Autumn is a time to indulge in the warm hues of nature’s changing palette. The month’s birthstones often mimic the tones of the season, with radiant gemstones reminiscent of autumn afternoons.
The Laings Journal

Colours of the Season: Autumn Birthstones
SEPTEMBER: SAPPHIRE
Stemming from the Greek word ‘sappheiros’ meaning blue, the sapphire has been adored for millennia. Growing in popularity since the Middle Ages, the sapphire is influential to many cultures and religions. A remarkable display of colour, the sapphire comes in a variation of hues. Unearthed across the continents, each stone encapsulates a charming colour, including pinks, yellows and greens. Blending elegance with mesmerising beauty, the sapphire is universally loved, capturing the imagination of all generations. This elegant gemstone evokes lasting commitment and love. Sapphire jewellery is often reminiscent of faithfulness so make for the perfect birthday gift for a loved one.

OCTOBER: OPAL AND TOURMALINE
The mesmerising birthstone of October delivers a wide range of colour, tricking the eye as a closer look may reveal colours that were not obvious at first glance. From vibrant fire opal to gentle pink, opals are a gemstone that captivates wearers with its magical colour-play. Originally believed to reflect the mood of its wearer, the stone’s exquisite colour variations are achieved by the presence of water during its formation, ensuring no two opals are ever the same. Opal jewellery, with its ethereal play of colours, mirrors the ever-changing hues of autumn leaves in a subtle, yet striking way.
Few gemstones match tourmaline’s broad range of colours. The stone's name itself, derived from the Sinhalese word "toramalli," meaning "mixed gems," reflects the confusion surrounding its identity when it was discovered. Often mistaken for ruby, sapphire, or emerald when it was originally discovered, tourmaline has been used in jewellery for many years. Tourmaline jewellery makes for a beautiful October birthday gift, with some saying its spiritual properties attract inspiration, compassion, tolerance and prosperity.


NOVEMBER: TOPAZ AND CITRINE
Topaz lends itself to a rainbow of colours, with the most popular colour used in jewellery creation being blue. Blue topaz has a mesmerising ice blue hue, which makes it an ideal winter birthday gift. During the 18th-century gold rush, Brazilian topaz gained immense popularity among European nobility. It is still highly desirable to this day, being a favourite of the Princess of Wales. Topaz jewellery is a great choice for everyday wear and special occasions alike, ranking at 8 on Mohs hardness scale. In mythology, topaz is portrayed as a gem of peace and healing. It was first found by the Romans, who believed it could protect its wearer from enemies and bring reconciliation.
The name citrine comes from the French word for lemon, but it is also often found in an orange/red colour. Between 300 and 150 BC, citrine was commonly found on the handles of swords and daggers in Scotland. Since then, the stone has held symbolic meanings of protection, success and wealth. Natural citrines are a rare treasure, only formed when iron causes a unique reaction in quartz. The unique hue of Citrine gemstones perfectly matches both platinum and yellow gold jewellery, perfect for layering or mixed metals styling.

Discover Autumn Gemstones with Laings.
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