October Birthstone Charm · Pink Tourmaline in 14K Yellow Gold

This is a solid 14K yellow gold charm set with a 4mm round natural pink tourmaline, October’s birthstone, in a polished bezel. It is sold as a charm; the chain is not included.

The piece

• Metal: Solid 14K yellow gold, never plated or filled
• Stone: 4mm round natural pink tourmaline
• Setting: Bezel
• Size: About 14.5 x 4.8 mm
• Bail opening: 4.2 x 2.8 mm
• Chain: Not included
• Made: In the USA
• Returns: Eligible under our return policy (stock design, never engraved or sized)

The stone

Tourmaline grows in more colors than almost any other gem; pink tourmaline owes its color to manganese. Its name comes from the Sinhalese turmali, a word Sri Lankan traders used for mixed colored gems. More in our gemologist’s guide to the twelve birthstones.

A gemologist’s note

Tourmaline is pyroelectric: warm the crystal and it develops a small electric charge. Dutch traders are said to have used heated tourmaline to pull ash from their pipes. In a 4mm stone, pink tourmaline shows a soft, even rose color.

Care

Tourmaline is 7 to 7.5 on the hardness scale. Clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then dry with a soft cloth. Take it off before swimming, cleaning with chemicals or applying lotion.