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Peridot

26 December 2018
Peridot Gemstone Jewelry

When I was growing up, my friends who were born in August always lamented their birthstone, Peridot, and for good reason.

The Tech

Variety: Peridot
Chemical Composition: Magnesium Iron Silicate
Hardness: 6.5-7
Specific Gravity: 3.34(-.03, +.14)
Refractive Index: 1.65-1.70
Color: Yellow, yellow-green, olive green, to brownish
Where Found: North Carolina, Arizona, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, China, Pakistan.

The Folklore

In ancient times, Peridot was believed to be a gift from Mother Nature to celebrate the annual creation of a new world. It assists in relieving jealousy, anger, and fear, and inspires happiness in oneself. It is a healing stone, acting as a tonic to strengthen eyesight and alleviate stomach disorders.

Birthstone for August

Shown here, Ring from the Theorem Collection, round Peridot set in 14K white gold.

Peridot Ring

The Aesthetics

When I was growing up, my friends who were born in August always lamented their birthstone, Peridot, and for good reason. At that time (and it was not that long ago!!), the peridots that were being mined were a muddy brownish green color, they were commercially cut and found their way into mass produced birthstone jewelry and mother’s rings. Then, new discoveries were made in Arizona and Pakistan. (that is a truly interesting fact about gemstones, they can be found anywhere regardless of the boundaries mere mortal governments and cartographers place on the ground) These beautiful, fine quality stones are typically available in small to larger sizes-I use 1.0 carat to 5.0 carat sizes in round and cushion shapes frequently-with clear, vibrant yellowish green color. Our stones are mostly mined in Arizona, but then take a trip to Germany to our lapidary for precise, brilliant cutting before we set them into our collections and custom designs. The hue works well in yellow gold as well as white gold. I also love to mix it with other colorful gemstones such as magenta rubellite tourmaline, sunny golden beryl, or cool blue sapphire

 


Thoughts on “Peridot”

What would you like to know? Write to me, or comment below. Are you interested in being a guest blogger? Tell us your favorite gem or jewelry story, a grand journey you took, or an everyday adventure that brought you a laugh or a Pearl of wisdom! I’d love to hear your stories.

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