Windsor, California
Windsor, California
Peridot, spinel and sardonyx are the three birthstones for August. The peridot birthstone is known for being formed under extreme conditions, as it can be found in the hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earth’s mantle as well as in meteorites that traveled from outer space. The spinel birthstone was underappreciated until recently, as today’s consumers look for an alternative to ruby, a gem with which red spinel was mistaken for centuries. Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. Learn more about these three August birthstones and discover the perfect gift for those born in the month of August.
Peridot is the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Throughout history, peridot has often been confused with other gems such as topaz and emerald. The Red Sea island of Topazios, a purported source of the name “topaz,” actually produced peridot. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is decorated with 200 carats of gems that were believed to be emeralds but are, in fact, the August birthstone peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot.
The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. This August birthstone was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. It appeared in priests’ jewelry as early as the second century BCE and later in the chalices and churches of medieval Europe. The peridot birthstone has also been used for centuries as a protective talisman, shielding the owner from evil spirits and “terrors of the night.”
Peridot is the gem given to celebrate a 16th wedding anniversary.
The name “spinel” comes from the Latin word spina, which means thorn, in reference to the shape of spinel crystals. This second August birthstone comes in a wealth of colors: intense red, vibrant pink, orange, purple, violet, blue and bluish green.
For centuries, spinel was mistaken for other gemstones. Some of history’s most famous “rubies” have actually turned out to be this August birthstone. The approximately 170 ct Black Prince’s “ruby,” for example, was owned by a succession of Moorish and Spanish kings before Edward, Prince of Wales (also known as the Black Prince) received the stone in 1367 as payment for winning a battle on behalf of Peter of Castile. Not until the 18th century was spinel clearly separated from ruby on the basis of their chemical differences. Today, this historic red spinel is set in Great Britain’s Imperial State Crown, just above the 317.40 ct Cullinan II diamond.
Red spinel, along with other red gems, was thought to be a remedy for all types of blood loss and inflammatory diseases. The red gems were believed to ease anger and promote harmony. This August birthstone is traditionally given as a 22nd wedding anniversary gift.
The most ancient of the August birthstones, sardonyx is a combination of two types of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz): sard and onyx. Bands of brownish red to brown to dark orange sard alternate with typically white or black layers of onyx. In ancient times, sardonyx was a popular stone for Roman seals and signet rings, as hot wax would not stick to it. For millennia, the bands of color in this August birthstone have made it a popular carving material for cameos and intaglios.
Sardonyx is believed to be one of the stones in the High Priest’s breastplate, as referred to in the Old Testament, and to represent the strength of spiritual life. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx rings with the image of Mars carved on them for protection in battle. Today, this August birthstone is associated with courage, happiness and clear communication, bringing stability to marriage and partnerships.
Expertly crafted in 14 karat white gold by the jewelers at Vintage Jewelers and Gifts, this ring stacker features hand set castle pave design and 1...
View full detailsThis ring features a bezel-set oval Peridot weighing approximately 1.3 carats, accented by ten 1.3mm round diamonds. 10k yellow gold size 11 7....
View full detailsExpertly crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, this hinged bangle bracelet boasts a stunning rainbow gradient of 30 channel-set semi precious gemstone...
View full detailsExpertly crafted in 14 karat white gold by the jewelers at Vintage Jewelers and Gifts, this ring stacker features a hand set castle pave design and...
View full detailsbeautiful 14k white gold stud earrings halo style setting accented by 34 round brilliant diamonds, with an approximate total diamond weight of 0.1...
View full detailsExpertly crafted in 14 karat yellow gold by the jewelers at Vintage Jewelers and Gifts, this ring stacker features a hand set castle pave design an...
View full details14 karat yellow gold 4 mm round peridot pierced stud earrings with post and friction back. Peridot is one of the birthstones for August.
This stunning 2.27 carat grey spinel and diamond 18k white gold cushion shaped halo ring is an exquisite statement piece. Featuring a natural grey...
View full detailsThis stunning 18kw gold pendant is crafted with 14k white gold, a magnificent .83 carat round peridot center stone, and 19 brilliant G-color SI cl...
View full details14 karat yellow gold 5mm, 1.12 ct. total estimated weight, Peridot pierced stud earrings secured with post and friction backs.
14 karat white gold Peridot small, 3mm, stud earrings secured with friction post and backs.
The faceted pear shaped peridot stones are set in a handmade 14 karat yellow gold earring shaped in a sweep design. The peridot's are drilled and ...
View full detailsA pair of perfectly matched oval peridots are secured in 14 karat white gold stud earrings. The peridots have a total weight of 2.65 carats and are...
View full detailsThis elongated cushion shaped checkerboard cut natural peridot is uniquely set east-west across the finger in 14 karat yellow gold. The peridot is ...
View full detailsThe piece of jewelry that goes with everything, this 14 karat yellow gold pendant contains peridot, garnet, citrine, amethyst and blue topaz. The f...
View full detailsOval peridots, 7 mm X 5 mm, are bar set in 14 karat yellow gold and accented with a single sparkling .04 carat diamond. The earrings are secured wi...
View full details14 karat yellow gold Peridot 8 X 6 mm bezel set twisted wire rim stud earrings secured with post and friction backs.
Peridot 5mm 14kw stud Earrings secured with friction post and backs.
Peridot 3 mm 14 karat yellow gold stud Earrings secured with friction post and backs.
This exquisite 14 karat gold cushion shaped halo pendant showcases a .95 carat, natural, cushion shaped, red spinel that is framed by a halo of spa...
View full detailsA vivid 2.36 carat natural red, cushion shaped, Vietnamese spinel is set into this floral motif 14 karat rose gold ring. Four sparkling G color, VS...
View full detailsA beautifully matched cushion shaped pair of 6.5 mm checkerboard cut peridot stud earrings, totaling 1.90 carats. The stones are set in a 14 karat ...
View full detailsThis checkerboard cushion cut natural peridot weighs .97 carats, and is set in a 14 karat white gold pendant topped by a single round brilliant cut...
View full detailsThis 14 karat yellow gold fancy trillion shaped peridot is set in a sleek bypass style ring. The peridot measures 7 mm and is channel set between t...
View full details