Born in August and not a fan of bright green? I have good news. August is actually one of the most interesting birthstone months, because it has three recognized stones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. And if you love peridot but aren't sure how to wear it, I have a few tricks for that, too.
What are August's birthstones?
Peridot is the familiar yellow-green August birthstone. Spinel is a modern addition to the August birthstone list, recognized in the United States in 2016, and it comes in a wonderful range of colors. Sardonyx, a banded variety of chalcedony, is a much older traditional August birthstone.
Peridot: August's bright green gemstone
First, meet peridot. You'll hear it pronounced both “pear-uh-doe” and “pear-uh-dot.” Either way, it's a fascinating natural gemstone with a color that makes it instantly recognizable.
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. Its color ranges from yellowish green to deeper olive green; unlike many gemstones, it is not naturally found in a whole rainbow of colors. With a Mohs hardness of about 6.5–7, it needs more care than sapphire or spinel, particularly in rings that might take a knock.
One of my favorite things about peridot is its extraordinary origin story. Much of it forms in Earth's mantle and reaches the surface through volcanic activity. Olivine crystals also occur in some meteorites called pallasites, where they can look like glowing green windows set into metal. I once saw a spectacular example at the Tellus Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, and it looked like stained glass.
Five ways to wear peridot if bright green isn't your thing
1. Choose a smaller, subtler stone
Small peridots can read as a delicate hint of green, particularly when the stone is lightly colored. You don't need a giant lime-green gem to wear your birthstone.
2. Mix it with other gemstones
I love peridot alongside blues, purples, and softer neutrals. Blue topaz or amethyst can change the whole mood, while opal creates an unexpectedly organic pairing. My Legolas Greenleaf earrings are a perfect example: carved peridot leaves sit above opals and opalized fossil wood.
Peridot paired with opal and opalized fossil wood in the Legolas Greenleaf Earrings.
3. Try oxidized silver
One of my favorite ways to set peridot is in oxidized sterling silver. The darker metal gives the green a little drama rather than letting it feel overly bright.
4. Add yellow gold
A touch of solid yellow gold brings out the warm, golden flashes in peridot. Silver, gold, and green can be such a beautiful combination.
5. Let the design take center stage
Instead of focusing on the color alone, choose a sculptural setting, an interesting cut, or a design with movement. Sometimes the shape and composition are what make you fall in love with a stone.
Spinel: the colorful alternative August birthstone
If you simply don't want green, spinel may be your answer. Natural spinel occurs in red, pink, purple, blue, gray, black, and other shades. With a Mohs hardness of 8, it is also a strong candidate for frequently worn jewelry.
I'm particularly fond of black spinel when the cut and finish create something unexpected. These black star designs show how a dark gemstone can still have incredible visual interest.
Sardonyx: August's historic banded birthstone
Sardonyx is made of alternating bands of sard and onyx, both forms of chalcedony. Its stripes are typically reddish brown, white, and sometimes dark brown or black. It has been used for carved cameos and intaglios for centuries. If you love stones with pattern, history, and a slightly antique personality, sardonyx is worth knowing about.
I don't currently have an available sardonyx design to feature here, but I can help source a natural gemstone for a custom piece.
Shop August birthstone jewelry
These are available examples from my studio featuring natural peridot and spinel. Click through to see more photographs and details.
Explore the August birthstone collection →
Which August birthstone should you choose?
Choose peridot for fresh, luminous green and an amazing geological story. Choose spinel for a wider range of colors and excellent durability. Choose sardonyx for earthy stripes, history, and distinctive natural pattern.
And if none of those is quite right? Wear what you love and make it yours. Tell me the colors, textures, or mood you're drawn to, and I can curate a palette of natural gemstones to start a custom design.
