Jewelers of America (JA) has announced that spinel will now be joining peridot as an official birthstone for August.
According to JA, this decision was made in response to requests from gem enthusiasts to include spinel on the list of birthstones. The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) helped to finalize the verdict. The gem’s new status was promoted through a marketing campaign run by JA, which established the original list of birthstones in 1912.
“It is our hope that everyone will join together in announcing spinel as a new birthstone for August, and the industry will have one united voice and message about birthstones,” says David Bonaparte, president and CEOof JA.
As well as the public relations campaign, JA is running a sweepstake to bring the gem into the public eye. The winner will receive a pair of 18-karat gold and red spinel earrings from Carelle.
