The birthstone for August - Peridot

There's something so special about wearing jewellery with a special meaning, and birthstones are a great example of this.

The birthstone for August is Peridot. I'm still never sure how to pronounce it.... do you know? I always assumed it was a french word and pronounce it with a silent 't' (a la merlot) but I have heard by people who should know these things that it's actually not french and should rhyme with "hot". Who knew!? A google search didn't help me much in deciding either way, so my internal jury is still out but I'd love to know what you think.

Peridot is unusual in that it is one of  the few gemstones that occur in only one colour - olive green. However, the intensity of that green varies depends on how much iron is contained within the stone. The colour of the individual peridot gems can therefore vary from a yellow green through olive to a deep brownish green.

I favour the lighter zingy yellow green; shown in these rose cut beauties...

Rose cut peridot stud earrings by Becky Pearce Designs

I must admit I don't really believe in the "talisman" effect of birthstones. You know, when the wearer supposedly gets special protection, or energies from wearing their birthstone. BUT I do love the extra thought that goes into a birthstone piece.

Peridot pendant by Becky Pearce Designs

Peridot, symbolizes strength. It is formed deep in the magma from the upper mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic activity. And because it is therefore found in volcanic ashes, it was believed that peridot crystals were the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele.

Peridot - the birthstone for August

Wear a Peridot or for thee, 

No conjugal fidelity, 

The August born without this stone, 

`Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

The birthstone for August - Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one colour; green. Although the intensity and tint of the green hue is dependent on how much iron it contains and individual peridot gems can vary from a sparkling pale yellowy green to deep olive. 

Whilst the most valuable peridots are usually the less common deep olive shades, I prefer that zingy fresh pale green and tend to go with that for my designs. And yes, it does help that it keeps the cost reasonable!

It looks perfect with sparkly sterling silver!

Peridot is the gem form of the mineral olivine, and it is formed by extreme heat and pressure in volcanoes and is then forced to the surface in the lava. It is also, (less frequently) found in meteors that land on the earth’s surface. It's amazing to wonder what that little shiny stone on your earrings has been through and how long it took to form. 

Peridot is also a great stone for weddings in August, and is the gemstone for 16th wedding anniversarys.

These gorgeous handmade calla lilies hold a teeny faceted peridot stone within.

I must get some more peridot designs up in the shop, as it really is a gorgeous gem!