Peridot Engagement Rings: The Green August Stone, Explained

Updated October 2026 · By Yaniv Segal, founder of Segal Jewelry, Los Angeles

A peridot engagement ring centers the August birthstone, a bright olive-to-lime green gem that rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. That makes it softer than emerald or sapphire, so it does best in a protective setting such as a bezel or hidden halo, worn with some care. In return you get vivid green at a gentler price. Here is how to choose one.

What is peridot?

Peridot is the gem form of the mineral olivine. It is one of the few gemstones that comes in essentially one color family, green, with tones from yellowish lime to deep olive.

It is the birthstone for August, which makes a peridot engagement ring a personal choice for anyone born that month. Many couples also choose it simply because they love green.

Peridot forms deep in the earth and reaches the surface through volcanic activity. It has even been found in meteorites, a detail many wearers enjoy.

Is peridot durable enough for an engagement ring?

Yes, with the right setting and habits. At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is softer than most stones used in engagement rings.

Everyday dust contains quartz, which rates 7. Over years, that can wear the polish on a softer stone's facet edges if the ring is never taken off.

Here is how peridot compares with the other green and center stones on our rings.

If you love green but need maximum toughness, emerald sits a step higher on the scale. Our emerald engagement rings guide covers that option.

Peridot vs emerald: look and price

Peridot is a brighter, more yellow-leaning green. Emerald tends toward a cooler, bluish or deep green.

Peridot is also usually more affordable than a fine emerald of similar size, so the budget can go further on size or metal.

The trade-off is hardness. If you choose peridot, put some of the savings into a setting that protects it.

The best settings for a peridot engagement ring

The setting does most of the work in keeping a peridot looking new. These are the options in our peridot designs.

A bezel is the most protective choice for a softer stone. Our bezel-set engagement rings guide explains why.

The lotus designs are another good match for green stones, since the petals echo the color of leaves. See our lotus flower engagement rings guide for more.

Which metal suits peridot?

Yellow gold warms peridot's lime tone and gives a vintage, garden-like feel. White gold or platinum makes the green look crisper and cooler.

Rose gold adds a soft contrast that suits olive-toned stones. Our rings come in 14K and 18K white, yellow and rose gold, with platinum on many styles.

On our ring product pages, the main photo switches to the exact metal and stone you select, so you see the version you are buying before checkout.

How to care for a peridot ring

1. Take it off for the gym, gardening, cleaning and heavy lifting.
2. Keep it away from household chemicals and acids.
3. Clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then dry gently.
4. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as hot water followed by cold.
5. Store it apart from harder stones that could scratch it.

Every ring is made to order in Los Angeles with a lifetime warranty, free 60-day resizing, free engraving and free worldwide shipping.

Want to see the size on your hand first? Our $199 Try It In Real Life replica comes in any ring design, sizes 4 to 13 including half sizes. You keep it, and the $199 is credited on orders of $1,000 or more.

Shop the look

• Vintage Bezel Twist Peridot Ring - Everly No. 703 — from $2,693 — a full bezel for the most protection.
• Lotus Flower Solitaire Peridot Ring - Lotus no. 702 — from $3,609 — green peridot inside a gold lotus.
• Trendy Hidden Halo Peridot Princess Cut Engagement Ring - Daria No. 707 — from $4,132 — a modern princess cut with hidden sparkle.
• Emerald Cut Peridot Ring Hidden Round Diamonds - Sawyer No. 703 — from $8,016 — a step-cut peridot with hidden diamonds.

Frequently asked questions