Birthstones aren’t just sparkly add-ons; they’re like the VIP passes to your personal history and mystique, carrying stories and symbolism from ages gone by. Cue the drumroll for August’s main star: peridot! This gem is not just another pretty stone on the block—it's like the life of the party in gem form, bursting onto the scene with its zesty lime green sparkle. Think of peridot as summer encapsulated—a cool, refreshing sip of mojito in the sizzling August heat. This gem is all about keeping the fun in the sun going, making it the perfect sidekick for those born as the summer hits its stride. Want to learn more about this verdantly hued gem? Let’s dive in.

PERIDOT THROUGH THE AGES

Let’s turn the clock way back and boogie down history lane where peridot first made its grand entrance. With a past that’s as rich as its color, peridot was the ‘it’ gem of Ancient Egypt. Cleopatra may have been known for her love of emeralds, but rumor has it, she was actually flipping for peridots! These gems were the hidden treasures of Zabargad Island, AKA Cleopatra’s Isle – the OG peridot hotspot, where pharaohs pimped out their bling.

Fast forward a few centuries, and we’ve got peridot popping up all over ancient civilizations, from the alluring green stone in priests' chalices to Crusaders snagging some sparkle to accent their holy bling. The Romans were so smitten they called peridot the “evening emerald” because, unlike the DJ at your cousin's wedding, this gem doesn’t quit – it keeps shining even under the dimmest candlelight.

The glamorous Queen of the Nile aside, other royalty didn’t shy away from flaunting peridot. King Edward VII declared it his favorite gemstone, giving it the royal seal of approval and elevating it to must-have accessory status.

When it comes to legendary status, peridot is like the superhero of gemstones, believed to pack some serious mystical punch. Ancients rocked peridots to ward off evil spirits (because who needs those party crashers?) and even pirates donned them as talismans to protect against the tempests at sea. If that wasn't enough, sprinkle in some healing properties like chasing away the night terrors and soothing anger – this gem was the ancient world’s version of chill pills!

OK, SO PEOPLE LOVE THE AUGUST BIRTHSTONE, PERIDOT…BUT WHAT IS IT MADE OF?

Peridot is primarily composed of the mineral olivine. Its chart-topping yellowish-green color comes from the iron content within its structure, which, when mixed with magnesium, gives peridot its signature hue.

As we mentioned above, Egypt's Zabargad Island is the OG destination, historically renowned as the primary source of peridot for the ancient civilizations that couldn't get enough of this gem. Fast forward a few millennia, and we see peridot making waves from the far reaches of Myanmar, the lush landscapes of Pakistan, and even the rugged terrains of Arizona in the United States.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PERIDOT

Just like other gemstone engagement rings and fine jewelry, there are a variety of characteristics that determine the overall quality and value of peridot. Most of all, the 4Cs, (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat) can help you create a better idea of the type of peridot you might be searching for. Of the four Cs, it’s important to focus on color, clarity, and cut, as carat is simply a measurement of its weight.

GET CRAZY ABOUT COLOR

When it comes to peridot, we're all about color. That vivacious green? You can thank iron for that. And the amount of iron determines the saturation of the stone. The most valued shades of peridot are a bright and vivid green, like the lush and lively spring just after rain.

HAVE NO FEAR-GET CLEAR

Now, let's talk clarity. Peridot is like the HD of the gem world - often found with such clear visibility, it's like peering into crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. Sure, like any star, it may have its blemishes and inclusions, but these are just beauty marks that add to its charm and story.

THE DURABILITY OF PERIDOT

While not the hardest gem out there(that award goes to diamonds), peridot stands on its own with a Moh's score of about 6.5 to 7. This means that it's perfect for all types of jewelry - from statement earrings to sweet birthstone rings to a custom engagement ring that will have others green with envy. Just remember that it's not the hardest of the hard, so it's important to flaunt your precious peridot with care.

CUT CHARACTERISTICS OF PERIDOT

Speaking of flaunting, let's get to the cutting edge – literally. Cutting peridot is where the magic really happens, transforming it from a raw crystal into a mesmerizing gem. Jewelers might opt for various cuts – be it the classic round and oval to showcase its brilliance or the sophisticated emerald cut that adds a dash of elegance. Each cut is designed to enhance the stone's natural beauty and sparkle, ensuring that your peridot is not just wearing the trend - it's setting it.

THE SYMBOLISM OF PERIDOT

Step right into the ballroom of symbolism, where peridot, the gem of the sun, is the guest of honor. This vivid vixen of the gem world isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's a banquet of meaning, draped in robes of lore and whispering tales of old.

GOOD VIBES ONLY

Peridot, with its green gleam, is like the traffic light of positivity—always on go. It's said to pack a massive punch of good juju, bringing with it rays of sunshine in the form of happiness and peace. This gemstone is like your personal cheerleader, encouraging you to shake off the blues and embrace a sunny disposition.

BANISH NIGHTMARES WITH AUGUST’S BIRTHSTONE

Our sparkling star doesn't just look good—it's believed to do good, too! The ancients decked themselves out in peridot not just for its looks but for its reputed healing properties. This stone has played the role of mystical medicine, with claims of supporting well-being and warding off the nightly whispers of terrors and bad dreams. This lime-tinted luminary is like a spiritual cocktail, blending emotional balance with a twist of enlightenment. It's the stone you turn to when you need a dash of self-awareness or a nip of personal growth—a true elixir for the soul.

GREEN LIVING

That's right! In the spiritual realm, peridot is something of an eco-warrior. It's said to carry a deep connection to Mother Nature, promoting responsibility and respect for our Earth. It's like it was born wearing green both inside and out, a gemstone with roots deep in environmental consciousness, here to remind us to live a life that's green at heart.

YE OLDE RAZZLE DAZZLE

Oh, wasn't it mentioned? This chartreuse charmer is the rockstar of August, a birthstone that brings a slice of summer's best to those born in the heart of the season. It's not just for the Leos and Virgos, though; anyone can bask in its radiance and share a dance with the vibrations of prosperity and growth that peridot so openly offers.

READY TO FIND YOUR PERFECT PERIDOT?

Ready to tap into the power of peridot? We can help. Easily build your own engagement ring by selecting agemstone andsettingthat speaks to your soul. Or, reach out to us directly andcustomize your ring from the ground up. With Olivia Ewing Jewelry, the sky's the limit. We can help you find the perfect peridot engagement ring. Whether you’re looking for a classic solitaire or something more modern. Whatever it is, let your heart skip a beat with perfect peridot jewelry from Olivia Ewing Jewelry.

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Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing