Editors

August Birthstone Baubles

EditorsAug 01, 2016

August Birthstone Baubles

Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator highlights jewels featuring the August mainstay, peridot, as well as the newly added birthstone for the month, spinel.

20160801_Omi-Prive.jpg
Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator finds herself suddenly wishing her birthday was in August now that the spinel has been added as one of its birthstones. Seen here is a spinel ring from Omi Privé.

I’ve been eagerly waiting to write this blog post ever since the news came out that Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association were adding spinel as a birthstone for the month of August, joining peridot.

Just before JA and the AGTA made the announcement, National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff and I had been having a discussion about why spinel wasn’t yet a birthstone. (My first thought was to swap it with April since diamonds get enough attention now and give those birthday people some gemmy love.)

For another, I love spinel, and I’m incredibly jealous of the August babies. (Michelle’s birthday is in August and she’s very excited about it. In fact, she even was kind enough to drop birthday “hints” on the show floors by pointing out peridot and spinel pieces.)

Spinel comes in so many great colors. Not only are the classic pinks a shade that I would die for, but there are also interesting hues that get even less attention--hello, lavender spinel, anyone? It’s amazing. Also, check out gray spinel; not what I was expecting and so subtle and interesting.

And don’t forget the blue-purple hues. Black spinel, meanwhile, offers a killer price point. (If it’s not already clear, I’m a major gem hound who can’t choose because I want all of them.)

I’m so excited about the fact that this lovely stone will get put in front of more consumers. It deserves the attention and I’m hoping that it’s new positioning will help invigorate the gem.

Most of the time, when I brought up the fact that spinel now was a birthstone, whomever I was talking to shared in my excitement. Interestingly, though, I was having the discussion with a designer at the JA New York show who wondered how the spinel addition would affect peridot, which was her best-selling stone.

But, I think peridot’s pretty set. It’s positioning as a birthstone has given it a permanent place in the gemstone world. I don’t think it’s going anywhere. And for those to whom the green hue might not be the most appealing, spinel will offer them plenty of other great options.

Here are 12 pieces of jewelry showcasing the birthstones for August.



These 18-karat gold studs from Rina Limor feature hand-carved peridot and diamonds ($1,100).
RinaLimor.com



Jane Taylor’s vintage-inspired ring features peridot, green tourmaline cabochons and diamond accents set in 14-karat gold ($1,675).
JaneTaylor.com



Zaiken

Jewelry’s 5 Stone round diamond and peridot necklace in 18-karat gold ($1,815)
ZaikenJewelry.com



Stefere Jewelry’s 18-karat gold peridot “Terri” ring with diamonds ($3,000)
Stefere.com



Amy Glaswand’s “Ceres Block” hoops are made in 18-karat gold and feature peridot baguettes ($3,970).
AmyGlaswand.com



Etho Maria’s 18-karat gold cuff features 121.63 carats of peridot accented with diamonds ($37,500).
EthoMaria.com



This 14-karat rose gold ring from Stuller features an oval pink spinel center stone ($2,835).
Stuller.com



Syna’s medium-sized Mogul drop pendant features a black spinel weighing more than 50 carats with diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold ($2,450 for pendant only; 30-inch 18-karat yellow gold chain sold separately, $1,650)
SynaJewels.com



Carelle’s spinel and diamond stack bangle in 18-karat yellow gold ($5,200)
Carelle.com



This ring from Omi Privé is handcrafted with a 2.16-carat oval spinel center stone accented with brilliant diamond rounds set in 18-karat rose gold ($9,750). (Photo credit: Omi Privé)
OmiPrive.com



The “Gallop” ring from Gumuchian boasts a 7.53-carat titanium spinel with diamond surrounds set in 18-karat gold ($10,000).
Gumuchian.com



Erica Courtney’s 18-karat yellow gold “Jennifer” pendant features a 3.60-carat Mahenge spinel accented with diamonds ($56,400). It hangs on an 18-karat yellow gold gemstone station necklace with 11.62 total carats of Mahenge spinel and 4 carats of diamonds ($58,000).
EricaCourtney.com
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Weekly QuizMar 21, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

Helen McCluskey
MajorsMar 21, 2024
Signet Jewelers Names New Board Chair

Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.

Julia Roberts wearing a Chopard necklace
CollectionsMar 20, 2024
Julia Roberts Co-Designs New Chopard Jewelry Collection

“Chopard x Julia Roberts” showcases the first gems cut from the 6,000-carat-plus “Insofu Emerald."

Tanzanite white gold ring Jared
FinancialsMar 20, 2024
Signet’s Q4 Same-Store Sales Sink 10%

The jewelry giant also posted a double-digit drop in same-store sales for the full year.

Gold and diamond Baume & Mercier watch Elvis gave to Dodie Marshall
AuctionsMar 20, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier Gifted by Elvis Going Up for Auction

Elvis gave the watch to actress Dodie Marshall after filming “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy