Monday, August 5, 2013

August Birthstone: Peridot

Did you know that the August birthstone, peridot, is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color?  An olive green. The intensity and tint of the green depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure, so the color of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow- to olive- to brownish-green. The most valued color is a dark olive-green.

It surprises me the number of August babies who do not like their birthstone. It's such a "happy" shade of green! Historically, peridot has been regarded as a powerful amulet to ward off evil and as protection from nightmares. Embrace it, August girls, it's GOOD for you!

All that being said, I don't actually stock peridot on a regular basis.  It's a little more expensive than most of my gemstones.  I do have some faceted beads that I could make earrings and bracelets out of!  And as an alternative, I have some nice light green quartz and some sparkly cubic zirconias in that lovely olive green color!  Check my website for design possibilities!

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