August birthstone gift ideas

Peridot's delicate green colour and iridescent sparkle is perfectly suited to those born in August, under the sign of Leo. Peridot is known as the stone of compassion and can inspire eloquence and creativity in the owner, as well as good cheer.

From left to right: Christin Ranger Jewellery ring, £75; Vintage Tiffany & Co. brooch, £13,720; Brooke Gregson Leo constellation necklace, £1,915

All very good reasons to plump for a piece of peridot jewellery, a gem which is also thought to have healing powers.

While peridot is certainly tough enough for jewellery use, it's not the hardest of stones so treat jewellery carefully and opt for pieces that won't receive too much impact in regular use.

From left to right: Gemondo earrings, £99; Aspinal of London earrings, £1, 350

Earrings are a fine use of the fresh green stone, like these by Aspinal or Gemondo, while the understated colour lends itself well to sleekly modern designs, exemplified here by Pomellato's simple cuff, or the Tsaixtsai earrings and matching bracelet combination.

From left to right: Tsaixtsai earrings, £189, and bracelet £239; Pomellato cuff, £1,890

by Isabelle Stuart