It’s been a year since spinel was added to August’s birthstone line up. Those celebrating a birthday during the eighth calendar month now have three gemstone choices: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel.
Spinel
Blue spinel by Gem 2000.
For those who are still unfamiliar with spinel, it is often assumed to be other gemstones, like ruby or sapphire. Cobalt blue, like the one above, is one of the most desired colors. But it can be found in a variety of colors, such as the much coveted red, as well as black, violet blue, greenish blue, grayish, pale pink, mauve, yellow or brown. Spinel can also be found in various cuts, like octagons, trillions, squares, rounds and fancy shapes, like ovals, pears, and cushions.
No matter what the shape, spinel is spectacular! Take a look at these designs by our AGS members. Click on the images for a closer view.
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- The Kalmia bracelet by Yael Designs features opal cabochons accented with pink spinel.
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- Affinity bracelet by Coffin & Trout Fine Jewellers, featuring multi-colored spinel and round brilliant cut diamonds.
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- Emerald cut purple spinel, pink and white diamond ring by Omi Prive.
Peridot
Peridot by Gem 2000.
The verdant peridot is the gemstone most commonly associated with August. Peridot’s recognizable green hue could sometimes vary from yellowish-green to olive to brownish green, contingent on how much iron is present. Yet the finest peridot is a brilliant green without any hints of brown or yellow.
Our AGS members will help you find the perfect peridot for you! Click on the images for a closer view.
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- Hand-hammered Fiddlehead earrings by Ed Levin Jewelry featuring peridot in the center.
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- Peridot and sterling sliver ring by Michael Schofield & Co.
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- Oval checkerboard peridot and diamond neck piece by Parle.
Sardonyx
Since as far back as Roman times, sardonyx has been highly valued as a stone representing strength, courage, happiness, and clear communication.
The unique reddish, zebra-striped banding of sardonyx stands out beautifully when the stone is smoothed, so it is often cut in cabochon and worn as beads or featured in an eye-catching pendant or ring.
Sardonyx makes a great gift for those born in August who want something a little different than the traditional birthstone. Readily available and relatively inexpensive, sardonyx makes an affordable addition to anyone’s collection.
If you’d like to add spinel, peridot, or sardonyx to your jewelry wardrobe, contact a credentialed AGS jeweler near you!
Well Informative about Spine! I am on the hunt for a reddish pink spinel and may have found one. I know that spinels are very popular on PS – for those that have one already – Does it perform well in most lighting conditions? And how is the sparkle factor? Sorry for the pretty basic questions but I am pretty new to colored stones.
Hello Anny — thanks for reaching out to us! We recommend contacting a credentialed AGS jeweler near you, and ask them if they can show you some varieties of spinel, like different colors and cuts. That way you can see for yourself how they look under different lighting and how much they sparkle. You may use our online search tool to find an AGS jeweler in your area: https://www.americangemsociety.org/en/find-a-jeweler.