Peridot, with its distinctive olive-green hue, holds a unique place in the world of gemstones. While the provided sources do not detail its chemical composition, hardness, or geological formation, they do illuminate its increasing popularity in modern jewelry, particularly bridal pieces, and its historical connection to significant events and individuals. This article will explore the versatility of peridot, its symbolism, and its presence in contemporary jewelry trends, drawing solely from the information presented in the available sources.
Versatility and Modern Appeal
Peridot is noted for its versatility in design, lending itself well to combinations with other gemstones. Sources highlight its compatibility with blue topaz, pink diamonds, and amethyst, suggesting a broad range of creative possibilities for jewelry designers. This adaptability contributes to its growing appeal among contemporary jewelry buyers.
Beyond its aesthetic qualities, peridot is gaining traction as a gemstone of choice for bridal jewelry. It is traditionally recognized as the stone symbolizing the 16th wedding anniversary, but its use is expanding to include engagement rings, wedding bands, and bracelets. This shift indicates a growing appreciation for peridot’s unique color and its potential to represent enduring commitment. The deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry company, mentioned in the sources, actively promotes its collection of high-end jewelry featuring peridot, catering to customers seeking exquisite pieces for special occasions.
Historical Connections and Notable Mentions
While the sources do not delve into the ancient history of peridot, they offer a glimpse into its connection with a specific historical artifact: the “Atocha Star” emerald. This emerald, recovered from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, which sank in 1622, was initially cut by Meg Berry in 1992. The stone, valued at $250,000 in its rough form, was transformed into a 12.72-carat gem and intended as a gift for Deo Fisher, wife of Mel Fisher, the salvager of the ship’s treasure.
The emerald’s journey continued as it was incorporated into a diamond-encrusted statuette, the Golden Eagle, which reached a valuation of $4.8 million in 2014. The Golden Eagle was later offered for sale with a philanthropic component, earmarking $1 million for cancer research. This story, while centered around an emerald, demonstrates the enduring value and symbolic significance associated with gemstones recovered from historical events.
A Brief Interlude: Olivia de Havilland and Unrelated Biographical Details
The provided sources contain a significant amount of biographical information about actress Olivia de Havilland, including details about her marriages, children, religious beliefs, and political involvement. However, this information is entirely unrelated to peridot or any other gemstone. While interesting in its own right, it does not contribute to an understanding of the gemstone’s properties, history, or significance. The sources detail her two marriages, to Marcus Goodrich and Pierre Galante, and the births of her children, Benjamin and Gisèle. They also touch upon her involvement in Hollywood’s resistance to Soviet influence and her later religious revival. This biographical data, while extensive, is extraneous to the topic of peridot.
Contemporary Retail and Expertise
The sources mention deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry, a retailer based in Dallas and Houston, as a source for high-end jewelry featuring peridot. The company offers assistance to customers interested in peridot jewelry and encourages exploration of their collection online or in-store. This highlights the availability of peridot in the current market and the presence of expert staff capable of guiding customers through the selection process.
Conclusion
The available sources, while limited in scope regarding the gemological properties of peridot, demonstrate its growing popularity as a versatile and appealing gemstone, particularly within the bridal jewelry market. Its connection to historical artifacts, such as the “Atocha Star” emerald, underscores the enduring value and symbolic significance associated with gemstones. The presence of retailers like deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry indicates a readily accessible market for peridot jewelry and the availability of expert guidance for potential buyers. While further research is needed to provide a comprehensive overview of peridot’s geological origins, chemical composition, and historical lore, the provided sources offer a valuable glimpse into its contemporary relevance and enduring appeal.