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August Birthstone: Peridot Jewellery, Meaning & History

By / July 31st, 2026 / There are currently 0 comments

Discover the August birthstone, Peridot. Learn about its meaning, history, colour and symbolism, plus explore Cavendish Jewellers’ collection of vintage and antique Peridot jewellery.

Which Gemstone is the August Birthstone?

The August birthstone is Peridot.

Whether you were born on 1 August or 31 August, Peridot is the traditional birthstone for everyone born during August.

Discover the Magic of Peridot: August’s Irresistible Green Gem

If you’re lucky enough to be born in August, your birthstone is one of the most radiant and historically rich gems of all – peridot. With its vivid green glow and celestial origins, peridot has enchanted everyone from ancient Egyptian pharaohs to suffragettes. Cavendish Jewellers is proud to showcase this vibrant gemstone in our curated collection, celebrating its natural beauty, unique symbolism, and timeless appeal. Whether you’re marking a birthday, an anniversary, or simply love the lush green tones, peridot offers a captivating way to connect with one of nature’s rarest treasures.

August Birthstone

What Is Peridot?

Peridot is a gem-quality form of olivine that glows in shades ranging from yellow-green to olive-green. Though its colour varies based on iron content, it’s one of the few gems that appears in only one colour family – green. What makes it unique is that it forms deep in Earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic lava flows – and in rare cases, even arrives on meteorites.

This celestial connection has earned peridot nicknames like the “gem of the sun”, a term first used by the ancient Egyptians who mined the gem on Zabargad (Topazios) Island in the Red Sea over 3,000 years ago.

Rich History: From Cleopatra to Cathedral Treasures

Peridot’s history sparkles through the ages:

  • The dramatic Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne Cathedral is encrusted with 200+ carats of “emeralds” that turned out to be peridot.
  • In the Ottoman Empire, peridot adorned lavish thrones with hundreds of cabochons – an opulent symbol of power and protection.
  • Peridot also held a unique place in the Suffragette movement of the early 20th century, thanks to its symbolic colour and empowering message. Designed by Mrs Pethwick Lawrence in 1908, the Suffragettes famously used the colours green, white, and purple – representing Give Women the Vote – to unite their cause and inspire solidarity. Peridot, with its rich green hue, was often incorporated into jewellery worn by supporters of the movement as a subtle but powerful political statement. These pieces, including brooches, pendants, and rings, often paired peridot with amethysts (purple) and pearls (white) to represent the movement’s tricolour code. For many women, wearing these gemstones was a way to express allegiance to women’s rights while maintaining the decorum expected in Edwardian society. Today, antique Suffragette jewellery featuring peridot stands as a beautiful and meaningful reminder of the fight for equality – and the quiet power of symbolism in design.

Peridot Meaning and Symbolism: Strength, Protection & Positivity

Across cultures, peridot has carried meanings of strength, protection, and healing:

  • In medieval Europe, it was believed to ward off nightmares and evil spirits.
  • GIA and other gem authorities list peridot as a stone of harmony, prosperity, and health.
August Birthstone

Caring for Peridot Jewellery

While peridot is eye-catching, it’s also moderately durable – rating 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale.

To preserve its sparkle:

  • Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
  • Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners, which may harm the gem via thermal shock.
  • Keep away from harsh chemicals, acids, and even prolonged contact with perspiration.
  • Store separately from harder gems – peridot can scratch or be scratched easily.
  • Inspect professionally every so often to ensure settings remain secure and the gem is damage‑free.

Peridot Style & Jewellery Designs: Celebrating August in Green

At Cavendish Jewellers, our collection includes vintage Peridot rings, antique Peridot pendants, earrings and one-of-a-kind gemstone jewellery, with every piece individually selected by our specialists.

Whether you’re looking for:

  • A peridot ring in white or yellow gold – perfect for anniversaries or birthdays.

Browse our antique and vintage Peridot Jewellery collection.

Next month: Discover our guide to September’s Birthstone: Sapphire

Discover More Birthstones

From the fresh green of Peridot to the beautiful gemstones associated with every month of the year, birthstone jewellery is full of colour, character and meaning. Explore our complete Birthstone Jewellery Guide for expert advice and inspiration on choosing one-off Vintage & Antique jewellery.

Explore Birthstone Jewellery by Month →

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