Libra Birthstones and Jewelry: A Guide to Opal, Tourmaline and Rose Gold

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Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty, so it is no surprise that the sign has a strong eye for jewelry. This guide explains the stones linked to Libra, what to know before buying opal and tourmaline, and why rose gold is a natural choice for a Venus-ruled sign.

Birthstones for Libra

Libra runs from September 23 to October 22, so it spans two birth months. Late September birthdays (September 23 to 30) have sapphire as their birthstone. October birthdays (October 1 to 22) have two: opal and tourmaline. Check the exact birth date to see which applies.

Opal: the October stone

Opal is known for its play of color, the flashes of green, blue and orange that move across the surface as it turns. It is a delicate stone with a high water content, and a few buying and care notes are worth knowing.

• Check whether it is solid. Some opals are doublets or triplets, thin slices of opal attached to another material. They are legitimate, but they should be labeled and priced accordingly.
• Protect it. Opal is softer than many stones and can crack with sudden temperature changes or knocks. Pendants and earrings are safer than rings for daily wear.
• Mind the water. Some opals, especially some Ethiopian ones, can absorb water and change appearance temporarily, so avoid soaking them.
• Choose the type you like. White, black and fire opal look quite different, and all are real opal.

Tourmaline: a stone for every taste

Tourmaline is the other October birthstone, and it comes in a wider range of colors than almost any gem, from pink and green to blue and the two-toned “watermelon” stones. It is harder than opal, at about 7 to 7.5 on the hardness scale, so it suits rings better. Pink tourmaline echoes Venus and suits a Libra who likes soft color.

Sapphire for late September

For birthdays from September 23 to 30, sapphire is the stone. It is very hard and excellent for everyday wear. Ask about treatments, since heating is standard and other treatments should be disclosed.

Lapis lazuli and rose quartz are also often suggested for Libra in astrology. These associations are traditional and symbolic. We make no claims that any stone affects health, luck or fortune.

Rose gold: the metal that nods to Venus

Traditional astrology links Venus to copper, and rose gold is gold alloyed with copper, which gives it a warm pink tone. That makes it a natural choice for a Libra, and it is flattering on many skin tones. As with any gold, check the listing for the karat and whether the piece is solid, gold-filled, vermeil or plated, because thin plating can wear through with daily use.

How to choose jewelry for a Libra

• Think in pairs. Earrings, a matching set or a pendant with two stones suit the Scales and the sign’s love of symmetry.
• Look for harmony. Balanced proportions and colors that work well together tend to appeal more than anything jarring.
• Keep it elegant. Graceful lines and refined details usually suit this sign better than heavy statement pieces.
• Check the return policy, especially for gifts, because Libra may want to compare options before keeping a piece.

Where to go next

Read today’s Libra horoscope or explore the Libra compatibility guide.