August Birthstone

August Birthstone - Peridot

The birthstone for August, peridot has become a very popular stone in jewelry today. In traditional times, the gem sardonyx was also linked to this month, but in 1912 the American National Association of Jewelers came up with a standardized list of birthstones and named peridot as the birthstone for August.

The month of August was named in honor of Augustus Caesar. August reputedly has 31 days because Augustus wanted as many days as Julius Caesar's July. Augustus placed the month where it is because that's when Cleopatra died. Interestingly enough, the birthstone for August, peridot is rumored to be the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra. Before Augustus renamed August, it was called Sextilis in Latin, since it was the sixth month in the Roman calendar which started in March.

The birthstone peridot is bright yellow-green in color with the depth of green depending on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure, and varies from yellow-green to olive to brownish green. Peridot is also often referred to as "poor man's emerald". The name of the stone possibly derives from the French peritot, meaning unclear, due to the many inclusions and cloudiness of larger stones. Those born in August enjoy a wide variation of jewelry made with their birtstone. It is often combined with other gemstones and set in sterling silver for a unique artisan look like that found in our peridot jewelry showcase

Those wearing the birthstone for August may be happy, calm and successful as it is said to bring its wearer success, peace, and good luck. Its powers supposedly include protection, health, and sleep and it is used to attract love and calm anger while also soothing nerves and dispelling negative emotion.

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