The August birthstone has undergone changes over the years. Originally, the birthstone for August was Sardonyx, a variety of onyx that features bands of sard (shades of red) and white. This was the accepted birthstone until around the early 20th century when peridot became known as an alternate August birthstone. Over time, peridot gained popularity and acceptance as the primary August birthstone, replacing sardonyx. However, sardonyx is still considered by some to be an August birthstone, along with peridot.
Peridot’s rise to prominence as the August birthstone is tied to its discovery and availability. While sardonyx was used in antiquity, peridot was relatively rare until large deposits were discovered in the 20th century, making it more accessible. Its vivid green color also helped it gain favor as a birthstone. The switch was gradual but peridot is now universally recognized as the primary August birthstone today.
History of August Birthstones
The idea of birthstones – precious stones associated with each month – dates back thousands of years. Various ancient cultures, like the Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans assigned certain stones to different months, believing they had mystical powers or spiritual meaning. These varied over time and between cultures. It wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that the modern list of birthstones became standardized.
In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers released an official list of modern birthstones, including sardonyx as the August birthstone. Sardonyx had been considered the August birthstone since ancient times. This variety of onyx has parallel bands of sard (shades of red to reddish-brown) and white quartz. The red layers create a striking contrast against the white. Due to its bold patterns and colors, sardonyx was associated with courage, happiness, and clear communication.
Peridot was also known to ancient civilizations but was extremely rare until the early 1900s. This luminous green gemstone is formed deep inside the earth’s mantle and gets brought to the surface by volcanoes. For centuries, the only known source was an island in the Red Sea called Zabargad or St John’s Island. But around the turn of the 20th century, large deposits were discovered in the United States (Arizona), Pakistan, China, Myanmar, and Australia, making peridot more accessible.
With its bright green hues and affordability, peridot quickly caught on as a stylish gemstone for jewelry. Jewelers began promoting it as an alternative August birthstone to sardonyx, and it gained acceptance over the next few decades. By 1952, the American National Association of Jewelers updated their official list, naming peridot as the primary birthstone for August, with sardonyx as a secondary option. This cemented peridot’s status as the go-to August birthstone.
Modern August Birthstones
Today, peridot is universally recognized as the August birthstone, having official status with jewelry organizations in the US and internationally. Its vivid light green color is associated with renewal, growth, peace, and wellbeing – fitting symbolism for late summer. Peridot’s signature green tones beautifully complement August’s birth flower, the gladiolus.
While sardonyx is still considered an August birthstone, peridot is much more widely used. Peridot is afforded more flexibility in jewelry settings, working well in anything from vintage to modern styles. From petite stud earrings to elaborate cocktail rings, peridot offers versatility. Its medium hardness (6.5-7 on the Mohs scale) also makes it suitable for almost any type of jewelry.
Sardonyx remains a sentimental option for those born in August who prefer an old-world traditional birthstone. Its bold reddish-brown and white bands can make dramatic statement pieces, but the stone’s softness (6-7 on the Mohs scale) means it requires protective settings and delicate handling. Sardonyx works best for necklaces, bracelets, and low-impact rings.
Those born in August are spoiled with choice when it comes to birthstone options. Peridot’s sparkling green radiance has understandable appeal as the primary birthstone. But sardonyx’s classic elegance also makes it a meaningful, historically-rooted choice. August-born individuals can opt for peridot, sardonyx, or both birthstones together for a visually striking combination.
| Birthstone | Color | Meaning | Price Range | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Lime green | Growth, renewal | $50 – $80 per carat | 6.5 – 7 |
| Sardonyx | Reddish-brown bands on white | Happiness, courage | $50 – $100 per carat | 6 – 7 |
Reasons for the Transition
The switch from sardonyx to peridot as the primary August birthstone was driven by both symbolic meaning and availability.
On the meaning front, peridot’s verdant green color nicely represents the last bursts of summer growth before autumn arrives. Its association with renewal and good fortune fit well with late summer’s bounty. While sardonyx has historic connections to August, peridot’s themes resonated with the modern psyche.
More impactfully, peridot deposits discovered in the early 1900s made the gemstone widely available for the first time. While sardonyx has always been abundant, peridot was extremely rare until large quantities became accessible around the turn of the century. This allowed August-born buyers to readily acquire peridot, whereas the stone had been unattainable luxury before.
Affordability was another key factor. While fine sardonyx can be costly, most peridot gemstones on the market are under $100 even for multi-carat stones. This made peridot more viable for everyday jewelry purchases. Sardonyx maintains value but requires high-quality specimens for ideal beauty, pushing cost higher. For budget-friendly birthstone jewelry, peridot delivered a bright, attractive option.
August-born generations coming of age at the dawn of the 20th century found peridot’s lush green hues and improved availability irresistible. Its rise made sense symbolically, aesthetically, and economically. While sardonyx retains August birthstone status, peridot won over jewelers and jewelry customers to become the gemstone most identify with August.
Peridot vs Sardonyx
Beyond shifts in meaning and availability, peridot and sardonyx each have their own distinctive traits as August birthstones:
Color
– Peridot radiates with vivid lime green and olive tones. Its striking green is its signature and most prized feature.
– Sardonyx combines bands of reddish-brown sard with white quartz layers, creating a bold striped effect.
Clarity
– Peridot is typically eye-clean. Inclusions are occasionally present but not detracting.
– Sardonyx is relatively free of inclusions though banding may affect perceived clarity.
Cut
– Peridot’s commonly cut into round, oval, emerald, marquise, and cushion shapes.
– Sardonyx traditional cabochon cuts display its signature banding best.
Settings
– Peridot suits everyday styles like solitaires, three-stone rings, and versatile earrings.
– Sardonyx makes bold statement pieces like oversized cabochons. Also suits engraving.
Price
– Fine quality peridot is readily available under $200 per carat.
– Sardonyx can surpass $500 per carat for banded material with fine color contrast.
Origins
– Most peridot today comes from Arizona, China, Pakistan, and Myanmar.
– India produces the most sardonyx, followed by Germany, Czech Republic, Brazil, and the US.
Meaning
– Peridot symbolizes renewal, growth, peace, and wellness.
– Sardonyx represents courage, happiness, and clear communication.
August babies have two distinct and meaningful birthstone options in peridot and sardonyx. Peridot has cemented itself as today’s primary August birthstone, but sardonyx still makes a sentimental, traditional choice.
How to Choose an August Birthstone
Those born in August are in a great position to pick between two historically-rooted birthstones or even select both. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between peridot and sardonyx:
– Budget – If cost is a main concern, peridot is the clear choice. Fine quality sardonyx over 5 carats can surpass $500 while similar peridot is under $200.
– Color Preferences – If drawn to vivid greens, peridot’s bright tones are a perfect match. For those who love red hues, sardonyx’s bands of sard bring that in.
– Jewelry Style – Peridot suits every type of jewelry from solitaires to tennis bracelets. Sardonyx makes bold cabochon statement pieces best.
– Lifestyle – Peridot’s durability makes it ideal for daily wear. Delicate sardonyx is better for selective wear in lower-impact settings.
– Meaning – Pick peridot if themes of renewal and growth resonate. Select sardonyx for links to courage and communication.
– Tradition – Those drawn to birthstone lore may favor sardonyx as August’s original. Peridot lovers can choose it as the modern pick.
The great news is August babies don’t have to limit themselves to just one birthstone! Many jewelry designs incorporate both sardonyx and peridot for a stunning duo. Mixing the red-brown, white, and green tones creates eye-catching combinations.
Conclusion
While sardonyx was August’s traditional birthstone dating back to ancient times, peridot became established as the primary August birthstone by the mid-1900s. Peridot’s rise was fueled by both the discovery of large gemstone deposits in the early 1900s making it widely available as well as the appeal of its vivid green tones. Its affordability compared to fine sardonyx also helped elevate it to popularity. While sardonyx maintains August birthstone status, peridot is recognized as August’s signature birthstone today and used for most August birthstone jewelry. Those born in August are lucky to have two beautiful, meaningful gemstones to choose from to celebrate their birth month.
