
Ruby: A Complete Guide to the July Birthstone
Jul
18
Wendy
5 minutes
Peridot, with its glowing olive-green hue, is the official birthstone for August. This luminous gemstone carries a rich history and symbolism. Ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun,” believing it absorbed the sun’s rays and protected its wearer from evil and the terrors of night. The Romans similarly admired its glow, calling it the “evening gem” because they believed it shone even under moonlight.
Today, Peridot’s lively green is associated with strength, growth and happiness. Whether you’re shopping for an August birthday or simply drawn to its vibrant colour, peridot jewellery makes a thoughtful, radiant gift.
In ancient Egypt, peridot was mined and treasured as a protective talisman. Some historians believe that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection might actually have been peridot (its similar green hue fooled many). In medieval Europe this confusion persisted. For example, the 200-carat green stones in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were once thought to be emeralds, but are actually peridot.
Interest in peridot resurged in the 1990s when rich deposits were discovered in Pakistan, yielding some of the finest large peridots ever found. Today, most peridot comes from Arizona (San Carlos Apache Reservation) with about 80–95% of the world’s supply. Because of this the August birthstone is a relatively affordable gift for a loved one.
Peridot looks beautiful set in yellow, white, or rose gold, and is often paired with diamonds or other accent gems for added brilliance. Unlike very soft gems such as opal, peridot has enough hardness for moderate regular wear, though it is still softer than many gemstones and should be protected from hard knocks.
At Aleks Jewellers in Norwich our range of peridot jewellery includes rings, necklaces and earrings that show off this vibrant green. We have everything from elegant peridot necklaces to charming peridot rings, so customers can find an affordable, natural peridot gemstone piece to suit their style.
Its fresh colour even makes peridot a bold choice for an engagement ring. We’ve seen a recent trend of more couples asking for peridot engagement rings. They add a splash of green to a proposal.
Peridot is lovely to wear, but it does require gentle care to stay its best:
With simple care, a quality peridot piece from Aleks Jewellers will retain its bright green glow for years.
Looking for a special gift for an August birthday, anniversary, or engagement? Here are a couple of our favourites from Aleks Jewellers:
Peridot isn’t just for birthdays, it’s also the traditional gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary. A peridot necklace, earrings or ring can be a wonderful peridot anniversary gift (especially in August!), symbolising joy and renewal for the years ahead. For more peridot gift ideas, browse our full peridot jewellery collection in-store at Aleks Jewellers in Norwich.For inspiration on other birthstones, see our guides to Pearl and Ruby. At Aleks Jewellers, we’re passionate about helping you celebrate life’s moments with beautiful gemstones.
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Metal Guide
375 = 9ct Gold
585 = 14ct Gold
750 = 18ct Gold
950 = Platinum
925 = Sterling Silver
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