August Birthstone: Peridot — Everything You Need to Know
From the ancient Egyptian "gem of the sun" to a modern favorite, peridot is the only gemstone that forms in the molten mantle of the earth — and occasionally falls from space inside meteorites. For August birthdays, anniversaries, or anyone drawn to its electric green glow, here is everything you need to know about peridot — and how to wear it well.
What is Peridot?
Peridot (pronounced "PEER-uh-doe" or "PEER-uh-dot") is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. Its signature yellow-green to olive color comes from iron, making peridot one of the only gemstones that exists in essentially one color — though the intensity ranges from a soft, lemony green to a deep, vivid grass-green. The most prized peridots show a rich, saturated green with a slight golden glow and no brown undertones.
Peridot has been mined for over 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and mined it on the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea — the world's first known peridot source. Cleopatra's famed "emerald" collection? According to modern gemological analysis, almost certainly peridot, not emerald.
Peridot's Unique Origin Story
Peridot is one of only two gemstones that form deep within the earth's mantle, brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions (the other is diamond). Even more remarkable, peridot is one of the rare gemstones that has been found in meteorites — actual extraterrestrial peridot, formed in space and delivered to earth. Today, most peridot is mined in Arizona, Pakistan, Myanmar, and China.
How to Choose a Peridot
Color. Look for a rich, vivid green with no brown undertones. The finest peridots show a slightly golden glow when light passes through them.
Clarity. Most peridots are eye-clean, meaning no inclusions are visible to the naked eye. Heavily included stones are less valuable.
Cut. Peridot looks stunning in nearly every cut — round, oval, cushion, emerald, and pear are all popular. Step cuts (emerald, asscher) particularly emphasize peridot's clarity.
Carat. Larger peridots (over 5 carats) are widely available and remain accessibly priced, making peridot a great choice for statement pieces — cocktail rings, oversized pendants, dramatic earrings.
Hardness. Peridot ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale — softer than sapphire (9) or diamond (10). This means peridot rings and bracelets need a bit more care than harder gemstones, especially for daily wear.
Shop Peridot at SVS Fine Jewelry
Peridot Rings. From dainty solitaires set in 14K white gold to bold halo cocktail rings layered with diamonds, peridot rings catch the eye with that signature green glow. We recommend protective settings — halos, bezels, or hidden-claw designs — for daily-wear peridot rings, since the stone is softer than the harder gemstones.
Peridot Necklaces. Peridot pairs beautifully with both yellow gold (warm, vintage) and white gold (clean, contemporary). Pendant styles range from simple bezel-set solitaires to layered, multi-stone designs. A peridot pendant is a perfect August birthday gift, anniversary piece, or self-purchase to celebrate a milestone.
Peridot Earrings. Studs, drops, halos, and accent hoops — peridot earrings work for everyday wear and special occasions equally well. The green tone reads especially vivid against fair and warm skin tones, and complements eyes from blue to brown.
Custom Peridot Jewelry. Looking for something one-of-a-kind? Our master jewelers can design a peridot piece that has never existed before — through our Forever Custom service in our Oceanside studio. Whether you have a vintage stone you want reset, an inherited peridot you would like reimagined, or a vision for a completely new design, our GIA Graduate Gemologists and master bench team will guide you through every step.
How to Care for Peridot
Peridot is softer than many fine gemstones, but a few simple practices keep it looking its best for generations.
- Clean with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners — the rapid temperature change and vibration can fracture peridot
- Remove peridot rings and bracelets before exercise, gardening, or household chores
- Store separately from harder gemstones (diamonds, sapphires, rubies) to prevent scratches
- Bring peridot pieces in for professional cleaning at SVS once or twice a year — we offer complimentary cleaning and inspection on jewelry purchased from us
Why Peridot for August Birthdays?
Peridot has been the August birthstone for centuries. In many traditions, peridot is believed to bring good fortune, peace, prosperity, and protection against negative energy. It is also the gemstone associated with the 16th wedding anniversary. For anyone born in August — or anyone celebrating a milestone in late summer — peridot makes a meaningful, distinctive gift that stands apart from the more common diamond, ruby, or sapphire choices.
Visit SVS Fine Jewelry to See Peridot in Person
Photographs cannot fully capture the way peridot actually catches light — the slight golden glow, the dimensional green, the play of color against different metals. Our 4,000+ sq ft Oceanside showroom carries peridot rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets ready to try on, plus loose peridot stones for custom design.
3323 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, NY 11572
Mon–Wed & Fri–Sat 10am–6pm | Thursday 10am–8pm
(516) 766-2614 | Book a consultation
Family-owned in Oceanside since 2003 — Long Island's premier independent jeweler, with over 2,500 five-star Google reviews. Whether you are shopping for an August birthday, a 16th anniversary, or just for the love of the stone, we would be honored to help you find the perfect piece.
Looking for other birthstone guides? Explore our complete birthstone collection, with a dedicated post for every month of the year.
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