has impacted the way this stone is displayed in jewelry and watches. In jewelry, you will often find so-called opal doublets or triplets, which are flat discs of opal covered by a thin dome of quartz. This setting style gives a shimmering, kaleidoscopic opal effect without (1) breaking the bank, and (2) putting the opal in a position where it can get easily scratched. That is because quartz is ranked at 7 on the Mohs scale, making it more durable than the opal itself.
The same is true of luxury watches. When you do find an opalescent watch, you will typically see a disc of opal or another stone set on the face of the timepiece and covered by a more durable crystal, such as quartz or sapphire. By displaying opals with a layer of protection, you can get more wear and life out of these gorgeous gems that are easily some of the most collectible and sought-after stones in the world.
Opalescent Watches to Celebrate October Birthdays
Whether you are a Libra or Scorpio hoping to treat yourself to an enticing birthday present or you are shopping for another October birthday on your list, choosing a luxury watch with an opaline finish is always going to resonate. Here are some of the top timepieces we suggest for anyone seeking an opalescent effect.
Patek Philippe Nautilus, Gold Opaline Dial
If you are searching for a truly classic and timeless watch, you cannot go wrong with a Patek Philippe Nautilus. The memorable, cushion-shaped dial and sophisticated curves of this watch make it the perfect accompaniment to any wardrobe. We love this 18K rose gold timepiece, which showcases index and Arabic numeral hour markers, a date display at the 6 o’clock position, and a unique face with an opaline effect.
The term opaline dial is one that you will occasionally come upon in the world of luxury watches. Its meaning? An opaline dial is finished with proprietary tooling methods to achieve a unique, shimmering effect that evokes the ethereal movement of true opals. The dial on the watch above is embossed with a delicate wave pattern that underscores the innate, kinetic drama of October’s much-loved birthstone. Plus, this watch offers a versatile 35 mm silhouette that is decidedly in vogue for both men and women wearers.
Rolex Datejust 36, Mother of Pearl Dial
If you are struggling to find an opal watch that you really love, opting for a mother of pearl option can be an excellent substitute. Take the gorgeous Rolex Datejust above, for instance. This elegant watch boasts a shimmering mother of pearl dial that offers a similar opalescent effect, catching the light and shifting hues as you go about your day. Plus, this gorgeous timepiece has some other coveted features to add to the effect: We are talking about the diamond hour markers and diamond-set bezel, of course. When you combine the clean lines of diamonds and the milky beauty of mother of pearl, you have truly mastered an opalescent dupe.
This 18K yellow gold watch is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry behind the Rolex brand. It feels almost vintage, with its integrated bracelet and yellow gold case. Plus, the black leather strap perfectly offsets the glistening dial and flashing diamonds, grounding the watch like no other. A 36 mm silhouette makes this piece ideal for women’s wear, but it can also make for an excellent men’s accessory for those who are embracing the miniature watch trend that has been making headlines all year. All of this is to say that we are head over heels in love with this watch, and any opal enthusiasts among us are sure to appreciate it, too.
Patek Philippe Calatrava, Opaline Dial
The classic and chic silhouette of the Patek Philippe Calatrava line will never go out of style. This 18K rose gold watch shows off a minimalistic face, complete with index hour markers and a shimmering white opaline dial. The subtle shine of this dial adds an element of luxury and prestigious craftsmanship to the watch that becomes more apparent the closer you get. In short, this is a piece that can be appreciated from both far and near. The cherry on top? The alligator leather strap, of course, which makes this piece a must-have for any collection.
For avid watch collectors, no watch box is complete without a Calatrava. One of the modern world’s original dress watches, the Calatrava line premiered in the 1930s and exemplified the Bauhaus and Art Deco movements. Nearly 100 years later, this line remains as timeless and elegant as ever, exuding sophistication and grace from every angle. It is even a celebrity favorite, endorsed by true icons like Pablo Picasso himself.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Rainbow, Mother of Pearl Dial
Close yourself off from all distractions and simply bask in the collision of vibrant colors that is this Patek Philippe Aquanaut watch. Wonderfully unique and exceptionally bold, this 40 mm watch showcases all of the brand’s finest materials: a mother of pearl dial, a diamond and sapphire bezel, and an 18K rose gold case. The gorgeous crimson strap only adds to the effect, elevating this timepiece into a truly unforgettable accessory.
If you are looking to evoke opalescence this October, look no further. With the glistening mother of pearl dial complemented by a row of baguette-cut diamonds and sapphires in different hues, you truly have both the fire and ice aspects of the opal look. Sapphire hour markers accompanied by 18K gold applied Arabic numerals finish off the effect. This memorable Aquanaut is the perfect marriage of sporty adventure and high jewelry craftsmanship.
Celebrate in Style With Avi & Co.
No matter the occasion, our team at Avi & Co. is here to help. At each of our three boutiques (you can find us in New York City, Miami, and Aspen), we have amassed an elite inventory of renowned timepieces from brands like Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex. We also recently introduced our very own lines of Avi & Co. watches and a collection of exquisite fine diamond jewelry. The luxury never ends when you walk through our doors.
If you are ready to take your watch collection to the next level, make an appointment today.
