
It’s August, and that means it’s time for another installment in our Better Know A Birthstone series. But how’s this for a twist?! Did you know that August actually has TWO birthstones? That’s right! This month, we’ll be learning all about peridot and spinel and showing off some of our favorite pieces of jewelry featuring these GORGEOUS gems.
Spinel is the lesser-known of the two birthstones, which is a shame because it is beautiful. Spinel comes in many different colors, including red. This halo ring is a great example!

Because of red spinel’s intense color, it wasn’t until 1783 that scientists realized that they are actually a different gem than rubies. In fact, many famous “rubies” throughout history are actually red spinels! Several of the United Kingdom’s crown jewels are spinels, though the kings and queens who received them thought they were rubies at the time.
Like all gems, spinel’s range of colors depends on what is found in the ground near it. Red spinel is caused by high chromium content while orange and purple spinel have both chromium and iron.
Personally, we’re loving the look of black spinel. Gabriel and Co has a beautiful line featuring black spinel out right now. This sterling silver ring makes such a major statement

Want something edgier? This necklace has us ready to totally rock out. The alternating light and dark pattern is to die for!

Complete the look with these beautiful black spinel drop earrings. Whether you’re going for an edgy look or prefer the elegance that black brings, these earrings will help you nail the look.

Spinel shares the birthstone stage with peridot, a yellow-green gem that makes a statement in its own way!
Peridot has quite a storied history. Ancient Egyptians believed it could protect them from nightmares and evil spirits. Most peridot is formed deep inside the earth and is brought to the surface by volcanoes, but as advanced as they were, the ancient Egyptians hadn’t quite grasped that. They thought the gem came from the sun, so they must have been mighty irritated when one of their earliest mines was on an island completely infested with snakes! Talk about a workplace hazard.
Remember how we said MOST peridot is found near volcanoes? Get this: some peridot has actually been found in meteorites! Sadly, that is rare enough that most examples of this phenomenon are in museums. Luckily, shopping for peridot at Dickinson Jewelers can still be an out-of-this-world experience.

It’s safe to say we think this 14k white gold peridot necklace is stellar. We love the beautiful oval cut with the bright peridot surrounded by diamonds.
We love peridot for its versatility. These sterling silver, peridot, and diamond earrings could so easily be dressed up or down. They are an absolutely beautiful way to celebrate August birthdays, whether your special day is this month or you love someone whose is!

We have absolutely been loving ShanOre’s birthstone turtle line! These have been hugely popular, and it’s easy to see why. These turtles look wonderful with the green of peridot - we’re definitely partial to them!

Whether there are special August birthdays in your life or you just love the look of spinel and peridot, we can help you find the perfect piece of jewelry. Shop online any time, or come by Prince Frederick or Dunkirk. We can’t wait to see how you wear your birthstones!
Spinel is the lesser-known of the two birthstones, which is a shame because it is beautiful. Spinel comes in many different colors, including red. This halo ring is a great example!

Because of red spinel’s intense color, it wasn’t until 1783 that scientists realized that they are actually a different gem than rubies. In fact, many famous “rubies” throughout history are actually red spinels! Several of the United Kingdom’s crown jewels are spinels, though the kings and queens who received them thought they were rubies at the time.
Like all gems, spinel’s range of colors depends on what is found in the ground near it. Red spinel is caused by high chromium content while orange and purple spinel have both chromium and iron.
Personally, we’re loving the look of black spinel. Gabriel and Co has a beautiful line featuring black spinel out right now. This sterling silver ring makes such a major statement

Want something edgier? This necklace has us ready to totally rock out. The alternating light and dark pattern is to die for!

Complete the look with these beautiful black spinel drop earrings. Whether you’re going for an edgy look or prefer the elegance that black brings, these earrings will help you nail the look.

Spinel shares the birthstone stage with peridot, a yellow-green gem that makes a statement in its own way!
Peridot has quite a storied history. Ancient Egyptians believed it could protect them from nightmares and evil spirits. Most peridot is formed deep inside the earth and is brought to the surface by volcanoes, but as advanced as they were, the ancient Egyptians hadn’t quite grasped that. They thought the gem came from the sun, so they must have been mighty irritated when one of their earliest mines was on an island completely infested with snakes! Talk about a workplace hazard.
Remember how we said MOST peridot is found near volcanoes? Get this: some peridot has actually been found in meteorites! Sadly, that is rare enough that most examples of this phenomenon are in museums. Luckily, shopping for peridot at Dickinson Jewelers can still be an out-of-this-world experience.

It’s safe to say we think this 14k white gold peridot necklace is stellar. We love the beautiful oval cut with the bright peridot surrounded by diamonds.
We love peridot for its versatility. These sterling silver, peridot, and diamond earrings could so easily be dressed up or down. They are an absolutely beautiful way to celebrate August birthdays, whether your special day is this month or you love someone whose is!

We have absolutely been loving ShanOre’s birthstone turtle line! These have been hugely popular, and it’s easy to see why. These turtles look wonderful with the green of peridot - we’re definitely partial to them!

Whether there are special August birthdays in your life or you just love the look of spinel and peridot, we can help you find the perfect piece of jewelry. Shop online any time, or come by Prince Frederick or Dunkirk. We can’t wait to see how you wear your birthstones!