Collection: August Birthstones

For centuries, August’s birthstones varied by tradition—Carnelian (Jewish, Roman, Spanish, Italian), Sardonyx (Polish, Arab), and Alexandrite (Russian). Peridot, now considered the primary August birthstone, was historically linked to September, and early biblical texts even referenced diamond for this month.
Carnelian, valued since antiquity, was believed to protect against illness, misfortune, and negative energy, while also being a stone of passion and love. Sardonyx was considered a talisman of courage, honesty, and longevity, often worn by warriors and travelers.
In 1912, the American National Retail Jewelers Association replaced carnelian with peridot, likely for commercial reasons. Peridot, once sacred in Egypt, symbolized fertility and prosperity and was worn by Greek and Roman elites. By the Middle Ages, it became a symbol of hope and renewal in Europe.
Whether you choose carnelian, sardonyx, or peridot, each gemstone carries its own unique energy and history.