The month of August is represented by the vibrant green gemstone, Peridot. Often associated with opportunity, prosperity, and emotional balance, Peridot has become a popular choice for birthstone jewelry and beyond. This article will explore the available information regarding this gemstone, focusing on its symbolic meaning and presentation within the product lines of Alex and Ani. The following information is based solely on the provided sources.
History and Lore
While a comprehensive historical account is not available within these sources, the association of Peridot with positive attributes is clearly established. Alex and Ani specifically markets Peridot as “a color of opportunity,” suggesting a long-held belief in its ability to attract good fortune. The brand further links the gemstone to “prosperity and peace,” and the power to “foster emotional balance and the strength to create a bright future.” These associations indicate a tradition of attributing positive qualities to Peridot, though the origins of these beliefs are not detailed in the provided materials. The sources do not offer information regarding ancient Egyptian or Roman uses of Peridot, nor do they detail any specific historical figures associated with the stone.
Gemstone Presentation by Alex and Ani
The provided sources primarily showcase Peridot through the product offerings of Alex and Ani. The brand features Peridot in a variety of jewelry designs, including bracelets, necklaces, and ring wraps. These pieces are often part of larger collections, such as the “Birthstone Jewelry” collection, and are presented alongside other monthly birthstones.
Several specific designs are highlighted:
- August Birthstone Set - Gold: This set explicitly features Peridot crystal, emphasizing its connection to the month of August.
- Disney Mickey August Birthstone Gold Bracelet: A collaboration with Disney, this bracelet incorporates the August birthstone, Peridot, into a Mickey Mouse-themed design.
- August Birthstone Precious Pendant Necklace: A necklace featuring Peridot as the central gemstone.
- August Birthstone Peridot Curb Chain Bracelet: A bracelet design utilizing Peridot and a curb chain style.
- August Birthstone Charm Bangle, Peridot: A bangle adorned with a Peridot charm.
- August Birthstone Interchangeable Charm: A Peridot charm designed to be used with Alex and Ani’s interchangeable charm system.
- August Birthstone Emerald Cut Bangle: A bangle featuring Peridot cut in an emerald style.
- August Birthstone Pave Bolo Bracelet: A bracelet with Peridot stones set in a pave style.
- August Birthstone Ring Wrap: A sterling silver ring wrap featuring a simulated Peridot stone.
The brand also offers accessories for jewelry care, such as a jewelry polishing cloth, suggesting a desire to help customers maintain the appearance of their Peridot pieces.
Gemological Properties (Limited Information)
The provided sources do not contain detailed gemological information about Peridot. They do not specify its chemical composition, hardness on the Mohs scale, refractive index, or typical clarity characteristics. However, the consistent reference to “Peridot Crystal” suggests that the material used in Alex and Ani jewelry is, in fact, Peridot. The presence of “Simulated Peridot” in one product description (Alex and Ani Simulated Peridot August Dangle Birthstone Silver Adjustable Ring) indicates that some offerings utilize a Peridot imitation. The sources do not specify the material used for the simulated stones.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
As previously mentioned, the sources strongly emphasize the symbolic meaning of Peridot. It is presented as a stone of opportunity, prosperity, and peace. The brand’s marketing materials suggest that wearing Peridot can promote emotional balance and empower individuals to create a positive future. These beliefs align with a broader tradition of associating gemstones with specific metaphysical properties, though the origins of these associations are not detailed within the provided materials.
Care and Cleaning
The inclusion of a “Jewelry Polishing Cloth” in the Alex and Ani product line suggests that Peridot jewelry requires regular cleaning to maintain its luster. However, the sources do not provide specific instructions on how to clean Peridot or any warnings about potential damage from cleaning agents. Given the limited information, it is advisable to follow general jewelry care guidelines for delicate gemstones.
Market Presentation and Availability
The provided sources demonstrate that Alex and Ani offers Peridot jewelry through its website (https://www.alexandani.com/) and through third-party retailers like Zappos and eBay. The availability of items varies, with some products listed as “Low Stock.” The pricing for Peridot jewelry ranges from $16.99 for a pre-owned ring to $98.00 for a gold birthstone set. The sources also indicate that Alex and Ani offers sales and promotions, such as a “Deal of the Month” and free shipping on orders over $80.
Sources
- ALEX AND ANI August Birthstone Set - Gold
- Disney Mickey August Birthstone Gold Alex and Ani Bracelet
- Alex and Ani Simulated Peridot August Dangle Birthstone Silver Adjustable Ring
- alex and ani birthstone ring wrap sterling silver august
- Alex and Ani August Birthstone Collection
- Alex and Ani Website
- Alex and Ani Birthstone Jewelry Collection
Conclusion
Based on the provided sources, Peridot is presented as the August birthstone, strongly associated with opportunity, prosperity, and emotional well-being. Alex and Ani prominently features Peridot in its birthstone jewelry collection, offering a variety of designs including bracelets, necklaces, and ring wraps. While the sources lack detailed gemological information, they clearly establish Peridot as a desirable and symbolically significant gemstone, particularly within the context of the Alex and Ani brand. The limited information provided does not allow for a comprehensive exploration of Peridot’s history, geological origins, or scientific properties.