We don’t know about you, but August is one of our favourite months. It’s filled with long sunny days, loud and exciting festivals and sweet, lazy moments spent relaxing in the garden. When we think of August we think of yellow sands and blue beaches and bright green trees and flowers blooming on every corner. It’s a time of joy and adventure; a month perfect for enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Plus, it’s also a month to enjoy August birthstone jewellery.
What is August’s Birthstone?
August’s birthstone is peridot, a gemstone that – in our opinion – perfectly captures the essence of summer with its vibrant green colour. Although typically bright green, peridot can also be found in a range of shades from yellowish green to more deep olives. Each one beautifully evokes summer, whether it be the hues of lush green grass or shimmering leaves basking in the sunshine.
In fact, peridot is known as “the gem of the sun” so it’s hard to imagine any other gemstone as August’s birthstone. It forms deep within the Earth’s crust and is brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Thankfully, it’s not a rare gemstone, and is found all over the world with large quantities mined each year so there’s no shortage of August birthstone jewellery to enjoy.
The History & Lore of Peridot
Despite its bright and youthful look, peridot is one of the oldest known gemstones. It was first discovered on the volcanic island of Topazios (now known as Zabargad) in the Red Sea around 1500 BC. It was the Egyptians who nicknamed it the “gem of the sun”, since they believed its vibrant green hues could protect the wearer from nightmares and bring them good fortune.
In medieval times, peridot found its way into the churches of Europe where it was set in the treasures of cathedrals. Still today, you can visit some of Europe’s most famous churches and admire the gemstone set within shrines and monuments. A famous example is the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral.
Peridot is also woven into the lore of Hawaiian culture, where it symbolises the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. The gem’s volcanic origins link it to Pele’s fiery spirit and is believed to carry her strength and passion.
Peridot’s Symbolism: The Meanings Behind August’s Birthstone
Due to its history, peridot has been imbued with a tapestry of meaning. Since the Egyptians named it the “gem of the sun”, many choose to wear August birthstone jewellery because it captures the warmth and brilliance of sunlight, making it a beacon of good fortune and happiness. The Egyptians also argued it could ward off evil spirits and bestow confidence and courage to its wearer.
We particularly love Hawaii’s take on the August birthstone. Since their culture links it to Pele, the goddess of volcano, it has been associated with strength, passion and the transformative power of fire. Hawaiians believe that wearing August birthstone jewellery harnesses Pele’s energy, and inspires creativity, confidence and positivity. Meanwhile, modern gemstone enthusiasts believe peridot has soothing qualities and promotes emotional balance, reduces stress and helps to bring harmony in relationships.
Styling Your Peridot Jewellery
It’s no surprise that peridot jewellery is the perfect accessory to wear during the summer. Its vibrant green hue pairs beautifully with a number of summer outfits, adding a pop of colour and a touch of elegance to your look. We think August birthstone jewellery looks particularly refreshing with neutral tones, such as a flowy white sundress or a beige-coloured blouse. It creates a stunning contrast and places all the attention on the bright green stone.
Its associations with positivity, good fortune and confidence also make August birthstone jewellery an excellent choice for special occasions. It would work perfectly for summer weddings, garden parties or even important work meetings so you’ll always radiate positive energy and charm.
Caring For Your August Birthstone Jewellery
Taking care of your August birthstone jewellery is easy, and it takes just a few minutes to make sure the peridot sparkles brightly for a lifetime. We recommend cleaning your peridot pieces with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Try to avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the stone or its setting. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth. When you’re not wearing your peridot jewellery, be sure to keep it stored safely in a soft, padded box or pouch so it doesn’t get scratched.
Celebrate Your Individuality with Personalised August Birthstone Jewellery
If you’re searching for beautiful August birthstone jewellery, look no further than our Birthstone Jewellery Collection here at Inscripture. The collection places vibrant and summer-inspired green gemstones centre stage, captured within a choice of sterling silver and 18ct gold vermeil designs.
We have a wide selection of personalised birthstone necklaces, bracelets and rings for you to choose from. Many can be engraved with a name, date or message to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece of birthstone jewellery. Have something in mind that you can’t see on our website? Get in touch with our friendly team and let us help you create a bespoke piece of August birthstone jewellery that best reflects your personality.
