You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to birthstones because August is one of the only months that gets three official birthstones. That’s right, three! Whether you love lush greens, deep reds, or vibrant alternatives, August-born folks have plenty of options for birthstone jewelry that’s meaningful, stylish, and perfect for gifting. Let’s dive into the colorful world of peridot, sardonyx, and spinel.
Peridot: The Classic Green Gem
When most people think of August’s birthstone, peridot comes to mind first. This cheerful gem flaunts yellow-green to olive hues, earning its nickname, the “stone of compassion.” It’s all about positivity: renewal, growth, restful sleep, good health, and peace in relationships. Ancient lore also suggests it wards off negative energies and keeps your heart and solar plexus chakras humming happily.
Peridot is pretty special in the gemstone world, you’ll find it in volcanic lava and even meteorites! It sits at a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it durable enough for rings, necklaces, and bracelets, yet still delicate and elegant. Historically, it’s been prized for its protective powers and ability to spark creativity. Fun fact: peridot is especially connected to Leo and Virgo, so if your birthday falls in August, this might just be your cosmic soulmate in gem form.
Why choose peridot jewelry? It’s bright, cheerful, and carries centuries of symbolism. Perfect for birthstone rings, pendants, or a delicate bracelet that screams “August baby, here I come!”
Sardonyx: The Timeless Layered Stone
Next up, we have sardonyx, the OG August birthstone with a history stretching back over 4,000 years. This striped beauty combines brownish-red sard with white or black onyx, creating a stunning contrast that works beautifully in classic and modern birthstone jewelry.
Romans loved sardonyx for seals, rings, and even battle protection, believing it brought courage and clear communication. Today, it’s perfect for couples, as it’s associated with stability in marriage and partnerships. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, it’s practical for rings, necklaces, and bracelets, while also packing a punch of historical significance. Sardonyx comes from places like India, Brazil, Germany, Madagascar, and the United States, so your piece carries a global story too.
Why choose sardonyx? Its layered color and centuries of symbolism make it ideal for those who appreciate a stone with history and character.
Spinel: The Modern Alternative
Last but definitely not least, meet spinel, the newest addition to the August lineup (added in 2016). Think of spinel as the cool younger cousin of ruby: bright, bold, and versatile. Spinel comes in a range of colors, offering August-born folks more options beyond the classic green of peridot or the layered tones of sardonyx.
Spinel is ideal if you’re looking for birthstone jewelry that’s colorful, modern, and totally unique. From rings to pendants, spinel adds a fresh twist to your birthstone collection, and yes, it’s just as brilliant as ruby but with a style all its own.
Why choose spinel? It’s vibrant, versatile, and perfect for anyone wanting a contemporary take on a classic gem.
Celebrating August Birthstones
With three gorgeous gems to choose from, August-born folks have a world of options when it comes to birthstone jewelry. Whether you lean towards the lush green of peridot, the layered elegance of sardonyx, or the vibrant hues of spinel, each stone brings its own magic, symbolism, and style.
Birthstone jewelry isn’t just beautiful, it’s meaningful. A peridot ring, sardonyx bracelet, or spinel necklace isn’t just a gift; it’s a piece of your identity, a talisman, and a little spark of your birth month’s charm.
So, if you’re shopping for an August birthday, looking to treat yourself, or hunting for a thoughtful gift, there’s a stone here that’s calling your name. Bright, bold, historical, or modern, the August birthstones have got you covered.