August Birthstone Guide - Peridot

birthstones overview

PERIDOTview peridot jewellery

Gods, churches and fame - peridot is the birthstone for August

An historical stone

An olive or bottle green stone, peridot is the perfect centrepiece for pendants,
earrings and rings. In Roman times it was referred to as evening emerald
as it did not lose its lustre at night but was still visible by lamplight.
After the Roman period, peridot was often used to decorate churches.
Peridots, weighing up to 200 carats in size, are used to decorate the shrine
of the Magi at Cologne cathedral. In Hawaii, peridot symbolises the tears
of Pele, the god of fire and volcanoes. Through history and all over
the world, peridot is valued for its properties and for its supposed
healing and personal enhancement qualities.

History and culture

The Crusaders brought peridot to Europe in the Middle Ages
from St John's Island in the Red Sea.
Not merely a decorative gem that looks fantastic
in jewellery, but also a historical and significant gem
with a role in the history and culture of the world.