August Birthstone Guide: Peridot and Spinel

If you have an August birthday on your calendar, you have two beautiful gemstones to choose from. Peridot has been August's official birthstone for generations, while spinel joined the lineup as a modern alternate. Both make gorgeous, meaningful gifts, and at Rick's Jewelers we carry pieces featuring each so you can find the one that fits your style and your budget.

Peridot: the classic August stone

Peridot is instantly recognizable by its bright, lime-to-olive green color, a shade that comes from iron within the crystal structure rather than from any added treatment. It's one of the few gemstones that forms deep in the earth's mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity, which is part of why ancient civilizations prized it so highly. Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun," and legend holds that some of Cleopatra's famed emeralds were actually peridot.

Peridot pairs beautifully with yellow gold, which warms its green tone, but it also looks striking set in white gold or silver for a cooler, more contemporary look. It's a durable stone for everyday wear, making it a great choice for rings, earrings, and pendants alike.

Spinel: the modern alternate

Spinel was added as a second official August birthstone in 2016, giving August babies more options to choose from. For centuries, red spinel was actually mistaken for ruby and set into royal crowns and jewels across Europe and Asia before gemologists identified it as its own distinct mineral. Beyond red, spinel occurs naturally in pink, purple, blue, and vivid orange, giving it far more range than most people expect.

Spinel has excellent brilliance and hardness, so it wears well in daily jewelry, and because it's less commonly known than stones like sapphire or ruby, it tends to offer a lot of color and quality for the price. It's a wonderful option for anyone who wants a birthstone piece that feels a little more unique.

Gift ideas for August birthdays

A birthstone piece is a thoughtful gift for a birthday, but it also works well for anniversaries, graduations, or simply as a treat to mark the month. Consider a peridot stud earring set for everyday elegance, a spinel cocktail ring for someone who likes a statement piece, or a birthstone pendant that can be worn on its own or layered with other necklaces. Stacking rings in peridot and spinel together also make a lovely gift for someone who wants to celebrate both stones at once.

Find your August birthstone at Rick's Jewelers

Whether you're shopping for an August birthday, treating yourself, or just want to see these stones in person, our team at Rick's Jewelers is happy to walk you through our peridot and spinel selection and help you find the right piece. Photos online never do a gemstone justice, so we always recommend seeing the color and sparkle for yourself.