PERIDOT GUIDE
(AUGUST BIRTHSTONE)

The birthstone for those born in August is peridot. This is a glorious green jewel and is actually rare in that it only comes in one colour. The name peridot actually originates from the Arabic word ‘fairdot’ which means gem. It is the perfect gift for anyone with a birthday in August as it has symbolism of prosperity and good fortune. This is a meaningful present for anyone born in the summer month and shows the thought behind your gift. Necklaces, rings and bracelets are great options for August-born loved ones. Read on to find out more about why these gems make such perfect gifts for your loved ones or even just as accessories for yourself.

History Of The Peridot As The August Birthstone

Peridot was discovered as long ago as the Ancient Egyptian times, although it has frequently been mistaken for other green gems. The stone was so highly valued by the Ancient Egyptians that they refused to reveal the location of the island where it was found. It was only rediscovered in 1906. The gem has also had historical significance in Greece and Rome throughout history and is sure to continue to be celebrated due to its durability amongst other characteristics. Its symbolism also makes it a popular option that is sure to remain in fashion in the future.

Characteristics Of Peridot

Peridot is a form of the mineral olivine. It is made up of a range of elements including iron and magnesium. It is the iron in the gem that results in the strong colour of the peridot. It is most commonly found in volcanic rocks known as basalts. Peridot is actually one of the shortest-lasting jewels, taking at least hundreds of thousands of years to degrade. Of course, this is definitely a long enough lifetime for your loved one to enjoy the gem as part of a unique jewellery piece that they can keep with them every day.

There is a lot of symbolism behind the gem. It is commonly associated with protection, healing, and strength. It was known by the Ancient Egyptians as ‘gem of the Sun’ and it is suggested that wearers are protected from night terrors. It has summer spirit and is said to bring good luck, health and peace.

Modern Uses Of Peridot

This magnificent gem is most frequently used in jewellery in more recent times. Accompanied by gold or silver, it is the perfect gem for rings, necklaces and bracelets alike. There is a range of cuts for this gem including oval, round, pear, triangle and marquise but perhaps the best cut to show off the brilliance and colour of peridot is emerald. It is best worn on the pinkie finger but is also sometimes used in place of emerald and so can be worn on the ring finger as well. There are also man-made synthetic peridot jewels, however, these are not readily available to the public yet.

How To Choose A Quality Peridot?

Peridot jewellery including rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets is the perfect addition to any outfit. A pear cut can be hung from a necklace dazzlingly while an emerald cut looks perfect set into a bracelet or as earrings. These can be incorporated in a vintage style or art deco design. They can also work beautifully in more modern, contemporary styles or minimalist looks with simple chains.

To find the best peridot gems, there are a few factors to look at including colour, cut, and clarity. The simplest way to find the perfect gem is by eye. You should check for any visible imperfections to find gems of high clarity. The cut refers to the shape and cutting style – for peridot, emerald cuts are generally the best to accentuate the colour.

Peridot Birthstone Care & Cleaning

Peridot is durable but can be damaged, so it is best to clean your gems regularly with warm, soapy water. You should make sure to use a soft cloth to avoid causing any scratches and make sure to rinse away any excess soap once you are done. You can also use jewellery cleaner to refresh your gem.

Conclusion

Overall, peridot is a wonderful gem with vibrant colours which makes the perfect gift for those with an August birthday. With the symbolism of luck and good health, the gem is a very personal and unique gift that your loved ones are sure to appreciate. Having been treasured for centuries, the peridot is sure to remain popular long into the future and is a wonderful accessory in many forms. Whether it is a necklace, bracelet, earrings or ring, peridot jewellery is a brilliant option to adorn your style. Make sure to explore our range of peridot gems and jewellery for yourself or a loved one, to make sure they get a gift they will treasure forever.

Want to learn more about birthstone meanings? Check out our birthstone guides by month: