August Birthstone - Peridot

Once a hidden gem, peridot is now the treasured birthstone for the month of August and a popular jewelry selection for people born in this month. With its distinguished and attractive yellow green color, peridot is also recognized as the sixteenth anniversary gem and Leo’s zodiac stone, representing fame, dignity, protection and success. Peridot was once used to attract prosperity and wealth and, by the Renaissance times, it became a love stone with the purpose of helping people find romance. Prior to that and as early as 1500 BC, however, the Egyptians considered it to be the gem of the sun and thought it could heal the heart.

Peridot gems have a distinctive fresh lime green color and make beautiful pieces of jewelry, whether set in a ring, bracelet or necklace. Peridot jewelry should be stored with care in order to avoid scratches, and, because the gemstone is sensitive, avoid letting the stone undergo rapid changes in temperature. Clean with mild dish soap.

We offer a wide and attractive selection of peridot jewelry. Come visit our store to see for yourself!

Amethyst and the Wrath of Dionysus.

According to Greek mythology, Amethyst became the object of wrath of the Greek God Dionysus after he became intoxicated with red wine. When Amethyst cried out to Goddess Diana for help, she immediately turned the girl into a white, shimmering stone (quartz). When Dionysus realized what had happened and felt remorse for his actions, his tears dripped into his goblet of red wine. The goblet overturned, and the red wine spilled all over the white rock, saturating it until it became the purple quartz that is now known as Amethyst.

The name amethyst derives from the ancient Greek word amethustos, meaning sober. It was said that an amethyst could prevent the bearer from becoming excessively drunk and also instills a sober and serious mind. It was believed that if a person drank from a cup or goblet made entirely of amethyst, he or she would not get drunk at all. In Greek mythology, amethyst was rock crystal dyed purple by the tears of Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry. Ancient Egyptians used the stone as the representative of the zodiac sign of the goat. The goat was considered the enemy of vines and vineyards, and therefore the antidote of wine.

August Birthstone is Peridot

Peridot is the birthstone for August birthdays.
The origin of the name "peridot" is uncertain. Olivine in general is a very abundant mineral, but gem quality peridot is rather rare.
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color: basically an olive green. The intensity and tint of the green however depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure, so the color of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow-green through olive green to brownish green.
Peridot crystals have been collected from some Pallasite meteorites.
Peridot olivine is the birthstone for August. See our large selection of peridot rings, necklaces, and earrings, either online or more in-store, all giftwrapped of course.