Celebrate the August birthday in your life with the gift of birthstone jewelry!
August is one of the two months lucky enough to hold three unique gemstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Read on to learn more about the history behind these distinctive gemstones what makes them so enchanting.
What is the meaning of the August birthstone?
Although peridot, spinel, and sardonyx are all considered August birthstones – peridot is the most popular and well known. Known as a symbol of opportunity and prosperity, this vibrant yellow-green gemstone is beloved by many. Peridot is also believed to bring the wearer confidence, power, general good luck, and health.
What is the original birthstone for August?
Sardonyx was the first August birthstone dating back to ancient Egyptian times. Soldiers wore this stone during battle as they saw it as a sign of strength and protection.
Why does August have three birthstones?
A classic case of mistaken identity is part of the reason why August has three unique birthstones. Sardonyx, a stone that ranges from amber to bright green in color, was the original August birthstone. Due to its similar coloring, peridot was often mistaken for sardonyx, and was eventually adopted as the second August birthstone. Spinel was added as an alternate gemstone for August in 2016 in an effort to make modern updates to the birthstone list.
Peridot Birthstone History and Meaning
Peridots have been steeped in myth for thousands of years. The Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun,” and some thought it even protected against nightmares. Peridots are also closely connected to Hawaiian culture—they are thought to be the tears of the volcano goddess Pele. The sand on the Big Island’s Papakolea Beach is a rare and beautiful green hue due to a high content of crushed olivine.
Peridot is a rare gemstone that only occurs naturally in one color. It is a form of Olivine (think olive green), a mineral composed of magnesium and iron. With the inclusion of outside elements, certain gemstones can occur in every color of the rainbow. Peridot, however, only exists in subtle shades of green.
Peridot ranges in color from yellowish lime green to deep, earthy olive tones, making them a highly sought-after choice for jewelry. These gemstones are a wonderful option for those who love green gemstones but are looking for a less expensive alternative to emeralds, as certain shades of peridot can easily be confused with emeralds. When set against lustrous sterling silver, peridots can show off their fresh, vibrant sparkle.
Peridot Jewelry Cleaning and Care
Peridot is a relatively soft stone ranking at a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it durable enough for everyday jewelry but should be treated with care to avoid scratching. We recommend cleaning your peridot with mild soap and warm water, followed up by drying with a soft towel.
Spinel Birthstone History and Meaning
Long mistaken for rubies by ancient rulers and monarchs, this unique gemstone has recently surged in popularity. First mined in abundance in Southeast Asia, Spinel was initially mistaken for a ruby. The gemstone was beloved by royalty and spread in popularity through Asia and Europe. Legend has it that spinel gemstones are associated with revitalization and are said to inspire, refresh, energize, and give endurance to its wearer.
Today, spinel has recently regained popularity as the demand for rubies has increased. Although vibrant red and cobalt blue spinel are most sought after – this stunning gemstone comes in virtually every color of the rainbow. These gemstones are a wonderful option for those who love red and blue gemstones but are looking for a lower price point to rubies and sapphires.
Spinel Cleaning and Care Tips
Spinel gemstones rank an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness and may require a little extra care due to their softness. We recommend removing your spinel jewelry before doing activities that may cause surface scratching to your gemstone such as exercising or outdoor activities. Spinel is also sensitive to intense heat and can potentially start to fade in color with prolonged exposure. An effective at-home care routine for your spinel jewelry consists of washing your pieces with warm soapy water and gently scrubbing with a soft bristled toothbrush, followed up by completely drying your jewelry and storing in a dry environment.
Sardonyx Birthstone History and Meaning
Used as a stone of strength and protection since ancient Egyptian times, sardonyx is associated with bravery, happiness, and optimism. Sardonyx has long been believed to absorb negative energy from its wearer and promote health, positivity, and good fortune.
This unique semiprecious stone is a variety of silica which contains layers of tiny quartz fibers. These fibers are stacked on top of each other giving the stone a banded or layered appearance. The layers of stone vary in color and range from opaque to brown, and even a vibrant red.
Sardonyx Cleaning and Care Tips
Sardonyx is a relatively soft stone ranking at a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This may lead you to take extra care and consideration when wearing your favorite sardonyx pieces. We recommend removing your sardonyx jewelry when doing physical activity that may cause abrasions to the surface of your gemstone such as: gardening, housekeeping, and exercise. Care for your sardonyx jewelry by washing your pieces with warm soapy water and gently scrubbing with a soft bristled toothbrush. Be sure to completely dry your jewelry using a soft towel and storing your pieces in a dry environment.
August Birthstone Jewelry
If you are looking for a piece of unique jewelry for yourself or someone born in August, (even if that is you!), read on to discover our favorite birthstone jewelry pieces!
Peridot Stud Earrings
Trend forward with classic sophistication, these vibrant peridots are set in comfortable basket settings.
North Star Peridot Pendant
Shining with the constant brightness of the North Star, this lovely pendant features a star-set peridot within a lustrous disc of precious metal.
Magnolia Peridot Earrings
Glimmering peridot rests at the center of these beautiful floral earrings.
Peridot Bar Pendant
This contemporary design features glimmering peridot set within an elegant silver bar as it hangs gracefully from a classic cable chain.
Teardrop Peridot Pendant
A pear-shaped peridot rests within a bezel setting with an open back to allow maximum light to reach the gem. This reversible pendant can be worn on either side making it the perfect option for everyday wear.
North Star Peridot Earrings
These eye-catching earrings feature a sparkling peridot at the center of each twinkling silver star.
Peridot Twist Pendant
This spectacular pendant is crafted in recycled sterling silver and features a vibrant green peridot centered in a delightful sculptural twist.
Peridot Bezel Bracelet
Both elegant and timeless, this bracelet features a charming bezel-set peridot on a delicate cable chain.
Unity Peridot Pendant
This chic pendant features glistening peridot within a lustrous hoop of precious metal.
Peridot Bar Bracelet
Both elegant and timeless, this bracelet features a charming bezel-set peridot on a delicate cable chain.
Final Thoughts
Which of the three August birthstones would you claim as your favorite? Share with us in the comments below or on our Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter!
