Two birthstones are available for August birthdays: Peridot and Sardonyx.
Peridot
Peridot is said to host magical powers and is associated with rebirth, renewal and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year. As peridot is a gemstone that forms deep inside the Earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes, in Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes.
Today, most of the peridot supply comes from Arizona; other sources are China, Myanmar, and Pakistan. This gemstone comes in several color variations ranging from yellowish green to brown, but most consumers are attracted to the bright lime greens and olive greens. Peridot, in smaller sizes, often is used in beaded necklaces and bracelets.
High Jewellery necklace Bvlgari, Giardini Italiani collection
18K yellow gold and mother of pearl elements with 40 round rubellite beads (217.94 ct), 28 pear and round peridot beads (184.03 ct) and pavé diamonds (5.33 ct).
Cartier 18k gold peridot Menotte ring
Peridot and diamond 18k yellow gold buckle ring
The green gemstone peridot is associated with rebirth, renewal, prosperity and compassion. This makes is a stunning, yet rare, choice for gemstone engagement rings, symbolizing the next chapter in the wearer’s life. Women with August birthdays might enjoy receiving a peridot engagement ring, in particular.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a form of onyx and is recognized by its layers of reddish brown and white banding. It was popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans who carried into battle talismans of sardonyx engraved with images of heroes such as Mars or Hercules, believing that this would bring courage and victory. Because of its attractive banding, sardonyx has long been used to fashion cameos (carved raised figures) and intaglios (the reverse of cameos). This gemstone is found throughout the world.
Extraordinary Edwardian 18k yellow gold cameo, inspired by the acient Greek and Roman models, fearuring a sardonyx hard stone cameo with a bust of a woman with very curly hair. Extremely detailed and and wonderfully crafted, this brooch is highly unusual in that it was custom made to also be worn as a pendant. The elaborate fixture is removable so it can be worn as a brooch.
The most attractive specimens are found in India, but material also is mined in Czechoslovakia, Brazil, Uruguay, Germany, and in the United States.
by Jean Amr
Yakymour 