Written for Vivamost Magazine by Liz Le Feuvre of Swiss Blue
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.
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 8thwedding anniversary.
The name Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colors,” because it often has multiple colors in one crystal. It is one of the few gemstones that come in a dazzling array of colors. 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 color 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.
Liz Le Feuvre
Liz 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 Facebookor Instagram