Happy birthday to all our friends born in August, a special month when it comes to gemstones since we have not just one, not just two, but three beautiful birthstones for the month.

Sardonyx is August’s traditional birthstone, with a history dating back thousands of years. It’s been used to create cameos and intaglios (designs engraved into materials). According to the American Gem Society, this gemstone ranges in color from yellowish-red to reddish-brown. The finest examples are said to display sharp contrasts between layers and can be found in India. But other variations are found all over the world including in the United States.

Peridot

Your friends will be green with envy when you wear your new Peridot birthstone ring, necklace, bracelet or earrings. One of the oldest-known gemstones, Peridot offers restful yellowish-green hues. Found deep in the earth’s mantle, it was called “gem of the sun” by the Egyptians who are said to have mined the gemstone on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, still reportedly the source for many of the world’s finest samples. This vibrantly colored gemstone was apparently originally known in the bible under the name of Chrysolite. It’s also the gemstone commemorating 16^th anniversaries.

Spinel

The latest gemstone to join the August birthstone arena, spinel has been called “the great imposter” since it’s often mistaken for ruby. It’s not just vibrant but pretty durable, ranking 8 on the MOHS hardness scale (diamonds are 10s). A 170- carat red spinel is featured in Britain’s Imperial State Crown, part of the spectacular Crown Jewels which can be viewed at the Tower of London. It’s a must-see for travelers who can gape at the thousands of diamonds used in the crown, as well as the famous and nearly colorless Cullinan diamond.

Regardless of which gemstone you choose, you can count on David Craig Jewelers to offer the perfect gift to help you celebrate gift to help a special birthday, anniversary or other occasion. Or why not just treat yourself to something special? You deserve it!