Why August Birthdays Just Got Even Better
Let's face it: August birthdays have it pretty good. They have great weather, class is most likely not in session if they're in school, and there's a good chance they'll be on vacation for the big day. And now, there's another perk: August birthdays have a new birthstone!
As of June 2016, Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association in New York added spinel (pronounced spin-ELLE) as the third birthstone for August. Peridot, a light green gem, and sardonyx are the other two August birthstones.
Custom Peridot Fashion Ring
Although spinel has been around for thousands of years, it is not a widely known variety. Sometimes, spinel is even known as "the great imposter", because many people mistake spinel for ruby, most famously in the situation of the 14th century Black Prince's Ruby in the British Imperial Crown.
Imperial State Crown - Black Prince's Ruby - Wikipedia
Spinel has been traditionally underappreciated, but hopefully its addition to August will change that. There are many reasons to love spinel:
It comes in many colors: red, orange, pink, purple, blue, and black.
8 is the Mohs Hardness Score for spinel (very hard).
It is more affordable than diamonds, rubies, or sapphires.
Spinel crystals are close to perfect, and in Burma they are said to be nat thwe, or "polished by the spirits".
Custom Blue Spinel and Diamond Halo Fashion Ring
Spinel is one of our favorite gemstones here at Joseph Jewelry and we're excited to create more pieces with it. So, what are you waiting for?
Happy birthday, August babies!
Custom Blue Spinel and Diamond Pendant
All product photos are property of Joseph Jewelry.
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