Peridot: The History of August's Birthstone

Peridot Pendant

Peridot, August's birthstone, gets its name from the Greek for “to give richness”. When one sees this gorgeous green stone, one understands exactly how apt this name is. Peridot appears in various shades of green; the variety is created by the amount of iron in the stone. The most valued peridots are olive. Appears as a unique green which varies in its shade according to the amount of iron in the stone. The most valued are those that appear olive.

Ancient Egyptians and Romans wore peridot necklaces and peridot earrings regularly, the peridot being provided by mines in the Red Sea. The Catholic Church believed the peridot symbolized moral purity, and to this day Catholic bishops were peridot rings. Somewhere along the way the peridot became August's birthstone and, rather than moral purity, was associated with finding true love.

Because peridot is August's birthstone, peridot jewelry is the perfect gift for anyone born in August. But peridot's gorgeous green is the also the perfect summer color, and peridot jewelry will wonderfully accent any summer outfit.