Here’s Why Peridot Is More Than Just the Birthstone of August

At this point in the year, it’s not all that likely that retailers are shopping for their August birthstone stock. That certainly doesn’t mean the influx of peridot jewelry they’ll see isn’t helpful—customers in the market for something different might be requesting the store order something not in stock, and a timely editorial might offer a jewel or two to pique their interest.

Consider this one such helpful bit of media, but also, more. Because peridot should get more than one month of a year’s worth of attention—and by that rule, it’s never too late (or too early) to stock some of its most enticing offerings.

At its brightest green, peridot certainly is a gemstone for summer, so its appointment as the birthstone of August is a good one. Paired with the ocean blue of a topaz, or accenting a large turquoise, it cools the sizzle of soaring temperatures, and reigns in popularity as the season’s favorite color combination.

But in the fall, peridot embraces its velvety chartreuse. Paired with a smoky topaz or rusty garnet, or set in rich yellow gold, peridot takes on the color scheme we’ve been waiting to put on since the dog days of summer set it, pumpkin spice latte optional.

And even in the winter—especially in the winter—when our wardrobes get a bit darker, the rainbow assortment of styles a summer’s memory, peridot offers a much-needed pop of color when it feels like the weather will just never be warm again.

In spring, well, what color do we yearn for more in spring than green? Peridot is the perfect antidote to a long, colorless winter, and an excellent holiday gift in anticipation of such a purpose.

It so happens that bright, bold color was one of the most demanded jewelry styles at this year’s JCK Las Vegas show: big cocktail rings, earrings, pendants—if it was bursting with color, it was beloved. Exhibitors, retailers, and their customers alike all seemed to be poised for celebration, and doing it in a big way requires sizeable, colorful jewels. Peridot is in a great position to be one such jewel—its relatively low price compared to some other favored gemstones means you can get more of it, and it’s often seen as the centerpiece on statement rings and earrings. While fine jewelry enthusiasts will appreciate a beautiful gold design, peridot also makes many appearances in sterling silver, lending itself beautifully to the creative whims of many jewelry designers as well as those shopping for something simple on a budget.

Gemstones like sapphire, opal, and diamond often get the most attention for their beauty and versatility, but when you really think about it, peridot might just as well deserve a place among them. After all, is there anything this splashy gemstone can’t do?

Ring in yellow gold with peridot and diamonds, price on request; Gemcolorz 

Signature pendant in 18k white gold with blue topaz, peridot, and diamonds, $4,915; John Atencio 

Earrings in yellow gold with peridot and diamonds, price on request; Vahan 

Parade in Color ring in 18k yellow gold with 21.32 ct. peridot and 0.4 ct. t.w. diamonds, $16,853; Parade

Floral ring in sterling silver with peridot and white zircon, $159; Dallas Prince Designs

Ring in sterling silver with peridot and diamonds, $195; Gabriel & Co. 

Single piercing earring in recycled 14k yellow gold with peridot and white sapphire, $125; Aurelie Gi

Essentially Color ring in 18k white and rose gold with 6.0 ct. peridot and 2.0 cts. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Picchiotti 

Pendant in 18k white gold with 15.15 ct. peridot and 0.775 ct. t.w. diamonds, $5,940; Trésor 

Necklace with peridot beads, available in 16” – 18” and 36”, $180 - $330; Lika Behar

Ring in 18k yellow gold with 11.81 ct. oval peridot, 2.10 cts. t.w. pink sapphires, and 0.37 ct. t.w. diamonds, $23,000; Omi Privé 

Ring in 14k yellow gold with 4.4 ct. peridot and 0.33 ct. t.w. diamonds, $4,795; Effy 

Bead necklace in 14k yellow gold with 30.25 cts. t.w. peridot, $495; EF Collection

Aura collection earrings in 14k yellow gold with 2.05 cts. t.w. peridot and 0.03 ct. t.w. diamonds, $625; Artistry, Ltd.