August Birthstones: Discover Peridot, Spinel, and Exotic Green Diamonds

August Birthstones: Discover Peridot, Spinel, and Exotic Green Diamonds

Peridot: The Traditional August Birthstone

Peridot is the traditional gemstone for those born in August and for those celebrating their 15th anniversary. This gem is distinguished by its green coloring, which ranges from pure green to yellow-green to brownish-green.

The earliest records of peridot mining date back to 1500 BC, when ancient Egyptians discovered this gemstone on Topazios, now known as St. John’s Island. Today, the largest sources of peridot deposits are found in Myanmar, Pakistan, the Himalayas, and the United States.

Cleopatra believed peridot protected against evil forces, and Egyptian priests used peridot-encrusted goblets to communicate with nature gods. Ancient Hawaiian legends connect peridot to Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Some myths say peridots are Pele’s tears, while others claim the gemstone provides healing gifts from Pele.



14 Karat Yellow Gold Petite 0.27 Carat Baguette Peridot Ring

Spinel: The New August Birthstone

Spinel has recently been added to the official list of August birthstones by the American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America. Known mainly for its beautiful rich red, spinel can be colorless in its purest form. Impurities can cause it to appear in various colors, including red, pink, blue, purple, violet, dark green, lavender, green, and brown. The finest red spinels are pure red to slightly purplish-red hues.

Spinel has been found in Tanzania, Burma, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Like other gems, such as fancy colored diamonds, the value of spinel is determined by the deep richness of its color. Spinel is also known as the gemstone for the 22nd anniversary.

Exotic Green Diamonds

Although not traditionally associated with August, green diamonds are exotic and rare. These beautiful, mysterious, and highly sought-after diamonds have truly amazing origins. Of all the naturally colored diamonds, green diamonds are considered among the rarest.

A diamond’s green color results from exposure to certain types of radiation, naturally occurring from rocks and soil beneath the Earth’s surface. Green diamonds don’t receive their color until the final leg of their journey. As a mined diamond ascends through the earth’s crust, it absorbs radiation and reflects green hues. Green diamonds can be natural, treated, or lab-grown.

People adore green diamonds in jewelry such as rings, pendants, and earrings because the green color has a powerful emotional correspondence to safety and suggests endurance and stability. The “Dresden Green” diamond, one of the rarest gemstones in the world, weighed 41 carats.

Conclusion

August birthstones offer a diverse and fascinating array of options, from the traditional peridot with its rich history and vibrant green hues to the newly recognized spinel in its multitude of colors, and the exotic and rare green diamond. Each gemstone has its unique charm and significance, making them perfect for personal jewelry collections or meaningful gifts. Whether you're drawn to the protective qualities of peridot, the color richness of spinel, or the mysterious allure of green diamonds, August birthstones have something special for everyone.

Contact us today to find your perfect birthstone piece and add a meaningful addition to your jewelry collection.