Every year around this time, the same conversation happens at our counter in Greenwood Park Mall: someone has an August birthday coming up — a wife, a mom, a daughter, a best friend — and they've just discovered that August doesn't have one birthstone. It has three. That's not a complication; it's an opportunity. Between peridot's unmistakable lime green, spinel's jewel-box colors, and sardonyx's ancient banded beauty, there's an August birthstone for every personality and budget. Here's how to choose.
Why does August get three birthstones?
Sardonyx was the original August birthstone, with a history stretching back thousands of years. Peridot later became the month's primary stone and is what most people picture today. Spinel is the newcomer — it was officially added to the August lineup in 2016, largely because gem lovers had rediscovered a stone that spent centuries being mistaken for ruby. So if you're shopping for an August birthday, you genuinely get to pick the stone that suits the person, not just the calendar.
Peridot: the signature August green
Peridot is one of the few gems that comes in essentially one color family — a sunny, yellowish green that looks like bottled summer. It's also one of the most interesting stones geologically: peridot forms deep in the Earth's mantle and rides to the surface in volcanic rock, and small amounts have even been found in meteorites. Very few gifts let you honestly say "this stone came from inside the Earth — and some of its cousins came from space."
On durability: peridot sits at about 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale. That's plenty for earrings, pendants and bracelets, and fine for rings that aren't worn through heavy hands-on work every day. If she gardens, lifts, or works with her hands, a bezel or halo setting adds meaningful protection.
Spinel: the connoisseur's choice
Spinel might be the best-kept secret in colored gemstones. For centuries, red spinel was mistaken for ruby — some of the most famous "rubies" in royal crown jewels are actually spinels. Today it's prized in its own right: it comes in vivid red, hot pink, cobalt blue, lavender and gray, and at 8 on the Mohs scale it's the most durable of the three August stones — a genuinely good choice for a ring worn every day.
If the August birthday on your list loves color but wants something nobody else has, spinel is the answer. It reads like a precious gem, wears like one, and comes with a great story.
Sardonyx: the ancient one
Sardonyx is the most historic of the trio — a banded blend of two types of chalcedony quartz (sard and onyx) that ancient Romans carried into battle and carved into signet rings and cameos. Its layered reddish-brown and white bands make it a natural fit for vintage-inspired pieces, men's jewelry, and anyone who loves history. At roughly 6.5–7 hardness it wears similarly to peridot.
Which one should you choose?
| Stone | Color | Hardness (Mohs) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Lime to yellow-green | 6.5–7 | The classic pick — earrings, pendants, birthstone rings |
| Spinel | Red, pink, blue, lavender | 8 | Everyday rings, color lovers, something different |
| Sardonyx | Banded red-brown & white | 6.5–7 | Vintage looks, men's pieces, history buffs |
Gifting on a budget?
Peridot delivers a lot of color per dollar, and birthstone pendants and studs make an easy win. See our gift ideas under $500 for more Greenwood picks.
Want to spread out payments?
Forever Jewelry offers more financing options than any other Greenwood jeweler. Here's how our financing works.
Caring for August birthstone jewelry
All three stones prefer gentle care: warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Peridot in particular should stay away from harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes, so take rings off for cleaning chores. And any stone benefits from a periodic professional check — prongs loosen quietly over time. Our guide to caring for your jewelry between cleanings applies here too, and if a birthstone ring needs sizing, our same-day resizing guide covers what's possible.
Find August birthstone gifts in Greenwood
At Forever Jewelry in Greenwood Park Mall, we've helped central Indiana celebrate birthdays since 2006 — and we love an August birthday, because three stones means three ways to get it right. Stop by Space H02B to see birthstone pieces in person, ask us about ordering a specific peridot or spinel style, and learn about our flexible financing options. Explore everything at www.forever.jewelry.
Greenwood Park Mall, Space H02B
1251 US Highway 31 North, Greenwood, Indiana 46142
Phone: (317) 430-8184 · Web: www.forever.jewelry
Serving Greenwood, Indianapolis, Center Grove & all of Johnson County.
Frequently asked questions
What are the birthstones for August?
August has three: peridot (the modern classic), spinel (added officially in 2016), and sardonyx (the ancient original). You can choose whichever suits the person best.
Which August birthstone is best for a ring?
Spinel, at 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, is the most durable and best suited to everyday rings. Peridot and sardonyx (both about 6.5–7) do well in earrings, pendants, and rings with protective settings.
What color is peridot?
A distinctive yellowish to lime green. It forms deep in the Earth's mantle and is carried up in volcanic rock — some peridot has even arrived in meteorites.
Is spinel a real gemstone?
Yes — a natural gem in its own right. Red spinel was mistaken for ruby for centuries, including in famous crown jewels. It comes in red, pink, blue, lavender and more.
Where can I buy August birthstone jewelry near Greenwood?
Forever Jewelry at Greenwood Park Mall carries birthstone jewelry and can help you find or order peridot and spinel pieces. We've served Greenwood since 2006, with flexible financing options available.
Make an August birthday unforgettable
Three birthstones, one perfect gift. Visit us at Greenwood Park Mall or browse online — we'll help you choose the right stone, the right setting, and a payment plan that fits.
Shop Forever Jewelry Call (317) 430-8184