Peridot: The August Birthstone Full of Colour, History & Meaning
If you're celebrating an August birthday, you probably already know that peridot is your birthstone. But there’s much more to this bright green gemstone than its beautiful colour.
Peridot has been treasured for thousands of years, comes from one of the most unusual places in the Earth and has long been associated with happiness, strength and protection. It’s also one of our favourite gemstones for adding a little colour to everyday jewellery.
At Dower & Hall, we’ve always loved gemstones with a story behind them. So, we asked our founder and designer, Diane Hall, to share some of her own knowledge and favourite facts about peridot.
Watch Diane talk about peridot:
Hear from Dower & Hall founder and designer Diane Dower as she talks about peridot, its history and what makes this vibrant green gemstone so special.
What is Peridot?
Peridot is the August birthstone and is instantly recognisable for its fresh green colour. Unlike many gemstones that come in a wide variety of colours, peridot is always green, although the exact shade can range from a soft yellow-green through to a deeper olive green.
Its colour comes naturally from iron within the stone, rather than from treatments. We love that about peridot – the colour you see is part of what makes the gemstone itself so distinctive.
It’s also a wonderfully wearable colour. Peridot looks fresh and summery with lighter tones, but its warmer olive shades work beautifully throughout the rest of the year too.
What Does Peridot Symbolise?
Peridot has traditionally been associated with strength, happiness, prosperity, peace and good health.
It has also been believed to help ease anger, anxiety and fear, and to bring a sense of calm and positivity to its wearer.
Of course, gemstone meanings are part of folklore and tradition rather than science, but we think that’s part of the fun of birthstone jewellery. Choosing a stone because its symbolism means something to you can make an everyday piece feel much more personal.
For an August birthday, peridot makes a particularly thoughtful gift – whether you choose a peridot necklace, earrings, ring or bracelet.
The History of Peridot
Peridot is one of the oldest gemstones known to have been used in jewellery, with a history dating back more than 3,500 years.
The name is thought to come from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem". Ancient Egyptians mined peridot on an island in the Red Sea now known as Zabargad, and called the green stones their "gems of the sun".
It’s easy to understand why. Peridot has a naturally bright, almost glowing quality, particularly when light catches the stone.
Over the centuries, peridot has appeared in jewellery and historic treasures around the world. Its vibrant green colour has also been associated with hope, including during the Suffragette movement, when green was used alongside purple and white as part of the movement's colours.
Where Does Peridot Come From?
One of the most fascinating things about peridot is where it comes from.
Most gemstones form in the Earth's crust, but peridot is different. It forms much deeper down, in the Earth's mantle, where temperatures and pressure are incredibly high.
Peridot crystals can make their way towards the Earth's surface through volcanic and tectonic activity, eventually becoming part of igneous rocks.
So, when you wear a piece of peridot jewellery, you're wearing a gemstone that has travelled a very long way to get there.
Today, peridot is found in several parts of the world, including Arizona, Pakistan, China, Kenya and Sri Lanka.
And there’s an even more extraordinary twist: peridot crystals have also been found in meteorites. Yes, some peridot really has come from space.
What Colour is Peridot?
When you think of peridot, green is the first colour that comes to mind – and rightly so.
The stone can range from a delicate yellow-green to stronger grassy and olive-green shades. The most desirable stones tend to have a vibrant green colour without noticeable brown tones.
Because peridot is naturally bright and full of life, it works particularly well in jewellery. A small peridot can add a subtle flash of colour, while a larger stone makes a much bolder statement.
And no two stones are exactly alike. Natural variations in colour, clarity and character are part of what makes gemstone jewellery so individual.
Peridot Jewellery: How to Wear It
There’s something particularly easy about wearing green gemstones.
Peridot works beautifully with sterling silver and gold, and its fresh colour makes it easy to combine with other jewellery. Try layering a peridot necklace with your everyday chains, or pair peridot earrings with simple hoops for a little extra colour.
It also works surprisingly well alongside other gemstones. Pairing peridot with pearls creates a softer, more understated look, while mixing it with other colourful gemstones gives you something much more playful.
Whether you're shopping for an August birthstone gift or simply love green gemstone jewellery, peridot is an easy way to bring colour into your everyday collection.
Our Favourite Peridot Facts
We asked our jewellery makers for some of their favourite facts about this unusual gemstone. Here are a few that stood out:
It can come from space.
Peridot crystals have been found inside meteorites, making it one of the few gemstones with an extra-terrestrial connection.
It's incredibly old.
Peridot has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years, with evidence of it being mined as far back as 1500 BC.
It forms deep inside the Earth.
Unlike most gemstones, peridot originates in the Earth's mantle, rather than its crust.
It's naturally green.
Peridot's colour comes from iron within its structure, so its distinctive green isn't created through dyeing or colour treatment.
It's often beautifully clear.
Fine peridot is commonly eye-clean, meaning inclusions aren't usually visible to the naked eye.
Why We Love Peridot
For us, peridot has all the things we look for in a gemstone. It has a great story, a fascinating natural origin and a colour that's instantly recognisable. But perhaps most importantly, it's fun to wear.
That lively green works just as well with everyday denim and a white shirt as it does with something more dressed up. And because it has such a strong connection with August, a piece of peridot jewellery can also carry a lovely personal meaning.
If you're looking for an August birthstone necklace, a colourful birthday gift or simply a new gemstone to add to your collection, peridot is well worth discovering.
Discover Peridot Jewellery at Dower & Hall
Explore our collection of handcrafted peridot jewellery, designed and made in our London studio with recycled precious metals and carefully selected gemstones.
From delicate everyday pieces to colourful statement jewellery, discover a little more of the vibrant green gemstone we love.
SHOP PERIDOT JEWELLERY
