Table of Contents

Spinel on dark charcoal background, Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Introduction
Peridot and Spinel August Birthstones: Two Gems, One Month
Peridot: The Evening Emerald
Spinel: The Master of Camouflage
The Historical Intrigue of August Birthstones
Peridot: From Ancient Egypt to the New World
Spinel: A Case of Mistaken Identity
Healing Properties and Symbolism of Peridot and Spinel
Peridot: A Catalyst for Personal Growth
Spinel: An Elixir of Joy and Rejuvenation
How to Care for Your Peridot and Spinel
Buying Guide: Peridot and Spinel August Birthstones
Peridot and Spinel in Contemporary Jewellery
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Introduction

There's a little magic in the air, isn't there? Today, we're going to embark on a splendid journey exploring two captivating Jewels that symbolize August babies - Peridot and Spinel. There's so much more to these gemstones than meets the eye, so fasten your seatbelts as we traverse their rich histories, mystic properties, and essential care tips. You might even pick up a few pointers on how to buy the best "Peridot and Spinel August birthstones" on the market!

Peridot and Spinel August Birthstones: Two Gems, One Month

Peridot: The Evening Emerald

Peridot, pronounced as "pear-uh-doe," is a gem that radiates a vibrant green color, occasionally with a golden hue. It's often dubbed the 'Evening Emerald' because of its radiant green glow that seems to intensify under artificial light. The stone is primarily sourced from places like Arizona, China, Pakistan, and Myanmar.

Spinel: The Master of Camouflage

On the other hand, spinel, pronounced as "spin-elle," is a captivating gemstone recognized for its array of colours, from striking red and hot pink to deep blue and vibrant orange. This chameleon of gemstones has often been mistaken for more illustrious gems like rubies and sapphires throughout history. It's predominantly found in countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

The Historical Intrigue of August Birthstones

Peridot: From Ancient Egypt to the New World

The history of peridot dates back to Ancient Egypt. Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun," believing it had the power to ward off evil spirits. Interestingly, Cleopatra's famous emerald collection was said to be actually peridot. This gem's popularity travelled across the globe and reached the New World with the Spanish conquistadors. The natives quickly adopted it, integrating the gem into their religious and ceremonial attire.

Spinel: A Case of Mistaken Identity

Spinel's history is chock-full of mistaken identities. The most renowned case is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a massive red spinel that is one of the British Crown Jewels. Until the late 19th century, spinel was often mistaken for ruby due to their similar appearances. Only when gemmologists developed methods to differentiate gems did spinel earn its own recognition.

Healing Properties and Symbolism of Peridot and Spinel

Peridot: A Catalyst for Personal Growth

Known as a stone of transformation, peridot is believed to promote growth and renewal while warding off negative emotions. It's associated with love, warmth, and openness, embodying the characteristics of those born in August. This gem is also thought to enhance confidence and assertiveness, encouraging the bearer to follow their heart.

Spinel: An Elixir of Joy and Rejuvenation

Spinel, the stone of rejuvenation and joy, is believed to encourage great passion, devotion, and longevity. It's linked with energy renewal, overcoming tough circumstances, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. So, if you're looking for a gem that encapsulates resilience, look no further than a stunning spinel.

Image courtesy of Felly’s Jewellery and Pawnshop

How to Care for Your Peridot and Spinel

Proper care can extend the life of your peridot and spinel, preserving their beauty for generations to come.

Treat Your Peridot Like a Queen

Peridot is a relatively soft gemstone, making it susceptible to scratches and damages. Always store your peridot jewellery separately, ideally in a fabric-lined box. Avoid exposing it to drastic temperature changes to prevent cracks.
Lastly, clean it with a soft cloth and warm soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Keep Your Spinel Sparkling

On the other hand, spinel is harder and more durable. However, it's still prone to scratching, so store it separately in a jewellery box. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning. Like peridot, warm soapy water and a soft cloth should suffice.

Buying Guide: Peridot and Spinel August Birthstones

Whether you're celebrating an August birthday or simply drawn to the allure of these gems, knowing what to look for when buying peridot and spinel can ensure you're investing in a quality piece.

Look for Colour and Clarity

For peridot, the most sought-after colour is a dark olive-green, with no brown or yellow tint. The gem should also be free of visible inclusions. In the case of spinel, the value increases with the richness of colour. Reds, hot pinks, and blues are the most prized. Like peridot, spinels should have excellent clarity with no visible inclusions.

Cut and Carat Weight

The cut of a gemstone greatly impacts its brilliance. Ensure your peridot or spinel is cut in a way that maximizes its colour and sparkle. The carat weight, meanwhile, impacts the price. The larger the gem, the higher the price tag - but remember, bigger isn't always better. Opt for quality over size.

Peridot and Spinel in Contemporary Jewellery

Peridot and spinel have been gaining traction in the world of contemporary jewellery. Their diverse colours and undeniable charm make them versatile choices for various jewellery designs.

Peridot: A Refreshing Touch

With its lively green hue, peridot breathes a refreshing touch into any jewellery piece. It's often set in gold to enhance its bright colour, making it a fantastic choice for pendants, earrings, and rings.

Spinel: A Spectrum of Possibilities

Antique Victorian 15kt. pink gold ladies bangle with 4.00 ct. spinel, Image courtesy of Mozeris Fine Antiques

The spinel, with its wide range of colours, opens up a world of creative possibilities. Red spinel pairs well with white gold or platinum settings for a classic look, while blue or violet spinel are stunning in silver. Pink spinel, meanwhile, looks exceptionally beautiful in rose gold.

Conclusion

Peridot and Spinel August birthstones are true treasures of nature. With their rich histories, symbolic meanings, and aesthetic appeal, they've captivated gem lovers and August-born individuals alike. Whether you're in the market for these gems or simply fascinated by their allure, understanding their background and properties deepens your appreciation for these beautiful birthstones.

Ultimately, the journey we've taken through the realm of these August birthstones isn't just a tale of gemstones; it's a narrative of culture, history, and the profound connection between humans and the natural world.

FAQs

1. Why are there two birthstones for August?

August is one of the few months that has two birthstones - peridot and spinel. The reason for this could be due to the varying availability, colours, or prices of the gems, giving people more options to choose from.

2. Can I wear my peridot or spinel jewellery daily?

While both peridot and spinel are durable enough for daily wear, they can still be damaged by sharp blows or scratches. It's recommended to remove them when doing heavy-duty work or coming into contact with harsh chemicals.

3. How can I tell if my peridot or spinel is real?

Professional gemmologists can determine a gemstone's authenticity using specialized tools. However, one simple at-home test is the scratch test - real gemstones can't be easily scratched.

4. What's the difference between peridot and emerald?

While both are green gemstones, they differ in colour. Peridot has a distinct olive green colour, while emeralds are a deeper, more vivid green. Moreover, peridots are more affordable and less included than emeralds.

5. Are peridot and spinel expensive?

The price of peridot and spinel can vary greatly based on factors such as colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Generally, peridot is more affordable, while certain colours of spinel, especially red and pink, can be quite expensive.

6. Can peridot and spinel be worn together?

Absolutely! The contrasting colours of peridot and spinel can create an eye-catching combination in a piece of jewellery.

August Birthstones: Peridot and Spinel