The best birthstone jewellery for August
- 1/18
The best birthstone jewellery for August
Verdant peridots and scarlet spinels make a special gift for an August birthday. With a lush apple-green hue, peridot is formed in the extreme heat of the Earth’s mantle and delivered to the surface through volcanic movement (or, in very rare cases, in meteorites that have crash-landed from space). Indeed, according to Hawaiian lore, peridots are the hardened tears of Pele, goddess of fire and lightning, and the stone is regularly found in cooled lava flows and along coastlines on the island. The ancient Egyptians dubbed peridot the ‘gem of the sun’, believing it to boost positivity and protect against evil spirits, especially when mounted in gold.
Spinels, too, have been been the subject of mistaken identity throughout history. For centuries, these ‘great imposters’ were believed to be rubies – the most famous example being the ‘Black Prince’s Ruby’ in the Imperial State Crown, which is actually a spectacular 170-carat spinel. Nevertheless, these beautiful gems have been adored by royalty across the world – they possess exceptional brilliance and richness thanks to a high refractive index, and can be found in a rainbow of shades from palest pink through to deep blue and black (though lipstick red is still a popular choice).
Whichever jewel you choose, here are a few of our favourite pieces to delight someone you love.
Paul Zak - 2/18
1) Phoebe Coleman
Sometimes, simple is better. A delicate beaded band is the perfect way to show off this leafy green peridot, and makes this ring brilliantly stackable.
Gold and peridot stacking ring, £125, Phoebe Coleman
Courtesy Phoebe Coleman - 3/18
2) Cassandra Goad
Four pink Madagascan spinels add a splash of fruity colour to this white gold and diamond cocktail ring.
White gold, spinel and diamond ring, £6,690, Cassandra Goad
Courtesy Cassandra Goad 
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- 4/18
3) Pomellato
Pomellato’s signature chunky chain benefits from a rosy new update thanks to three links paved in blush-tinted gemstones.
Rose gold, burnished silver, ruby, spinel and purple sapphire bracelet, £17,100, Pomellato
Courtesy Pomellato - 5/18
4) Harwell Godfrey
The combination of subtle, sea foam-tinted spinels and sapphires in this delicate pendant necklace is sure to appeal to colour minimalists.
Yellow gold, diamond, sapphire and spinel necklace, about £6,811, Harwell Godfrey
Courtesy Harwell Godfrey - 6/18
5) Theo Fennell
A raised ‘trumpet’ setting gives this peridot cocktail ring serious impact.
Yellow gold and peridot ring, from £3,500, Theo Fennell
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- 7/18
6) Diaboli Kill
Setting peridots in graduated shades against blackened gold adds a dash of drama to Diaboli Kill’s climbing earrings.
Black gold and peridot earrings, £2,305, Diaboli Kill
Courtesy Diaboli Kill - 8/18
7) Retrouvai
Backed by a dainty disc of mother-of-pearl, this spinel pendant would make a beautiful addition to any layered-necklace look.
Yellow gold, mother-of-pearl, spinel and diamond pendant, about £4,987, Retrouvai
Courtesy of Retrouvai - 9/18
8) Liv Luttrell
An unusual, super-modern setting makes this stunning oval-cut peridot appear as if it is floating.
Gold and peridot ring, £6,700, Liv Luttrell
Courtesy Liv Luttrell Yahoo News is better in the app
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- 10/18
9) Astley Clarke
Boho fans will adore this stackable bracelet, with black spinel beads and an evil-eye charm.
Black spinel and gold plated silver bracelet, £125, Astley Clarke
Courtesy Astley Clarke - 11/18
10) Kiki McDonough
The jewellery designer Kiki McDonough loves working with luminous peridots, and it’s easy to see why – they add an incredible pop of colour to these classic drop earrings.
Yellow gold, peridot and diamond earrings, £5,900, Kiki McDonough
Courtesy Kiki McDonough - 12/18
11) Anna Sheffield
Looking for a fashion-forward alternative to the classic engagement ring? Try this striking black spinel, with its lacy frame of white diamonds.
Gold, black spinel and diamond ring, about £6,676, Anna Sheffield
Courtesy Anna Sheffield Yahoo News is better in the app
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- 13/18
12) Jade Jagger
Warm yellow gold perfectly sets off these cherry red spinels and shows just why the gem was so beloved by royalty.
Yellow gold, spinel and diamond earrings, £2,700, Jade Jagger at Matchesfashion.com
Courtesy Matchesfashion - 14/18
13) Jacquie Aiche
Who needs a four-leaf clover? This pretty leaf-green peridot ring makes us feel luckier just for looking at it.
Gold and peridot ring, about £1,278, Jacquie Aiche
LAURA LAYERA - 15/18
14) Suzanne Kalan
The perfect accessory for everyday, these black spinel baguettes feel luxurious yet understated.
Rose gold and black spinel ring, about £335, Suzanne Kalan
Courtesy Suzanne Kalan Yahoo News is better in the app
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- 16/18
15) Nak Armstrong
These sparkling spinel earrings would look as chic with a day dress as they would with a satin tuxe. A real ‘buy now, wear for ever’ investment.
Rose gold, pink spinel, ruby, tourmaline, pink opal, zircon and andalusite earrings, £5,275, Nak Armstrong
Courtesy Nak Armstrong - 17/18
16) Cartier
This regal polished spinel and diamond high jewellery necklace is truly fit for a queen.
Platinum, spinel and white diamond necklace, price on request, Cartier
Katel Riou - 18/18
17) Harry Winston
Exquisite pear-cut spinels and white diamonds, paired with a black satin strap, elevate a simple watch into a work of art.
Black spinel and diamond high jewellery watch, price on request, Harry Winton
Courtesy Harry Winston
Juicy-hued spinels and peridots are sure to delight lucky Leos
