August's birthstone is3 types
peridot, sardonyx, spinel
Meaning, value, and how to choose
"August's birthstone isperidot”—If you remember that, please check the latest information.Birthstones will be revised for the first time in 63 years in December 2021In August, “Spinel” was newly added, along with peridot and sardonyx.3 typesIt has become. In this article, we will explain the characteristics, stone words, and market values of the three stones in an easy-to-understand comparison table, and cover everything from an expert's point of view to information on choosing gifts and making decisions when purchasing.
Three types of birthstones for August | “Spinel” newly added in 2021 revision
Peridot has long been recognized as the birthstone of August, but in December 2021, the National Jewelry Wholesalers CooperativeFirst major revision in 63 yearsSpinel has been officially added to the birthstone list for August. As a result, those born in August can now choose the gemstone that best suits their sensibilities from three options: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel.
What is the first revision in 63 years by the National Jewelry Wholesalers Cooperative Association?
The list of birthstones in Japan had not been updated for a long time since it was established by the National Jewelry Wholesalers Cooperative Association in 1958. However, a major review was carried out on December 20, 2021 due to the diversification of the jewelry market, the trend toward genderlessness, and the alignment of birthstone lists with those of other countries.
Traditional August birthstones “Peridot” and “Sardonyx”
The birthstone for August before the revision was a bright olive green.peridotThe reddish-brown and white striped pattern is beautiful.sardonyxThere were two types. Peridot was loved by ancient Egypt as the ``gem of the sun,'' and sardonyx has a history of being used as a seal stone in ancient Rome.
Why the newly added “Spinel” was chosen
The reasons behind the addition of spinel are as follows.
- Rich color variations: Available in a variety of colors such as red, blue, pink, and black to suit modern tastes.
- High hardness (Mohs 8): Suitable for everyday jewelry
- Reassessment of historical value: The history of confusion with rubies such as "Black Prince's Ruby" has been revealed, and it has established its own unique status.
- Rarity as an unheated natural stone: Less synthesis and processing, increasing demand for collectors
zho.or.jp Revised PDF (published on December 20, 2021)
[List comparison] Here are the differences between the three birthstones | Color, stone words, and value quick reference table
We will compare three types of birthstones in terms of color, origin, hardness, stone language, and value. Please use this as a reference when choosing a gift or considering purchasing.
Comparison table of color, production area, and hardness
| Item | peridot | sardonyx | spinel |
|---|---|---|---|
| main color | olive green | Reddish brown x white stripes | Red, blue, pink, black |
| Main production areas | Myanmar, America, Pakistan | Brazil, India, Uruguay | Myanmar, Tanzania, Tajikistan |
| mohs hardness | 6.5〜7 | 6.5〜7 | 7.5〜8 |
| Mineral classification | olivine group | Chalcedony | Oxidized minerals (spinel group) |
| shine | glass gloss | waxy luster | Glass luster to gold luster |
| Handling precautions | ★★(Weak against impact) | ★(relatively durable) | ★(Daily use◎) |
Comparison table of stone words and symbols
| Item | peridot | sardonyx | spinel |
|---|---|---|---|
| main stone words | Marital love, happiness, harmony | Marital happiness and good relationship | passion, success, victory |
| symbol | Sun, hope, healing | Bonds, marriage, harmony | Victory, Energy, Kingship |
| ancient uses | Amulet/talisman | Seal stone/talisman | center stone of the crown |
| Recommended gifts | wedding anniversary/friendship | wedding gift/baby gift | birthday/promotion celebration |
Comparison table of market value and rarity
| Item | peridot | sardonyx | spinel |
|---|---|---|---|
| rarity | ★★☆ | ★☆☆ | ★★★(especially red and blue) |
| 1ct reference price range | 5,000-30,000 yen | 2,000-10,000 yen | 20,000～500,000+ |
| Purchase demand | Medium | low to medium | High (high quality product) |
| investment value | limited | limited | Rising trend in recent years |
*Price varies greatly depending on carat weight, quality, and production area. This is for reference only.
August birthstone ① Peridot | Gem of the sun, bright olive green
Characteristics and history of peridot (touching on its relationship with space meteorites)
Peridot refers to the gemstone-quality mineral olivine. The vivid olive green color is produced by iron ions and shines brightly regardless of the light source."Evening Emerald"It has also been called.
In ancient Egypt, it was produced on Zeberget Island (present-day St. John's Island) in the Red Sea, and was also used in the ornaments of the pharaohs. Even more surprising,Peridot has also been found inside the Pallasite meteorite.It is also known as a gemstone of extraterrestrial origin. The romance of ``a jewel that came from outer space'' is also a big attraction of peridot.
Peridot stone words: ``Marital love, happiness, harmony''
The stone words of peridot are“Marital love, happiness, and harmony”. It is said to contain the energy of the sun, dispel negative emotions, and bring warm light to human relationships. A suitable gift for anyone who wants to regain peace of mind and positivity.
Recommended occasions to give peridot
- Wedding anniversary (especially the 16th anniversary is called "Peridot wedding")
- Friend/lover's birthday
- New life/moving celebration (with the meaning of warding off evil spirits)
August birthstone ② Sardonyx | A stone of marital harmony with beautiful striped patterns
Characteristics and history of sardonyx
Sardonyx is a layered layer of reddish-brown ``sard'' and white ``onyx.''striped agateIt is. In ancient Rome, it was prized as a seal stone, and its layers were carved into pieces.cameo workIt is still used as a material. Mineral-wise, it is a type of chalcedony, and its main component is silicon dioxide.
Sardonyx stone words: “Happiness and good relationship between husband and wife”
Because the red and white layers symbolize the "intertwined bond of husband and wife," the stone language is“Marital happiness and good relationship”. Since ancient times, it has been used as a talisman to pray for marriage and family harmony.
Recommended occasions to give sardonyx
- As a wedding gift/engagement amulet
- Baby gift (wishing for family ties)
- A souvenir for a long-time partner
August birthstone ③ Spinel | Colorful new birthstone loved by royalty
Characteristics and history of spinel (touching on the Black Prince's ruby legend)
Spinel is a gemstone that has long been confused with ruby. The most famous episode is"The Black Prince's Ruby" displayed on the British Royal Family's "Imperial State Crown". This was long believed to be one of the largest rubies in the world, but later appraisal revealed thatTurns out it's actually red spinel.I did.
It has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, a high refractive index, and it is easy to form crystals with few inclusions, so its apparent transparency and brilliance are comparable to ruby. In recent years, it has been reevaluated as ``a genuine rare stone hidden behind rubies'' and its value has increased.
Spinel stone words “Passion, Success, Victory”
From the history of decorating crowns, the stone words of spinel are"Passion, Success, Victory". It is increasingly being chosen as a gift for people who are heading for a new challenge or aiming for a new stage.
Spinel color variations (red, blue, black)
| color | Features | market evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| red | A deep red color similar to ruby. The highest quality from Myanmar | very high |
| cobalt blue | Bright blue with cobalt color. Made in Vietnam and Tanzania | Rapid rise in recent years |
| pink | Soft pink to magenta. Also popular as engagement rings | expensive |
| black | Glossy jet black. Adopted in men's jewelry | affordable |
A perfect gift for those born in August! How to choose birthstone jewelry
If you are unsure which one to choose from the three types, please check the recipient'sYear/Scene/Favorite ItemWe recommend starting with .
Recommended by age | Teens, 20s, 30s, 40s and above
| era | Recommended stones | reason |
|---|---|---|
| teenager | peridot | Bright and refreshing. Casual feel suitable for students |
| 20s | Spinel (pink) | Gorgeous and photogenic. Popular with the SNS generation |
| 30s | Spinel (red/blue) | Balancing individuality and quality, giving a higher-grade impression |
| Over 40s | Sardonyx/Peridot | Calm colors and deep meanings go well together. |
Recommended for each occasion｜Birthday, wedding anniversary, baby gift
- birthday: Prioritize your favorite color. Spinel can be selected from 4 colors
- wedding anniversary:Peridot for "marital love", sardonyx for "marital happiness"
- baby gift: Sardonyx cameo is traditionally used as a talisman for mother and child.
- Promotion/Reward for yourself: Red spinel symbolizing “victory”
Recommended items｜Rings, necklaces, earrings
- ring: High hardness spinel (Mohs 8) is ideal for everyday use
- necklace: Popular olive green with peridot that looks great on the skin
- pierced earrings: Light sardonyx cabochon is elegant.
Find three birthstones with Selby's reused jewelry
We deliver used jewelry in good condition with a new finish and appraisal.
Peridot, sardonyx, and spinel, all three types are available in a rich lineup.
For those who have August birthstone jewelry | Value and purchase price
Jewelry inherited from your family or birthstone accessories you no longer use can hold unexpected value. each of the 3 stonesPurchase market pricewill be explained from the perspective of a professional buyer.
Peridot purchase market price
Peridot is produced in relatively large quantities, and the market price isSeveral thousand to 20,000 yen per ctis the center. HoweverLarge, highly transparent grains of 3 ct or more, dark green from Myanmar.1 ct can exceed tens of thousands of yen. It is also important to note that the total amount changes greatly depending on whether or not there is bullion (K18/Pt900).
Purchase market price for sardonyx
Sardonyx aloneSeveral thousand yen to 10,000 yenis common, butantique cameo workWorks by famous sculptors can be valued at tens of thousands of yen to hundreds of thousands of yen. The design, age, and artistry of the pedestal are the keys to evaluation.
Purchase price of spinel (red and cobalt blue are especially expensive)
In recent years, spinel hasPrices of unheated high-quality products soarI'm doing it. In particular, you can expect high appraisals for the following:
- Red spinel (from Myanmar):1ct several hundred thousand yen~
- cobalt blue spinel:1ct from several hundred thousand yen to over 1 million yen
- Pink spinel (from Mahenge): Highly rare and expensive
If you have a certificate of authenticity (especially one with “Natural Spinel/No Heat” written on it), the appraised value will increase significantly.
Would you like to check the appropriate appraised value by purchasing Selby jewelry?
Professional buyers, including those with GIA certification qualifications, carefully assess the origin and whether or not the product has been processed.
You can feel free to contact us even if you do not have a certificate.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ/Structured data compatible)
Summary｜You can enjoy August’s birthstone in three ways: “gift,” “hold,” and “entrust.”
Due to the 2021 revision, the birthstone for August isperidot sardonyx spinelThere are 3 types. Each stone has its own history, stone language, and market value, and the great appeal is that you can choose the most suitable stone depending on the occasion and the recipient.
- 🎁 give:Choose from 3 stones according to the age and preference of the other person.
- 💎 have: Spinel with high hardness for everyday use, peridot with gentle color
- 💰 entrust:Jewelry that is no longer used will be handed over to the next owner after proper appraisal.
Birthstones are not just accessories, they are stones that are part of a person's story. Please take advantage of the three options and find the jewelry that is suitable for you or your loved one.