First published 30th July 2019 and updated 20th August 2026
Peridot is a yellowish-green to green gemstone and one of the traditional birthstones associated with August. It is the gem-quality variety of olivine, coloured naturally by iron, and measures 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Peridot ranges from yellow-green through olive to richer grass-green shades and is particularly attractive when paired with white diamonds.
Peridot at a glance
| Property | Peridot |
|---|---|
| Birth month | August |
| Mineral | Olivine |
| Chemical composition | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Colour | Yellow-green to green |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 |
| Main colour-causing element | Iron |
| Common cuts | Round, oval, pear, cushion |
| Jewellery suitability | Pendants, earrings and carefully worn rings |
| Cleaning | Warm water, mild soap and soft brush |
What colour is Peridot?
Peridot ranges from yellow-green and olive tones through to brighter grass-green shades. Its colour comes from iron within the crystal structure rather than trace impurities introduced into an otherwise colourless mineral.
How do you pronounce peridot?
In British English, peridot is commonly pronounced “peri-dot”. An alternative “peri-doh” pronunciation is also used, particularly in North America.
Olivine’s colour variations range from yellow to brownish-green. It originates from volcanic sources and often appears in rock as crystals. The colour of Olivine results from Iron within the crystal. Peridot is the gem-quality variety of olivine, a magnesium-iron silicate. Its green colour comes from iron within the crystal structure.
Peridot is available in many sizes and shapes and is generally more affordable than many other coloured gemstones. Its olive-to-vivid green colour also contrasts beautifully with white diamonds.
The history of Peridot
One of the most important ancient sources of peridot was a volcanic island in the Red Sea, once known as Topazios and today called St. John’s Island or Zabargad.
These ancient Egyptian gemstones were revered as the “gem of the sun” for their believed power to protect wearers from nighttime fears. Some historians suggest that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection might have been peridot.
Through the medieval era, peridot and emerald were often confused. Even the gemstones adorning shrines in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, initially believed to be emeralds, were peridots.
In the 1990s, peridots experienced a resurgence when new deposits were found in Pakistan, producing some of the finest peridots ever discovered, including stunning “Kashmir peridots” measuring over 100 carats.
Arizona’s San Carlos Apache Reservation has long been an important source of commercial peridot, while other significant deposits occur in China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania and Vietnam.
With this abundance, peridots have become an affordable and beautiful birthstone option for those born in August. Embrace the legacy of peridot jewellery and discover its timeless charm for yourself.
Peridot meaning, symbolism and traditional beliefs
Peridot’s meaning derives from historical traditions, or folklore. As a result, many relate this beautiful gemstone to concepts of renewal, prosperity, protection, light and good fortune. Peridot was believed to protect against evil spirits and ward off “terrors of the night.”
Is peridot suitable for an engagement ring?
Peridot can be set into an engagement ring, but it requires more care than diamond, ruby or sapphire. With a hardness of 6.5–7, it can scratch or chip during everyday wear. For a frequently worn ring, we recommend choosing a protective setting and removing the ring during manual work. Peridot is particularly well suited to earrings, pendants and occasional-wear rings.
How to choose a good Peridot
What should you look for when choosing a Peridot?
When you buy a Peridot, the following aspects should be considered.
Colour – richer pure greens are generally preferred; too much brown is less desirable.
Clarity – eye-clean stones are readily available.
Cut – good cutting makes a huge difference to brightness.
Size – good-quality material is available in meaningful sizes without diamond-level prices.
Origin – fine stones can come from several locations, so origin shouldn’t automatically determine quality.
Treatment – peridot is unusual in that it is rarely treated.
Is a AAA Peridot the best choice?
GIA specifically notes that there is no universal AAA/AA/A grading system for peridot. Furthermore, claims such as “unheated peridot” aren’t especially meaningful because heating isn’t normally used to improve it.
How to care for Peridot jewellery
Based on our experience at Serendipity Diamonds, we recommend a soft brush and warm soapy water to clean Peridot jewellery. We advise clients against using ultrasonic cleaning to prevent damage from thermal shock.
Within our workshop, we refinish Peridot jewellery with great care and avoid contact with abrasive polishing compounds which can damage gemstone facets. As a result, we lightly polish ring claws and avoid contact with the gemstone as much as possible.
In instances where Peridots show excessive wear, we can replace old Peridot with new to restore the appearance of the original ring. Owing to the affordable cost of Peridot, the cost impact to clients is usually minimal.
Why choose Peridot as the birthstone for August?
Like so many other popular birthstones, Peridot makes a wonderful gift for anyone celebrating an August birthday. A loose gemstone makes a great gift ready to work into a bespoke commission. Most importantly, it is possible to arrange this at a later date based on the recipient’s tastes. Alternatively, choose ready-made Peridot jewellery to present on the person’s birthday.
We carry a small limited-edition selection of gemstones in our shop ready for making into bespoke designs.
Other types of Peridot jewellery perfect for August
Another application for this gemstone is a necklace. Halo necklace designs, or solitaire necklace styles lend themselves well to Peridot—especially suited to August celebrations. Below we see an example of a necklace typically made with diamond. This alternative design suits most gemstone styles, but appears here with a round cut Peridot held within an elongated tapering necklace design.
Peridot eternity rings for an August wedding anniversary
Moreover, one of our final suggestions alternates Peridot with diamond. As a result, a beautiful contrast results between the diamond’s icy whiteness and the gemstone’s moss-green colouration. Our example shows a bespoke eternity ring styled this way—hand-crafted in 18ct Yellow Gold.
Claw set bespoke Peridot and diamond claw set half eternity ring
Pear and Diamond Birthstone necklace
One example from our collection is this delicate 9ct Yellow Gold necklace. The Peridot weighs 0.57cts, measuring 7 x 5 mm. This beautiful gemstone has been set alongside an accent of white diamonds flowing around the pear-shaped gemstone – Arriving with an extendable 16″ – 18″ Trace chain. View on our website.
Which metals look best with Peridot?
Most precious metals work well with Peridot. Yellow Gold provides warmth and richness and pairs very well. White Gold and Platinum offer a neutral colour giving greater contrast with the rich green colouration of Peridot. Rose Gold offers an unusual contrast, combining warm pink tones with the fresh green colour of Peridot.
Why do diamonds pair well with Peridot?
Diamonds contrast beautifully with many gemstones, including Peridot. At Serendipity Diamonds, we advise clients to alternate Peridot with diamonds. For example, across a half or fully-set eternity ring.
An eternity ring set entirely with peridot creates a continuous sweep of green, while alternating peridot with diamonds adds greater sparkle and colour contrast.
Other types of Peridot jewellery from the Serendipity showroom
At Serendipity Diamonds, we regularly make items of Peridot jewellery for different occasions. Many visitors to our store look for affordable items suitable for daily wear. For example, we created a Peridot bead bracelet alternating with Bronzite beads. At just £25.00 the bracelet makes a wonderful and affordable gift for an August birthday, suitable for both men and women.
View our Peridot and Bronzite gemstone bracelet on the Isle of Wight Jewellery website.
About Mark Johnson
Mark founded Isle of Wight jewellers Serendipity Diamonds in 2007 after a career in the polished diamonds industry. Today he works in the Serendipity showroom, helping clients with jewellery, creating handmade designs and updating their two jewellery websites SerendipityDiamonds.com and Isle-of-Wight-Jewellery.co.uk
