August Birthstones: Peridot & Sardonyx

Enthusiasts

August Birthstones: Peridot & Sardonyx

Isadoras

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The two August birthstones – grassy green peridot and earthy sardonyx – represent August as a month luxuriating in the bloom of summer, yet waiting on bated breath for fall’s first frost.

If you were born in August, you are lucky to celebrate your birthday in one of the loveliest transitional months of the year.

Peridot, or what the Egyptians called the “gem of the sun,” is a yellow-greenish transparent gemstone formed within the cooling magma of active volcanoes. For Hawaiians, peridot is the manifestation of the tears of Pele, the jealous and powerful goddess whose domain encompasses all volcanic activity on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Peridot, beautiful and affordable, comes in a range of sizes and cuts; it is the perfect stone to partner with other gems. The majority of stones are yellow-greenish; higher-quality stones have a more intense green hue.

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Peridot as a UFO?!

In 2005, peridot was discovered in comet dust retrieved by the Stardust space probe. Peridot crystals have also been found in meteorites; some of these crystals have been large enough to cut into faceted gemstones (FYI, this makes the Star Trek nerd in each of us very happy).

While peridot is known to project an aura of stellar mystery, sardonyx is a down-to-earth form of banded agate that has been used for centuries to depict the profiles of gods, royalty, and the everyday man and woman.

Sard is a form of onyx (onyx has parallel bands, while agate has curved bands) with a reddish-brown base and an upper white layer.

This pair of Victorian intaglio sardonyx earrings is a perfect example of the contrast between light and dark, foreground and background.

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Cameos are fascinating and the sardonyx Blancas Cameo, circa 14, is no exception. This cameo depicts the Roman Emperor Augustus shortly after his death. Augustus is always depicted as a young man – quite an idealized version compared to reality. (The royal diadem he wears around his head may be an addition from medieval times.) Notice the medusa head on his shield.

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Sardonyx was believed to promote mental acuity, optimism, oratory skills, and robust health. It was said to attract friends and bring lasting happiness to partnerships.

Both sardonyx and peridot are intriguing gems that we are happy to offer in our heirloom collection at Isadoras.

Below are some of our favorite August birthstone pieces.

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