August's birthstone, Peridot - strong & positive

Peridot is the birthstone of August and traditionally celebrated as the 16th wedding anniversary gem. You will usually find peridot gemstones in a fresh, bright apple green, though it has also been found as a dark olive green stone.

What's unusual about this gemstone is that it is green and no other colour, unlike other gems which push the colour boundaries, such as garnets that come in virtually every colour (although blue is rare).


What makes peridot so special?

Is the bright, intense colour born out of extreme conditions? Peridots have been found in Hawaii's hardened lava and in meteorites fallen to the Earth! After such extreme journeys, it's no wonder Egyptians believe they have special healing powers. Peridots are also associated with good fortune and known to carry a positive energy. People with depression, anxiety or experiencing troubled times, find peridots to have a calming and uplifting effect.


Who has been see wearing them?

Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge wears a pair of peridot earrings with blue topaz and diamonds set in 18ct yellow gold. Charlize Theron has worn peridot earrings to red carpet events before as they illuminate her dazzling green eyes.

Peridot was a popular gemstone of the Edwardian and Victorian eras, as can be seen in our Vintage collection.


How to wear peridots

Let this lively colour speak for itself.

These peridot drop earrings are magnificent with green, hazel or blue eyes. And a statement ring adds a pop of vibrancy to any outfit.

Though peridots are the birthstone for August, don't let your birthdate from a different month stop you from wearing this happy, intense stone that is both strong (remember it survived lava and meteorites) and positive.