August’s Birthstone: Peridot

Peridot is one of the most distinctive birthstones of the year. With its fresh green colour and warm golden undertones, it feels bright, uplifting, and wonderfully different from the deeper greens often associated with emerald.

For anyone born in August, peridot is a beautiful and meaningful birthstone. It is also a gemstone with a fascinating history, formed deep within the earth and treasured for centuries for its vibrant colour and connection to light, warmth, and positivity.

Whether chosen for a birthday gift, a bespoke piece, or simply because you love its colour, peridot brings something unique to fine jewellery.

What Is August’s Birthstone?

August has three traditional birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. However, today, peridot is the birthstone most commonly associated with August. Its colour ranges from fresh lime green to olive green and yellowish green, giving it a brightness that feels perfectly suited to late summer.

Unlike many coloured gemstones, peridot's colour is not created by trace elements. The green colour is part of the gemstone's natural mineral composition, which is one of the reasons it looks so distinctive.

What Is Peridot?

Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. It forms deep within the Earth's mantle and is brought closer to the surface through volcanic activity. Remarkably, some peridot has even been discovered in meteorites, giving this gemstone an extraordinary story.

The ancient Egyptians were particularly fond of peridot and referred to it as the "gem of the sun". Its glowing green colour was believed to hold protective qualities, and for centuries it was often mistaken for emerald due to its beauty and intensity. Today, peridot continues to be loved for its freshness, warmth, and unmistakable character.

What Does Peridot Symbolise?

Peridot is often associated with renewal, happiness, protection, and positive energy.

Historically, it was believed to ward off negativity and bring good fortune to the wearer. While most people today choose peridot because they love its colour or because it is their birthstone, many are still drawn to the symbolism behind it.

This makes peridot a lovely gift for:

• August birthdays
• 16th wedding anniversaries
• New beginnings
• Summer birthdays
• Meaningful gemstone jewellery
• Bespoke birthstone pieces

Like all birthstones, peridot feels most special when there is a personal connection to the piece.

Is Peridot Good For Everyday Jewellery?

Peridot can be worn regularly, but it benefits from a little more care than harder gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.

On the Mohs hardness scale, peridot ranks between 6.5 and 7. This makes it durable enough for many jewellery styles, particularly earrings, pendants, and necklaces, but it can be scratched or chipped if exposed to heavy wear.

For this reason, peridot is particularly well suited to:

• Earrings
• Pendants
• Necklaces
• Dress rings
• Occasion rings
• Birthstone jewellery
• Bespoke designs

If you are considering a peridot ring, the setting becomes especially important. A protective design, such as a bezel setting, halo setting, or lower-profile ring, can help keep the stone secure.

What Jewellery Makes The Best Peridot Gift?

The best peridot gift is one that suits the person who will wear it.

For someone who prefers subtle jewellery, peridot earrings or a delicate pendant can be a beautiful introduction to coloured gemstones. They bring warmth and colour without feeling overwhelming.

For someone who enjoys gemstone jewellery, a peridot and diamond ring or bespoke necklace can feel especially meaningful.

Peridot also pairs beautifully with different precious metals. In yellow gold, the stone's golden undertones become more pronounced, creating a warm and sunny look. In white gold or platinum, the contrast feels brighter and more contemporary.

How Do You Choose A Good Peridot?

When choosing a peridot, colour is usually the most important factor.

The finest stones have a bright, lively green appearance without looking dull or overly brown. Some peridots lean more towards yellow-green, while others have a richer grassy green tone.

Beyond colour, it is worth considering:

• Clarity – does the stone appear clean to the eye?
• Cut – does it have brightness and life?
• Size – does the scale suit the piece?
• Setting – will the stone be protected?
• Wearability – is the design suited to how it will be worn?

Peridot looks beautiful in oval, cushion, emerald-cut, and round shapes. A well-cut stone should appear bright and vibrant, allowing its colour to shine.

Is Peridot A Good Engagement Ring Stone?

Peridot can be used in an engagement ring, but it is not usually our first recommendation for a ring that will be worn every day for decades.

If someone loves peridot's colour and symbolism, it can make a very personal choice. However, because it is softer than diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, it needs more care and protection.

For clients who love peridot, we often suggest incorporating it into a pendant, earrings, or a special occasion ring rather than a heavily worn engagement ring.

That said, every jewellery choice should reflect the person wearing it. For some, the meaning behind the gemstone is more important than anything else.

How Do You Care For Peridot Jewellery?

Peridot should always be cleaned gently.

Warm soapy water, a soft brush, and a soft cloth are the safest options for routine cleaning. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally not recommended for peridot.

To help keep your jewellery looking its best, remove peridot pieces before:

• Cleaning
• Gardening
• Gym workouts
• Swimming
• Applying beauty products
• Heavy lifting or manual work

A little extra care will help preserve both the stone and its setting for many years.

Peridot Compared With Emerald

Peridot and emerald are both green gemstones, but they have very different personalities.

Emerald typically has a deeper, cooler green colour, while peridot has a brighter yellow-green appearance that feels fresh and full of light.

Peridot is often more accessible than emerald and brings a softer, more summery feel to jewellery. Emerald has long been associated with classic fine jewellery, while peridot offers something a little different for those who love colour. Neither is better than the other. They simply offer different looks and suit different styles.

Why Peridot Makes A Meaningful August Gift

Peridot feels deeply connected to August. Its colour captures the warmth of late summer, while its history and symbolism give it real meaning. It is bright, optimistic, and a little unexpected, making it a wonderful choice for someone who enjoys colour but wants something different from more traditional gemstones.

Whether set simply in a pair of earrings or incorporated into a bespoke design alongside diamonds, peridot brings personality and warmth to any piece. That is what makes birthstone jewellery so special. It is not just about the gemstone itself. It is about the person, the occasion, and the story behind it.

August Birthstone Jewellery Made To Last

Peridot is a gemstone that feels joyful, personal, and full of character.

Its fresh green colour, fascinating history, and connection to August make it a beautiful choice for meaningful jewellery. Whether you are choosing a birthday gift, creating a bespoke piece, or adding a birthstone detail to an existing design, peridot offers something truly special.

At The Diamond Expert, we create fine jewellery that is handmade to order in 18ct gold or platinum, using carefully selected diamonds and gemstones. Whether you are choosing peridot jewellery for yourself or someone you love, we will guide you through every detail.

To create a peridot piece that feels personal, considered, and made to last, book a private consultation or send us a message on WhatsApp.

Key Takeaways

• Peridot is the birthstone most commonly associated with August.
• It is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine.
• Its colour ranges from yellowish green to rich olive green.
• Peridot works beautifully in earrings, pendants, necklaces, and carefully worn rings.
• It requires more care than diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.
• Warm, soapy water is the safest way to clean peridot jewellery.
• It makes a meaningful gift for August birthdays, anniversaries, and bespoke jewellery.

Rhona Fitzpatrick
Private Jeweller
The Diamond Expert

FAQs About August’s Birthstone: Peridot

What is August’s birthstone?

August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Peridot is the best known August birthstone and is loved for its fresh green colour.

What colour is peridot?

Peridot is usually yellowish green to greenish yellow. The most desirable stones often have a lively, fresh green colour.

Is peridot suitable for everyday wear?

Peridot can be worn regularly, especially in earrings and necklaces, but rings need more care. It can scratch or chip if worn roughly.

Is peridot the same as emerald?

No. Peridot and emerald are different gemstones. Peridot is the gem variety of olivine, while emerald is the green variety of beryl.

Can peridot be used in an engagement ring?

Peridot can be used in an engagement ring, but it is better for careful wear. For daily engagement rings, harder stones such as diamond, sapphire or ruby are usually more practical.

How should I clean peridot jewellery?

Clean peridot jewellery with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners.

What metal looks best with peridot?

Peridot looks beautiful in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum. Yellow gold enhances its warmth, while white gold and platinum create a crisp, fresh contrast.