Peridot: August’s Birthstone, Born from Fire and Stars
Most gemstones form quietly in the earth’s crust, Peridot does not. It crystallizes deep in the mantle, between 20 and 55 miles below the surface, at temperatures and pressures most minerals cannot survive. Volcanic eruptions carry it upward. It has been found in meteorites that are over four billion years old. The ancient Egyptians mined it on a volcanic island in the Red Sea as early as 1500 BC and called it “the gem of the sun.” Designated by the GIA as the primary birthstone for August, peridot is a gem with a story far more dramatic than its gentle green colour suggests.
What makes peridot different from every other green gem
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that exists in only one colour. While emeralds, tourmalines, and sapphires can appear in a range of hues, peridot is always green. Its specific shade, from bright lime to rich olive, depends on how much iron is present in the crystal structure. The most valued peridot displays a pure, saturated green without brownish or yellowish overtones. The finest specimens have historically come from Pakistan’s Kohistan region and Myanmar, though Arizona’s San Carlos Apache Reservation produces the majority of the world’s commercial supply.
At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, peridot is durable enough for most jewellery. It is especially well suited to earrings, pendants, and brooches where the stone is less exposed to impact than in a ring worn daily. One of peridot’s most appealing qualities is that it maintains its colour under both natural and artificial light, a trait the Romans noticed centuries ago when they nicknamed it “emerald of the evening.”
A summer birthstone with real meaning
Peridot’s warm green feels inseparable from summer. It evokes sunlit gardens, fresh linen, and the easy confidence of August afternoons. As a birthday gift, it carries genuine significance: peridot has been associated with protection, renewal, and positive energy across cultures for over three millennia. It is also the traditional gift for a 16th wedding anniversary. For anyone born in August or celebrating a milestone during the summer months, peridot is not just a beautiful stone. It is a gem with layers of personal meaning that more generic alternatives cannot match. Brands like Pasquale Bruni and Pomellato have embraced coloured gemstones precisely because of this emotional depth.
Pomellato’s Iconica: where peridot meets Milanese design
If you want to see what happens when one of Italy’s most daring jewellery houses meets August’s birthstone, look at the Pomellato Iconica Peridot Earrings. Set in 18K rose gold with six peridots totaling approximately 3.4 carats, these earrings draw their sculptural silhouette from Pomellato’s early Bisanzio collections, reinterpreting the opulence of the Byzantine era through a distinctly modern lens. The warmth of rose gold against peridot’s cool green creates a colour combination that is immediately feminine, immediately summer, and entirely wearable from a boardroom lunch to a rooftop evening.
Pomellato has always been about making fine jewellery less formal and more personal. Founded in Milan in 1967, the house was among the first to champion coloured gemstones in everyday settings. The Iconica collection honours that philosophy: flawlessly smooth gold, vivid stones, and a weight on the ear that feels substantial without being heavy. Explore the full Pomellato collectionat Bandiera to see how each piece balances heritage craft with modern spirit.
How to care for peridot
Peridot is more delicate than rubies, sapphires, or diamonds, and it rewards a little extra care. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush only. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners: peridot is sensitive to rapid temperature changes and certain chemicals, including acids found in household cleaners and some perfumes. Store peridot pieces separately from harder stones to avoid scratches, ideally in a soft pouch or lined compartment. With thoughtful handling, peridot jewellery will hold its vivid colour for generations.
Whether you are shopping for an August birthday, a 16th anniversary, or simply drawn to peridot’s luminous green for your own collection, the team at Bandiera Jewellers can help you find the right piece. From the Pomellato Iconica Peridot Earrings to our wider selection of Bandiera’s fine jewellery, visit our boutiques in Woodbridge or Yorkville to see how peridot’s colour comes alive in person.