August’s Birthstone: The Radiant Peridot (and a Few Others You Might Not Know)

August’s Birthstone: The Radiant Peridot (and a Few Others You Might Not Know)

2 min read

Beautiful in colour, symbolic in meaning — and perfect for a thoughtful gift.

If you’re celebrating a birthday in August or searching for a meaningful gift for someone who is, the peridot is the most recognised and traditional birthstone for the month. With its vibrant lime-green glow and unique natural beauty, peridot is one of the few gemstones that comes in just one colour — a warm, green hue that ranges from golden olive to grassy lime.

But did you know there are actually three official birthstones for August?

A Trio of August Birthstones:

  • Peridot – The traditional birthstone, known for its bright green hue and long-standing historical significance.

  • Spinel – A dazzling gemstone that comes in a variety of colours (from deep red to vibrant pink, purple and even blue), often mistaken for ruby but valued in its own right for its brilliance and durability.

  • Sardonyx – A striped stone combining layers of sard and onyx, usually in earthy reds, browns, and whites, often used in vintage-style or carved cameo pieces.

While spinel and sardonyx are both beautiful options with their own charm, peridot remains the most iconic choice for August, and the one we love working with most in our custom pieces.

Peridot: Symbolism & Significance

Peridot has been associated with protection, abundance, and harmony since ancient times. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun,” believing it offered shielding from negativity and bad dreams. Today, it’s thought to bring peace, prosperity, and emotional balance to its wearer — making it an especially meaningful choice for birthday gifts or personal jewellery.

How Durable Is It?

On the Mohs scale of hardness, peridot sits between 6.5 and 7. While it’s durable enough for occasional wear, it’s not ideal for daily exposure — especially in rings or bracelets that are likely to bump against surfaces.

It’s also sensitive to water, heat, and chemicals, so it’s best to remove peridot jewellery before swimming, showering, or cleaning.

Our Favourite Ways to Use Peridot

At Morgan & Co, we love using peridot in pieces designed for occasional wear or meaningful gifting. Its colour brings warmth and uniqueness to fine jewellery, especially when paired with yellow or rose gold.

Some of our favourite designs include:

  • ✨ Earrings – Peridot studs or drop earrings offer a fresh pop of colour and are perfect for birthday or anniversary gifts.

  • ✨ Pendant Necklace – A timeless choice, ideal for layering or wearing solo. It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate an August birthday.

  • ✨ Dress Ring – A peridot dress ring makes a statement — perfect for special occasions, though we wouldn’t recommend it as an everyday piece due to its softer nature.

A Meaningful Gift with a Personal Touch

While peridot isn’t suited for everyday wear like a diamond, it makes a stunning and meaningful gift when used in pendants, earrings, or occasional rings. And for those who prefer something different, spinel or sardonyx are wonderful alternatives, each with their own story and symbolism.

At Morgan & Co, we create custom, handcrafted jewellery that reflects the personality and story of its wearer. Whether you’re designing a piece for yourself or a loved one, we’d love to bring your vision to life with one of August’s beautiful birthstones.

Want to create a peridot piece for someone special?
Get in touch to book your private consultation at our Sunshine Coast studio — we’ll guide you through every step.

With Love,
Morgan xo

July 12, 2025 — Morgan Gaskin

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