October has two birthstones, pink tourmaline and opal. Although neither are common stones in royal jewellery vaults, Queen Elizabeth II received a stunning pink tourmaline brooch with a strong Canadian collection. 

In 2013, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Vaughn Solomon Schofield, presented Queen Elizabeth with a pink tourmaline brooch when she was at Buckingham Palace in October. 

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Designed by Rachel Mielke for the Canadian jeweller Hillberg & Berk, the floral brooch is a unique and modern design. Set in white gold, the five Madagascar tourmalines serve as petals with one large freshwater pearl serving as the centre of the flower. The tourmalines and pearls are bordered by three hundred diamonds. 

Although the late Queen would often save brooches for connected engagements, such as wearing a Canadian gift on a visit to Canada or related event, she wore this brooch quite frequently. 

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In February 2014, she wore the brooch when she attended church in Norfolk. She then also wore the brooch to Royal Ascot that year, a sure sign that it was a favourite piece. Because Her Majesty’s wardrobe in her later years featured a lot of pink pieces, the brooch was particularly useful. 

The brooch is estimated to be worth $15,000 CAD.