If you are searching for the perfect August birthstone, you might be surprised to learn that this month offers three stunning options rather than just one. August joins June and December as the only months with multiple official birthstones, giving those born in the final month of the Australian winter a rare freedom of choice. Peridot, spinel, and sardonyx each bring a distinct personality to the jewellery box, from the vivid lime - green glow of peridot to the regal crimson of spinel and the earthy, banded warmth of sardonyx.
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At The Diamond Club in Joondalup, Perth, we work with all three August birthstones and help clients navigate the differences in durability, colour, and style. This guide walks you through each stone’s unique qualities, how to wear them in the Australian climate, and what to look for when buying locally. By the end, you will know exactly which August birthstone suits your lifestyle and wardrobe, and how to keep it looking its best for years to come.
The Three Official August Birthstones: A Quick Overview
August is one of only three months on the modern birthstone calendar to claim a trio of gems, a distinction shared with June and December. The primary and most widely recognised August birthstone is peridot, a gem with a history stretching back thousands of years. In 2016, spinel was officially added to the list by the American Gem Trade Association and Jewellers of America, giving August-born Australians a harder, more durable option for everyday jewellery. Sardonyx, the original August birthstone from ancient Roman and Greek traditions, rounds out the trio with a history spanning more than four millennia.
Visually, the three stones could hardly be more different. Peridot delivers a signature lime-to-olive green that ranges from pale, almost translucent tones to deep, grassy saturation. Spinel surprises many buyers with its versatility: it appears in rich ruby reds, soft pastel pinks, cool lavender, and even cobalt blue. Sardonyx offers something entirely distinct with its layered bands of white, brown, and reddish-orange, giving it a grounded, organic feel. In the Australian market, peridot remains the most requested August birthstone, but spinel is steadily gaining ground, particularly among couples seeking a colourful and durable alternative for engagement rings. Its hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale makes it significantly tougher than peridot, which sits at a more modest 6.5 to 7.
Peridot – The Primary August Birthstone
Why Peridot is the Most Recognised August Birthstone
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, formed deep in the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. What makes peridot genuinely remarkable is its extraterrestrial connection: it is one of the few gemstones found in pallasite meteorites, nickel-iron masses studded with olivine crystals that travelled to Earth from space. This cosmic origin gives peridot a story no other birthstone can claim.
The most desirable peridot colour is a pure, vivid grass green without any hint of yellow or brown. Stones with olive or brownish undertones are more common and less valuable, so Australian buyers should look for even saturation and a bright, lively tone. Historically, peridot has been confused with other green gems. The ancient Egyptian island of Zabargad, known in antiquity as Topazios, produced peridot as early as 340 BCE, and some gem historians speculate that Cleopatra’s legendary emerald collection may have actually been peridot sourced from this very island. Zabargad earned grim nicknames like "Island of Death" and "Ophiodes," meaning snake island, due to the harsh conditions miners endured there.
How to Style Peridot Jewellery
Peridot’s bright, zesty green makes it a natural companion to the Australian summer palette. It pops beautifully against neutral tones such as cream linen, beige, and crisp white, and it adds a fresh accent to navy or tan leather. For those who spend warm evenings by the coast, a peridot pendant worn against sun-kissed skin creates an effortless, understated look.
When choosing a jewellery type, consider peridot’s moderate hardness. At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, it is softer than sapphire, ruby, or diamond and can scratch or abrade with daily wear. Pendants and earrings are the safest choices, as they experience far less contact and impact than rings. If you have your heart set on a peridot ring, ask your jeweller about protective settings. A bezel setting, which wraps metal around the entire circumference of the stone, or a halo design that surrounds the peridot with smaller diamonds, can shield it from knocks and extend its life. This is especially relevant for active lifestyles in Perth, where outdoor living and hands-on activities are part of the daily rhythm.
Peridot also pairs well with yellow gold, which warms the green and enhances its glow. White gold or platinum settings create a cooler, more contemporary contrast that suits modern minimalist tastes. For a uniquely Australian touch, consider pairing peridot with champagne or cognac diamonds in a custom design that echoes the colours of the local landscape.
Caring for Your Peridot in the Australian Climate
Peridot requires mindful care, and the Australian climate presents specific challenges. The stone is vulnerable to thermal shock, meaning sudden temperature changes can cause it to crack. On a hot Perth day, avoid wearing peridot jewellery when jumping into a cold pool or the ocean. The rapid shift from heat to cold water is a genuine risk for this gem.
Peridot is also sensitive to acids, including acidic perspiration. If you wear a peridot ring on a humid day, wipe it down afterwards with a soft, damp cloth. Never clean peridot with steam or ultrasonic cleaners, as these methods can damage the stone. The safest approach is warm, soapy water and a soft brush, followed by gentle drying with a lint-free cloth. When storing peridot pieces, keep them separate from harder gems like diamonds or sapphires, which can easily scratch the softer stone. A fabric-lined jewellery box with individual compartments is ideal.
Spinel – The Modern August Birthstone
Why Spinel is a Rising Star in Australian Jewellery
Spinel was officially added as an August birthstone in 2016, but its history of mistaken identity goes back centuries. For generations, red spinel was confused with ruby, and some of the world’s most famous "rubies" are actually spinel. The 170-carat Black Prince’s Ruby, set in the British Imperial State Crown, is the most famous example: it is a magnificent red spinel, not a ruby at all.
With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, spinel is significantly tougher than peridot and well-suited to daily wear. It comes in a remarkable colour range, from deep crimson and hot pink to soft lavender, slate blue, and even black. For Australian buyers, spinel offers a compelling alternative for engagement rings or everyday pieces that need to withstand an active lifestyle. The soft pinkish-orange shade known as "maize" pink has become particularly popular in recent years, offering a romantic and distinctive look that stands apart from traditional diamond solitaires.
Styling Spinel for Day and Night
Red spinel behaves like ruby in a jewellery setting, and it pairs magnificently with yellow or rose gold for evening elegance. A red spinel pendant on a fine gold chain adds a confident pop of colour to a little black dress, while red spinel stud earrings bring warmth to the face without overwhelming. For a more modern contrast, set red spinel in white gold or platinum, where the cool metal sharpens the stone’s fiery glow.
Pastel pink and lavender spinels are trending strongly in the Australian market, particularly for stackable rings and minimalist necklaces. These softer shades suit the "less is more" aesthetic popular in Perth, where clean lines and understated luxury dominate. A slim rose gold band set with a row of tiny pastel spinels can be worn alone or stacked with other rings for a personalised look. Spinel’s natural brilliance means it holds its own even in small sizes, making it an excellent choice for delicate, everyday pieces.
Rose gold settings are a strong seller across Australia, and spinel’s colour range harmonises beautifully with the warm, blush tones of this metal. Whether you choose a vivid red or a whisper-soft lavender, rose gold adds a romantic, contemporary feel that appeals to a broad range of tastes.
Care Notes for Spinel
Spinel is a tough gemstone, but it is not indestructible. It can chip along sharp edges if subjected to hard impacts, so remove spinel rings before contact sports, rock climbing, or heavy manual work. Unlike peridot, spinel is generally safe for ultrasonic cleaning, though you should avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Warm soapy water and a soft brush remain the safest and most reliable method. Spinel handles the Australian heat without any special climate concerns, making it a low-maintenance choice for everyday wear.
Sardonyx – The Original August Birthstone
A Stone with 4,000 Years of History
Long before peridot and spinel entered the birthstone conversation, sardonyx held the title of August’s gem. This banded variety of chalcedony, with its distinctive layers of white, brown, and reddish-orange, has been prized for more than four thousand years. Ancient Romans carved sardonyx into cameos and signet rings, believing the stone conferred courage and protection in battle. Its name combines "sard," referring to the reddish-brown layers, and "onyx," the white bands that create its characteristic striped appearance.
Sardonyx carries a distinctly vintage, masculine energy that sets it apart from the brighter, more colourful peridot and spinel. It has long been associated with strength and stability, making it a meaningful choice for August-born men or anyone drawn to jewellery with historical weight.
How to Wear Sardonyx Today
Sardonyx finds its most natural home in men’s jewellery. A sardonyx signet ring set in matte gold or sterling silver makes a strong, classic statement that never feels dated. Cufflinks featuring polished sardonyx discs add a refined touch to formal attire, while a simple sardonyx pendant on a leather cord suits a more relaxed, bohemian aesthetic.
The stone’s earthy palette pairs effortlessly with brown leather, khaki, denim, and other natural textures. Matte gold finishes complement sardonyx particularly well, enhancing its organic, grounded feel without competing for attention. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, sardonyx is durable enough for everyday wear and significantly more affordable than peridot or spinel. It is an excellent choice for those who want a birthstone piece they can wear without constant worry.
August Birthstone Buying Guide for Australians
Quality Factors to Look For
When shopping for peridot, prioritise vivid green colour without brownish or yellowish tints. Inclusions are common in peridot, so eye-clean stones, those without visible flaws to the naked eye, command a premium. For spinel, colour saturation is the primary value driver. Rich reds and cobalt blues are the most valuable, while pastel pinks and lavenders offer beauty at a more accessible price point. With sardonyx, look for sharp, even banding and a high polish that brings out the contrast between layers.
Price Ranges and Value in AUD
Peridot is generally an affordable gemstone. Good-quality peridot set in sterling silver typically ranges from $50 to $300, while larger, eye-clean stones in gold settings can reach $500 and above. Spinel pricing varies dramatically depending on colour and saturation. Small pastel spinels in simple settings may start around $200, but vivid red or cobalt blue spinels of significant size can run into several thousand dollars. Sardonyx is the most budget-friendly of the three, with well-cut pieces typically priced between $30 and $150.
Where to Buy in Perth
Buying your August birthstone from a local manufacturing jeweller offers distinct advantages. At The Diamond Club in Joondalup, you can examine stones in person, which is especially important for peridot, as its colour can shift significantly on screen compared to real life. A local jeweller can also customise settings to your exact preferences, whether that means a protective bezel for a peridot ring or a bespoke spinel engagement design. Avoid relying solely on online retailers for coloured gemstones; the variation between digital images and reality can be substantial. When purchasing, always ask about Australian warranty terms and resizing policies, particularly for rings that may need adjustment over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About the August Birthstone
What colour is the August birthstone? The primary colour is green, thanks to peridot, but August birthstones also include red and pink from spinel and banded brown, white, and orange from sardonyx. Your choice depends entirely on your personal style.
Is peridot expensive? Peridot is generally affordable compared to sapphire or emerald, but large, eye-clean stones with vivid grass-green colour can be valuable. Most peridot jewellery sits in an accessible price range.
Can I wear peridot every day? Peridot is not recommended for daily ring wear due to its moderate hardness. It is far better suited to pendants and earrings. If you want an August birthstone for everyday wear, spinel is the stronger choice.
What does the August birthstone mean? Peridot has long symbolised protection and joy, and was once worn as a talisman against evil spirits. Spinel represents energy and revitalisation, while sardonyx stands for courage and strength, virtues prized by Roman soldiers who carried it into battle.
Visit The Diamond Club in Joondalup, Perth
We invite you to explore the full range of August birthstones in person at our Joondalup showroom. Whether you are drawn to the vivid green of peridot, the brilliance of spinel, or the timeless character of sardonyx, our team can guide you through the options and create a custom piece that reflects your style. Book a consultation with our manufacturing jewellers to find your perfect August birthstone piece, designed and crafted right here in Perth.