Peridot - PER06

The Traditional Birthstone for August: PERIDOT

You don't need a special reason to wear the freshest summer color in the gemstone palette, but if you were born in August or if you are celebrating your 16th wedding anniversary, peridot carries special significance.             

Peridot is the perfect gemstone for August. It is light and airy - call it "summery." Peridot adds the fresh look of summer to any outfit, particularly the bright pastels so popular on the fashion runways this season. Compared to more saturated tones like deep emerald or crimson ruby, there is an informality about peridot that adds to the lightness of the season. It is also more affordable than those gems. That said, a large, highly saturated peridot can be rare and expensive. Peridot is also the gemstone designated to celebrate the 16th wedding anniversary. But don't be restricted by these formalities - peridot is perfect any time!

The largest and most beautiful samples of peridot come from the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Peridot is also found in Myanmar, China, the U.S., Africa, Australia, and recently in Vietnam. Typical size range is from one to five carats. Large crystals of forsterite, the variety most often used to cut peridot, are not as common.