August Gems of Wisdom The birthstone for August is the peridot. (Please see the article.) The birth flower for August is the gladiolus. The flower is named for the shape of its leaves, which are sword like, from the Latin word "gladius" which means sword. Gladiolus symbolizes strength and integrity and a gift of a gladiolus bouquet is meant to convey to the recipient, that the giver's heart has been pierced with passion. Special Days in August August 7 is Purple Heart Day, the oldest military medal in the United States, created by the first American president, George Washington. August 10 is National S'mores Day, in honor of the popular campfire treat. August 13 is International Left-handers Day. Only about 10 percent of the world's population is left-handed. August 19 is National Aviation Day, as was proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 to commemorate the birthday of Orville Wright. August 26 is National Dog Day, created by the National Dog Day Foundation to celebrate man's best friend. Legendary Gemstones: The Schlumberger Peridot Seahorse Jean Schlumberger was a French jewelry designer perhaps best known for his work at Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger was born in Mulhouse, France, June 24, 1907 and lived until August 29, 1987. As a child, he was very artistic, though he never received any formal training. Before landing in New York after having served in the French Army during World War II, Schlumberger worked designing buttons, costume jewelry and clothing. In 1946 he opened a jewelry salon with a business partner. It was in 1956 that Schlumberger was asked to design for Tiffany & Co. Amongst his impressive client base were celebrities such as Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. He also designed the famous "Two Fruit" clip in rubies and diamonds which was purchased by John F. Kennedy for his wife Jackie and is in the permanent collection of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Jackie Kennedy wore many Schlumberger bracelets which the press dubbed "Jackie bracelets." His designs were notable for being inspired by sea creatures and other animals and were whimsical interpretations. Shown here is Schlumberger's 18 karat gold, peridot, ruby and diamond seahorse brooch which is currently held by a private owner. It once sold by Sotheby's auction for $15,000. |