Peridot Jewelry

August Birthstone: Peridot

Peridot, with its lush grass-green hue, is a natural fit for August's birthstone. Peridot's distinctive color is an enduring favorite, evoking sunlit leaves on a late summer evening. Known as the "gem of the sun" to the ancient Egyptians, peridot was prized for its mythical ability to enhance well-being and protect against evil spirits. According to some historians, Cleopatra's legendary emerald collection was, in fact, peridot.

Commonly, peridot is formed deep in the earth's core and pushed to the surface through volcanoes; however, it has notably been found within meteorites and comets. Peridot is the gemstone form of the mineral Olivine and is colored by the iron present in its chemical makeup. Though it's one of the few gemstones to be available in only one color, there is still plenty of variation in hues. Gemstones range from light chartreuse to deep olive green, with a bright lime green being the most prevalent. Peridot rates 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable enough to wear daily with care.

While peridot makes a traditional gift for a 16th anniversary or an August birthday, anyone who's smitten by its striking color and reasonable price can add a piece of peridot jewelry to their collection. Beautiful in both yellow and white gold settings, peridot can usually be found in classic faceted shapes that show off its dazzling sparkle. Peridot pairs well with neutrals and earth tones but is equally stunning when worn with bright colors or other contrasting gems. However you wear your peridot, Borsheims has the earrings, necklace, bracelet, or ring perfectly suited to your style and price point.