Carnelian is an established birthstone for September.

I’ll let you browse our awesome stock of carnelian beads at your leisure…but before you click that link, let’s focus on a rarity: a carnelian trade bead.

Carnelian cubes – a rare tradebead treat!

You don’t see these every day, even if you’re an African-bead connoisseur. Five corner-cut beads to the strand, a reasonable price, and the joy of finding something really unique!

Have a favorite birthstone bead choice for September babies? Talk about it in a comment!

The standard birthstone for next month just happens to be well-represented at Rings & Things. Let’s play with peridot…

Did you know about peridot?

• It’s also known as “Bastard Emerald”
• Peridot is technically a variety of olivine
• It turns out that quite a few “emeralds” in queens’ and kings’ treasuries are actually peridot!
• Peridot is claimed to increase eloquence and remove speech impediments, and, um…oh, what’s that word? (All this info & more is on the Peridot Page of our main website)

Some of the styles of peridot that we stock are snazzy enough to wow any Leo/Virgo child of August. You can even tuck a tiny birthday gift or note inside this peridot & sterling ‘wish box’ pendant:

Peridot & sterling ‘wish box’ pendant

For guys you might prefer going with a chunkier style like these hefty peridot chip beads:

Peridot chunky chips

Or you can go really smooth and classic with sleek round peridot beads:

Smooth as velvet: peridot rounds

Just bear in mind (and please tell your customers) that peridot is often enhanced in order to smooth out tiny natural irregularities in its surface — So go easy on the exposure to hazardous chemicals. Also shield your peridot from high heat, deep cold, and hammers, okay?

* Alternative August birthstones are onyx or sardonyx, and carnelian.

I bet some of you have sold, or been commissioned to make, August birthstone jewelry. You can share your experiences in a comment below!