August’s Birthstone: Peridot
If you were born in August, your birthstone is peridot, one of the few gemstones that occurs naturally in only one color. Its vibrant green hue has captivated civilizations for thousands of years, earning it the nickname the "gem of the sun." From ancient Egyptian pharaohs to modern jewelry lovers, peridot has remained a symbol of warmth, prosperity, and renewal.
A Gem Born Deep Within the Earth
Unlike many gemstones that come in a variety of colors, peridot's signature olive-green appearance comes from the mineral olivine, which forms deep within the Earth's mantle.
As volcanic eruptions bring this mineral closer to the surface, peridot crystals are carried upward inside molten rock before eventually being found in volcanic deposits throughout the world.
In rare cases, peridot has even been found inside meteorites, making it one of the few gemstones that can be formed in places expanding beyond our planet.
A Rich History Dating Back Thousands of Years
Peridot has been treasured by civilizations for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians would mine peridot on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, believing that the gemstone glowed so brightly that it could only be collected after sunset. As a result, it was believed that the gemstone offered protection from evil spirits and negative energy.
Throughout history, peridot has often been mistaken for emerald due to its vivid green color. In fact, historians believe several famous "emeralds" decorating royal treasures were actually peridot instead.
Goal Earrings, by Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair
Symbolism: Growth, Renewal, and Good Fortune
For centuries, peridot has been associated with positive energy and new beginnings.
Growth and Renewal
Its fresh green color has long symbolized nature, personal growth, and renewal, making it a fitting birthstone for August and for the height of summer in particular.
Prosperity and Abundance
Many cultures believed peridot attracted prosperity and good fortune while encouraging confidence and optimism in the wearer.
Protection
Ancient civilizations often wore peridot as a protective talisman, believing it could ward off negativity and bring peace of mind.
In the modern day, many people appreciate peridot as a reminder of growth, resilience, and the drive to embrace life's new chapters.
Understanding Peridot's Unique Characteristics
Peridot offers a look unlike almost any other gemstone.
Color
Peridot naturally ranges from yellowish-green to rich olive green. Unlike many gemstones, its color isn't created by impurities but by the amount of iron present within the mineral itself.
Generally speaking, stones with a deeper, richer green color are considered the most desirable.
Clarity
High-quality peridot is often flawless to the naked eye, meaning any imperfections aren't visible without magnification. This helps in giving the gemstone its bright, lively appearance.
Durability
Peridot ranks between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
While durable enough for many types of jewelry, it is softer than other popular gemstones like sapphires or diamonds. Because of this, peridot should be treated with a little extra care, particularly in rings that experience everyday wear.
Peridot Electron Ring, by Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair
Caring for Your Peridot Jewelry
Proper care helps preserve your peridot's beauty for years to come. Here are just a few ways that you can make sure that your peridot maintains its natural shine:
Clean with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush.
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning products.
Never use steam cleaners.
Ultrasonic cleaners should generally be avoided, as they can damage stones that already have internal fractures.
Store peridot separately from harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires to help prevent scratches.
If your jewelry begins looking dull or your stone feels loose, having it professionally cleaned and inspected can help catch potential problems before they become costly repairs.
Designing Custom Peridot Jewelry
Peridot's vibrant green color makes it an excellent centerpiece for custom jewelry.
Yellow gold can help to enhance the stone's warm, golden undertones for a classic appearance, while white gold and platinum can create a crisp, contemporary contrast. Rose gold offers a softer, more romantic look that beautifully complements peridot's natural color.
Whether incorporated into a pendant, earrings or a meaningful family heirloom redesign, peridot offers endless possibilities for creating a one-of-a-kind piece.
Adding personal touches such as engraved messages, accent gemstones, or heirloom gold can help to transform a beautiful piece of jewelry into one that tells your unique story.
Celebrate August with Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair
Whether you're searching for the perfect August birthday gift, redesigning an heirloom, or creating a custom piece featuring this vibrant green gemstone, our team is here to help.
From custom jewelry design and gemstone sourcing to professional repairs and inspections, Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair combines high quality craftsmanship with personalized service to create jewelry that will be treasured for generations.
Visit our studio to explore the possibilities of incorporating the timeless beauty of peridot into your next custom jewelry project.
Hey there, I’m Nina!
I’m a Seattle-based jeweler specializing in custom designs, heirloom restorations, and thoughtful repairs, all done by hand, start to finish, right here in my studio. Every piece I work on carries a story, and I take pride in preserving that story through craftsmanship, care, and attention to detail.
Whether you’re dreaming up a one-of-a-kind creation, bringing new life to a family treasure, or simply fixing a favorite everyday piece, my goal is to make the experience personal, collaborative, and meaningful.
If you have an idea, or even just a feeling, about what you want, let’s bring it to life together.
