Peridot: The August Birthstone with Vintage Charm

What Is Peridot? The Gemstone for August Birthdays

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Peridot is the official birthstone for August and one of the few gemstones that comes in only one colour — a unique, vibrant green. This striking gem is a variety of the mineral olivine and forms deep in the Earth’s mantle. Its lush color ranges from olive green to bright lime, depending on the iron content.

As one of the oldest known gemstones, peridot has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians referred to it as the “gem of the sun,” believing it protected against evil spirits and brought prosperity.

Timeless Sparkle: How to Style Vintage Summer Jewelry with Elegance and Ease

As summer unfolds with golden light and breezy afternoons, it’s the perfect time to embrace the unique beauty of vintage jewelry. From sunlit brunches to twilight garden parties, antique and vintage pieces add charm, character, and sophistication to every outfit.

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Lightweight Elegance with a Story

Summer jewelry should feel effortless and breathable. Delicate gold bangles from the 1970s, Art Deco filigree lockets, and Edwardian lavalier necklaces offer lightweight comfort with undeniable style. These vintage treasures don’t just accessorize—they tell stories. Each piece carries history, personality, and timeless elegance.

Edwardian Peridot and Seed Pearl Lavalier Necklace

Colours That Capture the Season

Vintage gemstone jewelry glows beautifully in natural summer light. Look for:

· Opals with flashes of iridescent blue, pink, and green

· Aquamarines that evoke the cool serenity of ocean waves

· Coral for a warm, tropical burst of colour

Whether it's a 1950s cocktail ring or 1920s drop earrings, colored gemstones offer vibrant pops that feel joyful, elegant, and endlessly summery.

Layered Looks with Meaning

Layering is a classic summer trend, and vintage jewelry makes it deeply personal. Stack mid-century charm bracelets, pair antique gold chains with modern pieces, or combine Victorian lockets with contemporary pendants. Every layer reflects your story—heirlooms, travel finds, or discoveries in a favorite antique shop.

Eco-Chic and One-of-a-Kind

Choosing vintage jewelry is a stylishly sustainable choice. Rather than opting for fast fashion, you’re investing in:

· Handcrafted quality

· Ethical fashion choices

· Unique, one-of-a-kind designs

Vintage jewelry is a celebration of both heritage and individuality—timeless pieces that honor the past while complementing today’s aesthetic.

Have You Ever Wondered How The Term Vintage Jewelry Replaced Estate Jewelry?

We asked ChatGPT and collectively feel this is a remarklabe and impressive summary.

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The term "vintage jewelry" gradually replaced "estate jewelry" due to evolving perceptions and trends in the jewelry market.

1. Marketing and Trends: "Vintage" has a broader, more appealing connotation, often associated with nostalgia, quality, and style from a specific era. It became a popular term to describe older jewelry that still had timeless appeal, often evoking images of luxury or historical significance. Marketers found "vintage" to be a more marketable term, connecting the jewelry to specific time periods and design movements (such as Art Deco or Victorian) which attract collectors.

Vintage 4ct Pear Shaped Brilliant Cut Diamond 18kt Necklace

2. Estate Jewelry: Traditionally, "estate jewelry" referred to pieces that came from a previous owner, often in the context of a collection or personal belongings being sold after someone's passing. While the term is still in use, it was seen as less glamorous and more transactional than "vintage," which can emphasize the style and historical value of the piece rather than just its previous ownership.

Estate 1.18ct Diamond Platinum Ring

3. Broader Appeal: "Vintage" also covers a wider range of time periods, from the 1920s to the 1980s or even '90s, and is often associated with a more curated, fashionable aesthetic. "Estate jewelry," on the other hand, is often restricted to pieces sold from an estate, which can sometimes carry a more somber or auction-related association.

In essence, the term "vintage" evolved to encompass not just the ownership history but the aesthetic and cultural significance of jewelry, which led to its broader usage over "estate."

Shop our vintage and estate jewelry collection to find your next special treasure.