Bright, distinctive and unmistakably green, peridot is the best-known birthstone for August.
While emerald tends to dominate the conversation around green gemstones, peridot has a character entirely of its own. Its fresh colour, unusual origins and long history make it an interesting choice for anyone born in August, or simply looking for a gemstone that feels a little different.
What Is the August Birthstone?
August actually has three recognised birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Of these, peridot is the gemstone most commonly associated with the month today.
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine and is naturally found in shades ranging from yellow-green to a richer grass green. Unlike gemstones that occur in a wide spectrum of colours, peridot is always green.
Its colour is part of its appeal in jewellery. Peridot can look particularly striking against yellow gold, while white gold or platinum gives the stone a cleaner, more contemporary finish.
A Gemstone Formed Deep Within the Earth
Peridot has a particularly unusual natural history.
Most gemstones form within the Earth’s crust, but peridot can originate much deeper, within the Earth’s mantle, before being brought towards the surface by volcanic activity.
Even more unusually, olivine crystals have been found within meteorites. Gem-quality examples from meteorites are exceptionally rare, but it gives peridot a connection to both the depths of the Earth and material formed beyond it.
The History and Meaning of Peridot
Peridot has been appreciated for thousands of years. One of its best-known ancient sources is Zabargad, an island in the Red Sea where the gemstone was mined in antiquity.
The ancient Egyptians associated peridot with the sun, while over the centuries the stone has also been linked with protection, strength and good fortune.
Its green colour historically caused some confusion too. Before modern gemmology made gemstones easier to identify accurately, peridot was sometimes mistaken for emerald.
Today, those associations make it an especially meaningful choice for an August birthday, anniversary or another date with a personal connection to the month.
What Makes a Good Peridot?
Colour is particularly important when choosing peridot.
The most desirable stones generally display a strong, even green without excessive brown tones. Clarity also matters, particularly in larger stones where inclusions can become more noticeable.
Cut can make a considerable difference too. Oval and round cuts showcase peridot particularly well, although emerald, cushion and pear cuts can give the gemstone a more individual appearance.
For bespoke jewellery, the stone can be chosen first and the rest of the design built around its exact colour, shape and proportions.
Peridot Jewellery Ideas
Peridot does not have to be limited to traditional birthstone jewellery. Its colour can work beautifully within contemporary designs, particularly when paired with diamonds or used as an unexpected detail.
Darling Two Stone Necklace
The toi-et-moi design of our Darling Two Stone Necklace is particularly suited to creating something personal. A peridot could be paired with a diamond for a fresh contrast, or two complementary gemstones could be chosen to represent two people, birthdays or significant dates.
Darling Emerald and Diamond Necklace
For someone drawn to green gemstones, our Darling Emerald and Diamond Necklace could be reimagined with peridot in place of emerald. The combination of a vivid green centre stone and diamonds keeps the design classic while giving it a distinctly August connection.
Amity Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Our three stone Amity Ring could also be created with peridot as its central gemstone, flanked by diamonds. It is a simple way to turn an established engagement ring style into something more individual, whether the stone represents an August birthday or is simply chosen for its colour.
Darling Tourmaline and Diamond Five Stone Ring
The Darling Five Stone Ring offers even more scope to play with colour. Peridot could be combined with diamonds across the band, creating a coloured gemstone ring that still feels refined enough to wear every day.
Amity Pear Shape Diamond Wave Ring
Sometimes the birthstone does not need to be the main event. Our Amity Pear Shape Diamond Wave Ring features a small coloured gemstone detail within the band. Replacing this with peridot would add a discreet reference to an August birthday while keeping the diamond as the focal point of the ring.
Peridot as an August Birthday Gift
Birthstone jewellery works well as a birthday present because the meaning is already built into the piece.
A peridot ring can make a distinctive statement, while necklaces offer an easy option for everyday wear. For something more personal, peridot can also be incorporated discreetly into a bespoke design rather than used as the main gemstone.
And it does not have to represent a birthday. Peridot can mark an August wedding, the birth of a child, an anniversary or simply a preference for its distinctive green colour.
How to Care for Peridot Jewellery
Peridot measures around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, so it requires a little more care than harder gemstones such as diamond, ruby or sapphire.
Avoid hard knocks and store peridot separately from harder gemstones that could scratch it. Warm soapy water and a soft brush are generally the safest way to clean it, while steam and ultrasonic cleaning are best avoided.
Create a Peridot Piece with Hatton Jewels
One of the advantages of choosing peridot is the opportunity to create something that does not look like conventional birthstone jewellery.
Many of our Hatton Jewels designs can be made with gemstones chosen specifically for you. Whether you want peridot as the centrepiece or as a small personal detail, our team can source the stone and adapt the design around it.
