Happy Birthday.....August!

In August, when the days are hot,
I like to find a shady spot,
And hardly move a single bit--
And sit--
And sit--
And sit--
And sit!
~ Author Unknown

A little birthstone history, fact, lore and legend.

If you were born in August you like to joke, are loving, caring, brave and fearless. You are a dreamer who is talented in art and music.

Your colors are blue and pink.

Augusts flower is the gladiolus. The symbolic meaning of gladiolus flowers is preparedness, strength, splendid beauty and love at first sight. The gladiolus is named for the shape of its leaves, "gladius" or sword. The gladiolus is said to have symbolized the Roman gladiators.

The traditional birthstone for August is the Sardonyx.

Sardonyx is a form of onyx and is recognized by its layers of reddish brown and white banding.  It was popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans who carried into battle talismans of sardonyx engraved with images of heroes such as Mars or Hercules, believing that this would bring courage and victory.  Because of its attractive banding, sardonyx has long been used to fashion cameos (carved raised figures) and intaglios (the reverse of cameos).

                                        Double Strand Cameo Necklace

The Sardonyx is believed to bring happiness to marriage and relationships. The gemstone exudes good fortune, strengthens self-control and brings courage to those who wear it.


Augusts modern birthstone is the Peridot.

A beautiful green to yellow-green in color, the peridot is often mistake for an emerald. In fact, legend has it that Queen Cleopatra preferred Peridot over other gems and that some of her "Emeralds" may have been Peridot. 

                                         Green Teardrop Necklace

A symbol of a pure heart and mind, the Peridot also stands for innocence and faith.

 They say that wearing Peridot helps us open our inner sight to the spiritual Sun, develops inner vision and the ability to look into the future, frees one of jealous thoughts and counteracts negative emotions.

It was once believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. When set in gold, this gem was said to protect the wearer from nightmares.

Happy Birthday to everyone born in August!
"With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come." ~ William Shakespeare