August is all green! Because August's birthstone is Peridot, and outside there are SO many shades of summer greenery, I chose Peridot and Peridot Jasper which is also known as Serpentine for this 3 strand lovely necklace! I use Delica glass peridot colored spacer beads and a fancy 3 strand Gold Filled slide and lock clasp. The short all Peridot strand is 18 1/2 inches long and the longest one is 21 3/4 inches long.

Peridot, as per firemountaingems.com, is "Shimmering, pale green Peridot—often called the evening emerald—is a gemstone commonly associated with spirituality and expression. The word "peridot" can be pronounced either "PAIR-uh-doe" or "PAIR-uh-dot." Its name comes from the French word peritôt, meaning unclear, referring to the many inclusions and internal fractures often found within peridot gemstone beads. Before the word peridot was commonly used, chrysolite (an older German word) described the gem.

Sometimes referred to as olivine, peridot is found only in green, varying from olive to brownish green. This color was so prized by ancient admirers that it was often mistaken for emerald. Peridot is the national gem of Egypt, and historians now believe many of Cleopatra’s "emeralds" were actually deep green peridots mined in Egypt.

Ancient Egyptians called peridot the "gem of the sun," and records show mining as early as 1500 B.C. on Topazo Island (now St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea. According to legend, miners gathered glowing peridots at night by lantern light and marked the spots to dig during the day.

During the Middle Ages, European emissaries returned with peridot stones, decorating churches and royal robes. A large peridot, once thought to be an emerald, adorns the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne Cathedral. Peridot is also mentioned in the Bible as part of Aaron's breastplate and the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem.

Some peridot crystals are extraterrestrial, found in meteorites that fell to Earth, such as a meteorite discovered in Siberia in 1749. Scientists also believe peridot makes up part of the moon’s mantle, linking this gem to both Earth and the cosmos.

Peridot, the birthstone for August, is traditionally given for 16th wedding anniversaries. Known as the stone of compassion, peridot properties are believed to promote good health, restful sleep, and harmonious relationships by balancing emotions and mind.

This cheerful green stone is also thought to enhance eloquence, creativity, and delight while calming anger and attracting love. Legends suggest that peridot set in gold can unleash its full protective potential, guarding against nightmares and negative energies. Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder wrote that wearing peridot on the right arm maximized its protective powers.

Peridot has long been treasured as a gemstone for strengthening friendships, fostering renewal, and warding off envious thoughts."

They also say, "Peridot “jasper” is a trade name for pale green serpentine. Serpentine’s name comes from the Latin word serpens, meaning serpent or snake, a moniker based on the mottled, scaly appearance of peridot “jasper.”

Serpentine is used mainly as a decorative stone or for ornamental objects. Serpentine gemstones have been used as a source of magnesium, in asbestos and for personal adornment or sculpture throughout history. Various serpentine minerals have even been used in architecture for thousands of years.

Serpentine, including peridot “jasper,” is believed to help establish control over one's life. According to metaphysical beliefs, serpentine meaning, and therefore peridot “jasper” meaning, is associated with clear thought and meditation. Serpentine is said to clear clouded areas of the chakras and stimulate the crown chakra, promoting spiritual understanding and psychic abilities.

Peridot “jasper” meaning, as with other green stones’ meaning, is affiliated with the heart chakra. Peridot jasper is not a formal birthstone but is associated with spring birthdays."

I can say that when I wear green gemstones I tend to feel more relaxed and grounded!