Get to know August's birthstone: The Peridot

With its unmistakable green glow and storied history, peridot has been held in high regard for thousands of years. As August's traditional birthstone, peridot jewelry symbolizes joy, abundance and renewal. Look no further than peridot for a meaningful gift to celebrate birthdays, milestones and life's most spectacular moments. 

Why August's birthstone?

Peridot is August's primary birthstone because it's believed to reflect the warmth, optimism and energy, which are qualities often associated with those born during this month. Unlike many gemstones that owe their color to trace minerals, peridot's signature green brilliance is forged deep within the Earth’s upper mantle. Peridot and diamonds are the only two gems known to originate in the mantle rather than the Earth’s crust.

While peridot is the best-known August birthstone, the month is also associated with spinel and sardonyx, offering several meaningful ways to celebrate those you love who are born in August.

The history of the peridot birthstone

Peridot has one of the oldest histories of any gemstone. Ancient Egyptians prized it so highly that they called it the "gem of the sun." They believed it protected against darkness and brought strength to its wearer. Some historians speculate Cleopatra's famous emerald collection may have actually contained peridot, as the two gemstones can appear remarkably similar.

Over the centuries, peridot has been worn by royalty, religious leaders and travelers alike. It was thought to bring good fortune, encourage peace and inspire confidence. Today, its vibrant color and powerful symbolism continue to make it one of the most cherished gemstones in fine jewelry.

What makes peridot so exceptional?

There are countless beautiful gemstones, but few are as instantly recognizable as peridot.

Celebrated for their vibrant color

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color family: green. Its shades range from fresh yellow-green to rich olive, with the most valuable stones displaying a vivid, saturated green with minimal brown tones. 

Admired for their natural beauty

Unlike many gemstones that require treatments to enhance their appearance, peridot's beautiful color is naturally occurring. Each stone possesses its own unique personality, rich with slight variations in tone and inclusions that make every peridot one of a kind.

Noted for their meaning

Peridot has long symbolized protection, prosperity and new beginnings. Also known as a stone of compassion, peridot is believed to open the heart and strengthen connections with others. It’s no wonder peridot is given as a thoughtful gift for birthdays and beyond.

Appreciated for their rarity

Gem-quality peridot forms deep within the Earth's mantle before reaching the surface through volcanic eruptions. Some rare peridot has been discovered inside meteorites, making its journey to Earth as extraordinary as its appearance.

While more accessible than some precious gemstones, fine peridot with exceptional color and clarity remains highly sought after.

How to choose a peridot

Here are a few characteristics to think about when choosing this gemstone.

Prioritize color

Color is the most important element when evaluating a peridot. Look for stones with rich saturation and bright, lively green hues. The finest peridots have a striking appearance without having too many yellow or brown tones.

Examine clarity

Peridot is generally known for its excellent clarity. Many high-quality stones appear eye-clean, letting their fresh green color take center stage. Choosing a well-cut stone with intense brilliance maximizes its natural glow.

Think about your style

Some enthusiasts gravitate toward bold gemstone jewelry and prefer to spotlight peridot's dynamic color. Others prefer their peridot jewelry to add a subtle pop of green.

At Sarah O. Jewelry, we primarily feature peridots in our personalized jewelry collection where you can find meaningful gifts for everyone in your life. We design our pieces to celebrate individual stories that easily layer with everyday favorites. Looking to create your own fine jewelry piece with a peridot stone? Book a consultation with one of our designers.

How to style peridot jewelry

A vibrant peridot ring paired with the Estelle Diamond Band adds the perfect pop of color to your everyday stack.

Both versatile and distinguishing, peridot's uplifting green hue makes it a natural addition to your jewelry box.

Tell your story with peridot

Jewelry becomes even more meaningful when it punctuates a significant moment or celebrates the people in your life who matter most. Whether worn as a birthstone, layered to represent loved ones or chosen because you love its color, peridot brings a touch of passion to every collection.

Layer with your favorite pieces

Yellow, white and rose gold pair beautifully with peridot, making it easy to mix this August birthstone into an existing jewelry collection. Layer a peridot charm necklace with delicate chains, stack it alongside other meaningful gemstones or add a pair of peridot stud earrings to complement other statement pieces. 

Gemstone stud earrings customizable based on metal and gemstone selection, to make for the perfect personalized gift.

Add a pop of color

Peridot's rich green lets you introduce color without overwhelming your look. Whether worn alone or layered with other favorites, any peridot piece will bring a hint of brilliance to your style. 

August birthstone: When to give this beautiful gem

Peridot astounds no matter what day of the year it is. In other words,peridot jewelry makes a thoughtful gift no matter the occasion. 

Birthdays

Love someone born in August? Celebrate their warmth and individuality with this long-adored August birthstone. Personalize a peridot piece as a meaningful reminder of the story they're continuing to write.

Anniversaries

Peridot is traditionally given to mark one’s 16th wedding anniversary. Nothing honors so many years of shared memories and lasting love like this glowing green stone.

Milestones

Peridot’s rich symbolism and fiery origin make giving this gemstone a heartfelt gift. Nothing says “I’m proud of you” quite like this storied birthstone.

Just Because

Some of the best gifts are given for no reason at all. Peridot's splendor makes it a thoughtful reminder that the days between special occasions are worth celebrating too.

Caring for peridot jewelry

With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is softer than many gems. Yet with attentive care, peridot pieces will continue to amaze for years to come.

To keep this vibrant gem looking its best:

- Clean by hand with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended.

- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.

- Store pieces separately to help prevent scratches from harder gemstones.

For more details, look to our care and cleaning guide for expert guidelines and long-term care advice.

Other August birthstones

While peridot is August's most well-known birthstone, spinel and sardonyx also celebrate those born during the month of August.

Spinel You can find spinel in a remarkable range of colors, including vibrant pink, red, lavender, blue and black. Long mistaken for ruby throughout history, spinel has earned recognition as a beautiful gemstone in its own right and was officially added as an August birthstone in 2016.

Sardonyx Treasured for centuries, sardonyx features distinctive bands of reddish-brown and white. Traditionally associated with courage, protection and strength, it has long been carved into cameos, emblems and cherished heirloom jewelry.

Give August's birthstone

Timeless, alluring and head-turning, peridot is both a joy to wear and give. Whether you're honoring an August birthday, marking a milestone or creating a custom creation that tells someone’s story, you can find a peridot piece with deep meaning that will last well beyond the moment.