October's Gem: Tourmaline
While opal has long been recognised as the traditional October birthstone, tourmaline has become its modern counterpart. Renowned for its astonishing spectrum of colours, from blushed pink to deep indigo, tourmaline is one of the few gemstones that offers such variety.
For centuries, its different colours even led to frequent misidentification, until the 19th-century, when it was finally classed as a distinct mineral species. Today, it is celebrated for precisely what makes it special: its kaleidoscope of hues and its individuality.
What are Birthstones?
Birthdays are a chance to celebrate life itself.
Although tracing the origin behind birthstones leads to mixed sources, we note the talismanic appeal of gems in offering protection and confidence to its wearer.
Across cultures and centuries, stories have earned them a certain mystique. In Ancient Greek mythology, for example, garnet was connected to Persephone, the goddess seized by Hades. After eating pomegranate seeds, symbolised by garnets, she could return to the earth but was bound to living part of the year in the Underworld. Her tale embodies the Spring and cycle of seasons. Pomegranate symbolises life, fertility, and abundance, imparting similar meaning to garnet, today recognised as January's stone.
Each month is attributed to different gemstones, yet there's no limit to wearing them at any given time. Whether chosen for yourself or given as a gift, a birthstone is a deeply personal way to mark beginnings, milestones, and identity.
faceted bi-colour tourmaline exhibiting light green and pink
The TVRRINI Approach
We embrace gemstones in all their forms—inclusions and all—celebrating them as nature’s creations. Their unique character is what makes them so intriguing.
While formally trained in classic goldsmithing, Bibi Cheung continues to explore the possibilities of showcasing different gemstones in their best light. Our collections show an exciting array of colours, shapes, and characteristics in sculptural pieces designed for those who seek the unusual.
a past commission: gold ring set with alexandrite and diamonds
Each gemstone is designed to reflect your individuality in colour and craft. It's jewellery that celebrates your story.
Designing an original piece
We welcome you to provide gems that you would like to use in your bespoke jewellery design.
More often, however, we may present you with gemstones that we have available in our collection for you to choose from. Alternatively, we can source them after starting the design process with you, ensuring that you are satisfied with the selection.
The decision-making process can take time, rely on our support to guide you through.
Pendant from the 'nisi' collection, one side featuring an oval cabochon pink tourmaline