August's Double Blessing: Celebrating Peridot and Spinel

August babies are truly fortunate – they have not one, but two stunning birthstones to call their own! Whether you're drawn to the sunny glow of peridot or the vibrant brilliance of spinel, both gems offer unique beauty and fascinating stories that span centuries.

Peridot: The Evening Emerald

Peridot's distinctive olive-green color has captivated jewelry lovers for over 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians called it "the gem of the sun," believing it protected its wearer from nightmares and evil spirits. Cleopatra's famous emerald collection may have actually included peridot – the two gems were often confused in ancient times due to their similar green hues.

What makes peridot truly special is that it's one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color. While the intensity can vary from yellow-green to brownish-green, that warm, golden-green glow is peridot's signature. This beautiful gem forms deep within the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity – some peridot has even been found in meteorites!

Styling Your Peridot

Peridot's warm green tone pairs beautifully with both yellow and white metals. For brides, peridot makes a meaningful addition to wedding jewelry – perhaps as accent stones in an engagement ring setting or as elegant earrings for the rehearsal dinner. The gem's fresh, natural color complements both vintage and modern designs.

For everyday wear, peridot jewelry adds a pop of color that works beautifully with earth tones, navy, and cream. Stack a delicate peridot ring with your wedding band or let peridot earrings brighten up a simple white blouse.

Spinel: The Great Imposter

Spinel has one of the most fascinating histories in the gem world. For centuries, many famous "rubies" were actually red spinel! The 170-carat "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Crown Jewels and the 398-carat "Timur Ruby" are both magnificent red spinels that fooled royalty for generations.

This remarkable gem comes in an amazing array of colors – from the classic "ruby" red to gorgeous pinks, purples, blues, and even rare blacks. Unlike many gemstones, spinel is rarely treated, meaning the beautiful colors you see are exactly as nature created them.

Why Spinel Deserves Recognition

Spinel ranks 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it an excellent choice for daily-wear jewelry. Its brilliance rivals that of ruby and sapphire, but often at a more accessible price point. For couples seeking something unique for their engagement ring, a pink or lavender spinel can be absolutely breathtaking.

Styling Your Spinel

Red spinel pairs magnificently with both white and yellow gold, while pink and lavender varieties look stunning in rose gold settings. For brides, consider spinel as an alternative center stone or as colorful accent gems. The variety of colors means there's a spinel to complement any wedding theme or personal style.

For everyday elegance, spinel jewelry transitions seamlessly from office to evening. A pair of pink spinel studs adds just the right touch of color, while a spinel pendant can become your signature piece.

Caring for Your August Birthstones

Both peridot and spinel are relatively durable, but they deserve gentle care to maintain their beauty:

For Peridot:

• Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steamers, as peridot can be sensitive to rapid temperature changes
• Store separately to prevent scratching from harder gemstones
• Remove before exercising or doing household chores

For Spinel:

• Clean with warm, soapy water or use an ultrasonic cleaner (spinel is quite durable)
• Steam cleaning is generally safe for spinel
• Store in individual soft pouches to prevent scratching
• Spinel's durability makes it suitable for everyday wear

The Perfect Gift

Whether you're celebrating an August birthday, an anniversary, or simply want to add something special to your jewelry collection, both peridot and spinel offer timeless beauty with rich histories. These gems remind us that nature's artistry comes in many forms – from the sunny optimism of peridot to the regal elegance of spinel.

At our store, we love helping families find the perfect piece that will be treasured for generations. If you're considering peridot or spinel jewelry, we'd be delighted to show you our collection and help you discover which of August's beautiful birthstones speaks to your heart.

Visit us in-store to see our selection of peridot and spinel jewelry, from delicate everyday pieces to stunning bridal designs. We're here to help you find something as unique and special as the August celebrant in your life.