Markets are weird. Customers are fascinating, my sister is a great saleswoman, the husband is the best sherpa around, friendships abound, and apparently I now own far too many pairs of artisanal alpaca socks.

When you think of sapphires, you probably think blue of that gorgeous, royal sapphire blue. But this November birthstone might have a few surprises up its sleeve, including a whole rainbow of colours and a rather fascinating history.

Peridot doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Discover the history, folklore, and fascinating facts behind August's bright green birthstone.