The Prettiest of Peridots for August’s Birthstone

By Annie Davidson Watson | July 25, 2023

It’s appropriate that the birthstone for the super sunny month of August is bright green peridot. One of the oldest known gemstones, peridot has been mined for ages. Its name is derived from the Greek word peridona, meaning “gift of the sun.”

Called the “evening emerald” because of its unique capacity to sparkle under natural or artificial light, peridot is often associated with warmth, luck, prosperity, and protection. The ancient Egyptians even believed that peridot was a gift from the sun god Ra, and they often wore peridot jewelry to ward off evil spirits. Therefore, it’s a popular choice for jewelry not only for its overt beauty but also for its storied meaning.

Though typically green, peridot can also be found in other colors, including yellow, orange, and brown. The color of peridot is determined by the amount of iron it contains: The more iron it has, the darker green it is. And the darker the peridot, the more valuable it is.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of the loveliest deep green peridot pieces on the market.