Peridot is the birthstone for August and the anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage. Ancient legends indicate that peridot protects people from evil spirits. The peridot was once considered to be more valuable than diamonds and the Romans wore this gemstone as protection from enchantment, melancholy, and nightmare. The Romans also referred to peridot as the “evening emerald”, since the green color did not darken and was still visible by lamplight.

The color of the peridot varies from yellowish green or brown to a brighter shade or olive-tone green.