Belief in birthstones and the qualities and characteristics which they bring the wearer, such as wisdom, courage and good health, has been renowned across the world since ancient times and it is a concept which is still popular today. At Haywards we believe birthstones can add colour, character and meaning to a piece, but which birthstone is significant to you? For those who are born in August you’re fortunate enough to have two birthstones: peridot and sardonyx.
So why are those born in August lucky enough to have both peridot and sardonyx as birthstones? One factor is due to changing traditions, but the most significant reason is the increased demand for birthstones. Due to their rarity and value birthstones were often difficult to obtain, as a result multiple birthstones were introduced for certain months, allowing more people the chance to acquire them. At Haywards we source all our gemstones specifically for each person, creating gifts which are unique to you and your loved one. Both peridot and sardonyx are beautiful gemstones, with very different colours, characteristics and history; which birthstone resonates with you and your loved one the most?
Nicknamed by the Ancient Egyptians ‘gem of the sun’, peridot comes in a variety of green colours with the most desired peridot colour being a pale green. The first known mining of peridot was by Ancient Egyptians over four thousand years ago from a deposit on a small island in the Red Sea called Zabargad. Those deposits have long been diminished and today peridot deposits are mined in Arizona, China, Myanmar and in the region of Kashmir, which is famous for producing peridots of a rich green colour. Throughout history peridot has been said to dispel evil spirits and protect the wearer from illusion, but in contemporary society it is associated with love and is known to be the perfect gift for a couple’s 16th anniversary. Peridot’s green colour is perfect to compliment a light summer wardrobe, as well as making any piece of jewellery including necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings and rings, dazzle.
Despite being a stark contrast to peridot, sardonyx is also an August birthstone, and is a form of onyx with red and white coloured bands rather than black. Throughout history its primary use has been in cameos, with it’s varying red and white coloured layers creating an interesting carving. A gemstone that has long been regarded as a stone of strength and protection, Ancient Greeks and Romans believed carrying sardonyx talismans into battle, engraved with heroes such as Mars or Hercules, guaranteed a glorious victory. Yet in Renaissance Europe people believed that sardonyx gave those making speeches eloquence and confidence. Today sardonyx is mined in many places across the world but it is widely acknowledged that India yields the most precious sardonyx, which is perfect in pieces of jewellery such as pendants and rings.
At Haywards we believe using birthstones is a brilliant way to add colour and personality to a piece of jewellery as well as giving it personal significance. As bespoke jewellers we provide design and practical advice but ultimately it is your choice; which unique birthstone will you choose to create a piece of jewellery which is stunning as well as meaningful to you or your loved one? Make an appointment by calling 2545-4400 or emailing bespoke@haywards.com.hk and come into our studio on 233 Hollywood Road to start the bespoke experience now.
It’s July, and this month’s birthstone is a particularly coveted gemstone, the ruby. For centuries the ruby has been considered the ‘king of gems’ and was desired by many kings and emperors of the past. The fiery red colour of rubies represent the sizzling heat of July, and reflect the past and present belief that …
Sapphire, the birthstone of September, is most desired in its pure, rich blue colour but is available in almost every colour including pink, yellow and green. In the Middle Ages the gem was believed to protect those close to you from harm and also represented loyalty and trust. Sapphires are among the most durable naturally …
June is one of only two months that has three birthstones associated with it, giving the lucky people born in June a choice of gemstones between pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Alexandrite Often described as emerald by day and ruby by night, alexandrite is a rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl which changes in colour in …
The Meaning and History of Sapphire. The sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word ““saphirus” and the Greek word “sapheiros,” both meaning blue. Some also believe that the name sapphire is derived from its association with the planet Saturn. Sapphire is a precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum. It …
August: the month of Peridot and Sardonyx
Belief in birthstones and the qualities and characteristics which they bring the wearer, such as wisdom, courage and good health, has been renowned across the world since ancient times and it is a concept which is still popular today. At Haywards we believe birthstones can add colour, character and meaning to a piece, but which birthstone is significant to you? For those who are born in August you’re fortunate enough to have two birthstones: peridot and sardonyx.
So why are those born in August lucky enough to have both peridot and sardonyx as birthstones? One factor is due to changing traditions, but the most significant reason is the increased demand for birthstones. Due to their rarity and value birthstones were often difficult to obtain, as a result multiple birthstones were introduced for certain months, allowing more people the chance to acquire them. At Haywards we source all our gemstones specifically for each person, creating gifts which are unique to you and your loved one. Both peridot and sardonyx are beautiful gemstones, with very different colours, characteristics and history; which birthstone resonates with you and your loved one the most?
Nicknamed by the Ancient Egyptians ‘gem of the sun’, peridot comes in a variety of green colours with the most desired peridot colour being a pale green. The first known mining of peridot was by Ancient Egyptians over four thousand years ago from a deposit on a small island in the Red Sea called Zabargad. Those deposits have long been diminished and today peridot deposits are mined in Arizona, China, Myanmar and in the region of Kashmir, which is famous for producing peridots of a rich green colour. Throughout history peridot has been said to dispel evil spirits and protect the wearer from illusion, but in contemporary society it is associated with love and is known to be the perfect gift for a couple’s 16th anniversary. Peridot’s green colour is perfect to compliment a light summer wardrobe, as well as making any piece of jewellery including necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings and rings, dazzle.
Despite being a stark contrast to peridot, sardonyx is also an August birthstone, and is a form of onyx with red and white coloured bands rather than black. Throughout history its primary use has been in cameos, with it’s varying red and white coloured layers creating an interesting carving. A gemstone that has long been regarded as a stone of strength and protection, Ancient Greeks and Romans believed carrying sardonyx talismans into battle, engraved with heroes such as Mars or Hercules, guaranteed a glorious victory. Yet in Renaissance Europe people believed that sardonyx gave those making speeches eloquence and confidence. Today sardonyx is mined in many places across the world but it is widely acknowledged that India yields the most precious sardonyx, which is perfect in pieces of jewellery such as pendants and rings.
At Haywards we believe using birthstones is a brilliant way to add colour and personality to a piece of jewellery as well as giving it personal significance. As bespoke jewellers we provide design and practical advice but ultimately it is your choice; which unique birthstone will you choose to create a piece of jewellery which is stunning as well as meaningful to you or your loved one? Make an appointment by calling 2545-4400 or emailing bespoke@haywards.com.hk and come into our studio on 233 Hollywood Road to start the bespoke experience now.
Related Posts
July: The month of Rubies
It’s July, and this month’s birthstone is a particularly coveted gemstone, the ruby. For centuries the ruby has been considered the ‘king of gems’ and was desired by many kings and emperors of the past. The fiery red colour of rubies represent the sizzling heat of July, and reflect the past and present belief that …
Sapphire- September’s Dazzling Birthstone
Sapphire, the birthstone of September, is most desired in its pure, rich blue colour but is available in almost every colour including pink, yellow and green. In the Middle Ages the gem was believed to protect those close to you from harm and also represented loyalty and trust. Sapphires are among the most durable naturally …
June Birthstones
June is one of only two months that has three birthstones associated with it, giving the lucky people born in June a choice of gemstones between pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Alexandrite Often described as emerald by day and ruby by night, alexandrite is a rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl which changes in colour in …
The Meaning and History of Sapphire
The Meaning and History of Sapphire. The sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word ““saphirus” and the Greek word “sapheiros,” both meaning blue. Some also believe that the name sapphire is derived from its association with the planet Saturn. Sapphire is a precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum. It …