August is here, although the weather at the moment is more monsoon season than high summer!
The birthstone for those with an August birthday is peridot. 
Peridot is the rare gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, which forms deep inside the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanoes. Sometimes peridot is also found inside meteorites.
The stones signature green colour comes from the composition of the mineral itself. The shade can vary from yellowish green to olive, to brownish green, depending on how much iron is present.
Most of the world's peridot supply comes from Arizona, but it is also found in China, Pakistan and Africa. The stone is said to possess healing properties that protect against nightmares and evil, ensuring peace and happiness.
We have three particularly unusual examples in the shop at the moment. Personally, I love green so wouldn't let the fact that my birthday is in March hold me back!
The first is a three piece stacking silver ring, which features a beautifully faceted peridot set in an oxidised silver birds nest. This is combined with a ring set with rhodolite and a ring with a silver ball.
The second design is no less dramatic! It features an offset faceted peridot set in silver and 18ct gold. The band of the ring has also had gold fused into the design with stunning effect.
The final ring features a claw set, faceted peridot, with a stylised silver rosebud and a circle with a fine veneer of gold.
So, whether it's an August birthday or a green stone fetish, I hope there is something there to whet the appetite.
I hope Summer returns soon!
Kerryx