The birthstones representing the month of August are Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx. This blog will provide you with an overview of each gemstone and showcase a few of our favourite jewellery pieces featuring each gem.

Peridot

Not only does peridot represent the month of August, it also symbolises 16 years of marriage, making it an ideal gift for a wedding anniversary.

Peridot has been a prized gemstone since ancient times, it is always green in colour, the best peridots are grass green, however most have a yellowish hue. They vary significantly to the green colour associated with emeralds.
The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the Red Sea island of Zabargad. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun”. Peridot is often used as a protective talisman, shielding its wearer.

Today, countries peridot are mined include Egypt, USA, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Australia.

With a hardness of 6.5 – 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it is not recommended for daily use as a ring, however they make the ideal stone to wear as a pendant and earrings.

Pictured below are a matching set of peridot and diamond drop earrings and pendant.

Peridot

Peridot earrings

Spinel

This second August birthstone comes in a wealth of colours: 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 spinel.

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.

Today, spinel is found in Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania and Pakistan. Spinel is 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, so it is a durable gem for rings and other jewellery.

Pictured below is a stunning pink spinel surrounded by a halo of diamonds, leading to split diamond set shoulders.

Spinel ring

Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a combination of two types of chalcedony, sard and onyx. Bands of brownish red to brownish dark orange sard alternate with white or black layers of onyx. This is the most ancient of the August birthstones.

In ancient times, sardonyx was a popular stone for Roman seals and signet rings, as hot wax would not stick to it. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx rings with the image of Mars carved on them for protection in battle.

Today, sardonyx is associated with courage, happiness and clear communication, bringing stability to marriage and partnerships. It is a popular carving material for cameos and signet rings.

Sardonyx can be found in India, Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay and the United States.