August Birthstone: Peridot
Lucky August-born babies have the dazzling peridot as their birthstone. The sparkling chartreuse gemstone is popular thanks to its unique color that flatters every skin tone. And for women with green or hazel peepers, the pretty August birthstone even enhances their eye color – a feat that few gemstones can boast.
Peridot History and Myth
Some of the earliest mentions of peridot in literature were in the Bible, where it was actually called by a different name: chrysolite. The first known mining of peridot occured around the time of the ancient Egyptians. To the Egyptians, peridot was referred to as gemstone of the sun because of its intense sparkle. In fact, legend has it that many of Cleopatra’s famed emerald jewels were actually peridot because of their popularity in Egyptian culture. Egyptian priests drank special elixers from chalices made with peridot, believing it held special healing powers.
Peridot also has a special place in Hawaiian mythology. According to legend, the first peridot came into existence as the tears of the Volcano Goddess Pele. Because of Hawaii’s numerous volcanoes, the goddess Pele played an important role in their culture and therefore so did the gemstone peridot.
August Birthstone Gifts
If you’re searching for the perfect August birthstone present for someone special, our stunning selection of peridot jewelry is a great place to start your search. Here are a few of our absolute favorites to consider: 
The Splurge:
Go all out for your August-born loved one by splurging on a gorgeous matching set of peridot earrings and ring (pictured at top left). Both the ring and the earrings are surrounded by high grade diamonds for an even brighter sparkle. The beauty of this earring and ring set is in its versatility – the set can be worn together or apart, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
The Steal:
For a fabulous piece of jewelry that makes a big style statement, our 1.75 carat peridot and diamond white gold ring is ideal (pictured at right). And for such a substantial piece of jewelry, the good news is that it’s also a steal, priced at under $300.
Check out more lovely August birthstone peridot jewelry at Apples of Gold. Happy shopping!
Category: Gemstone Rings, Jewelry History
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