The birthstone edit · August
Peridot is the yellowish green to olive-green gemstone most associated with August. It is a gem variety of olivine and ranks 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale. August also has spinel and sardonyx as birthstones. This guide focuses on peridot’s fresh color and the care that makes it enjoyable to wear.
Fresh green. A color that feels like summer. Discover the gemstone’s story, compare jewelry options and choose a birthday gift that fits the way you wear jewelry.
Header and loose-gem portraits are AI-created illustrations of peridot varieties, not Nina Wynn products. Jewelry photographs below show the shared Wynning Stud settings. Gemstone colors and appearances vary.
Learn about August’s gemstones here, compare the current jewelry collection, or plan a visit to Nina Wynn in Denver.
August’s gemstone spotlight
Peridot: the gemstone at a glance
- Birthstone month
- August
- Mineral
- Olivine
- Color
- Yellowish green, grass green and olive green
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5–7
- Known source regions
- Arizona in the United States, Pakistan, Myanmar, China and other sources
- Jewelry to consider
- Earrings and pendants; protect rings from hard wear
What is peridot?
Peridot’s green differs from emerald’s deeper familiar green. Its color range stays within green and yellow-green rather than spanning the broad rainbow seen in some gem families. In jewelry, small peridots often look bright and yellowish green. A skilled cut can make that color lively; a larger carat weight alone cannot fix a dull appearance. Peridot is rarely treated, but that does not remove the need to check identity, condition and any disclosures.
Peridot meaning and history
Peridot has a long history as a protective talisman in ancient and medieval traditions. Its association with green makes it an appealing personal symbol of renewal and a fresh perspective. Those meanings are cultural stories, not evidence that the stone changes health or luck. Peridot is also traditionally given for a 16th wedding anniversary. For an August birthday, the simplest meaning may be celebrating someone who loves green and wears color with confidence.
Where does peridot come from?
Peridot’s source story ranges from volcanic landscapes to the historic Red Sea island of Zabargad. Known sources include Arizona, Pakistan, Myanmar, China, Tanzania and Vietnam. Some gem-quality olivine occurs in meteorites, but that rare occurrence does not mean ordinary peridot jewelry contains extraterrestrial stones. A meteorite-origin claim needs evidence for the actual stone. The same applies to Arizona or any other geographic origin named in a product description.
Source regions describe the gemstone generally. They are not verified mining origins of the jewelry pictured here. Mohs hardness measures scratch resistance, not complete durability.
How to choose peridot jewelry
Look for lively green
Compare the face-up color, clarity and brightness. A clear yellow-green can be a beautiful choice, while brownish undertones can make a stone less lively. Choose the shade against the metal you plan to wear.
Start with earrings or a pendant
At 6.5–7 hardness, peridot needs more protection than sapphire or diamond. Earrings and pendants generally receive fewer knocks than rings. A peridot ring is better suited to careful wear than to staying on through every daily task.
Confirm the selected gemstone
A multigem product page may open on a different birthstone. Select Peridot and check the actual stone, metal, size and current availability before ordering. A green CZ or glass imitation should not be described as natural peridot.
Peridot vs. spinel vs. sardonyx: August’s three birthstones
| Option | Identity / appearance | Mohs | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Green olivine | 6.5–7 | Fresh green with gentle care |
| Spinel | A separate gem available in many colors | 8 | Another August option; treatment and condition still matter |
| Sardonyx | Banded chalcedony | 6.5–7 | An August birthstone with a contrasting layered pattern |
Peridot jewelry ideas for an August birthday
A peridot birthstone earring can begin a colorful jewelry look without requiring a large statement piece. Yellow gold warms its green, while white gold creates a brighter, cooler contrast. Keep neighboring jewelry simple: a polished hoop or a small diamond stud can give the green space to stand out. For an August birthday gift, make sure the recipient wears the type of earring you choose; a threadless flat-back is a different construction from a conventional butterfly-back stud. If a necklace or ring is their preference, ask our team about the current peridot selection rather than substituting another green gemstone without telling them.
Before you choose a gift
Check metal preference, ring size where needed, and whether earrings are sold singly or as a pair. For flat-back or cartilage jewelry, confirm piercing fit with a professional. A birthstone can honor a birthday, but it can also be a favorite color worn in any month.
How to clean and care for peridot jewelry
Use lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth, then rinse and dry gently. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Protect peridot from hard blows, sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals. Remove rings for sports, dishes, gardening and lifting weights. Store peridot away from harder stones such as sapphire and diamond so contact does not scratch it. After wear, gently clean away buildup rather than leaving perspiration against the piece for long periods.
Shop the August birthstone edit
Explore Nina Wynn jewelry selected for this gemstone story. Product pages show current options, specifications and availability; an article recommendation does not guarantee stock.
Current picks from the August birthstone collection. Check each listing for gemstone details, fit, and whether earrings are sold singly or as a pair. Swipe to explore.
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Natural Peridot Healing Gemstone Chain Bracelet | Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Peridot / Solid 14K Yellow Gold
$495.00
View jewelry & options -
Natural Black Spinel Healing Gemstone Chain Bracelet | Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Black Spinel / Solid 14K Yellow Gold
$495.00
View jewelry & options -
Natural Gemstone Threadless Flat Back Earring | 14K White Gold
Solid 14K White Gold / Peridot
$125.00
View jewelry & options -
Natural Gemstone Threadless Flat Back Earring | 14K Yellow Gold
Solid 14K Yellow Gold / Peridot
$125.00
View jewelry & options -
Natural Black Spinel Healing Gemstone Chain Bracelet | Solid 14K White Gold
Black Spinel / Solid 14K White Gold
$495.00
View jewelry & options -
Natural Black Spinel Healing Gemstone Chain Bracelet | Sterling Silver
Black Spinel / Sterling Silver
$295.00
View jewelry & options
Product photographs show the selected gemstone or catalog piece. Confirm the selected variant and fit before ordering.
August birthstone questions, answered
What are the birthstones for August?
August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Peridot is the familiar green option.
Is peridot the same as emerald?
No. Peridot is olivine, while emerald is beryl. They differ in color, properties and care considerations.
Can peridot be worn every day?
Peridot can be enjoyed with careful wear, especially in earrings or pendants. It is not ideal for a ring exposed to constant hard knocks or rough tasks.
How do I clean peridot jewelry?
Use lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners and sudden temperature changes.
Does peridot come from meteorites?
Some meteorites contain gem-quality olivine, but this is rare. Do not assume jewelry contains meteorite-origin peridot without documentation.
Is peridot found in the United States?
Yes. Arizona is a well-known U.S. source. An Arizona origin for a particular jewelry stone still needs its own documentation.
What Nina Wynn jewelry can I choose for an August birthday?
Our multigem Wynning Stud pages include Peridot options in 14k yellow and white gold. Select the Peridot variant and check availability before ordering.
Gemological sources
- GIA: August birthstone guide
- GIA: Peridot gem encyclopedia
- GIA: Peridot buying guide
- GIA: Peridot care and cleaning
Gemological facts draw on the sources above. Styling suggestions are Nina Wynn editorial guidance. Gemstone meanings describe cultural associations, not health or outcome claims.
Explore all 12 birthstone guides
Return to the complete birthstone guide for the month-by-month chart, colors and care.
Ways to wear August birthstones
Start with a color you enjoy, then choose a scale and setting that fit your routine. A small stud adds a quiet accent; a hoop, charm or pendant can give the stone more presence. Compare the actual gemstone, dimensions and selling unit on the product page before choosing.
For a personal gift, combine a birthstone with a favorite metal or an existing jewelry collection. Softer or more delicate stones need a protected setting and thoughtful wear. A birthstone is a personal connection, so you can choose any month or color that feels meaningful.
