Peridot, a vibrant green gemstone, holds the esteemed position of August’s birthstone. Revered for its association with strength, renewal, and inner clarity, peridot has adorned jewelry and captivated cultures for centuries. This article delves into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolism of this captivating gem, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
Peridot’s history is rich and spans millennia. While specific dates of initial discovery are not detailed in the provided sources, its enduring presence in jewelry indicates a long-standing appreciation. The sources highlight its modern association with August birthdays, serving as a “timeless gift” for those born in this month. Contemporary jewelers frequently feature peridot in necklaces, earrings, and rings, often emphasizing its connection to personal significance and celebration.
The sources demonstrate peridot’s continued relevance in modern jewelry design, with examples ranging from dainty, handmade faceted charms to more elaborate halo settings and statement pieces. Honey Willow notes the symbolism of circles in their designs, associating them with infinite love, strength, protection, and unity – qualities often linked to the peridot itself. The availability of peridot in various cuts and settings, from raw crystal forms to polished solitaires, reflects its versatility and enduring appeal.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not detail the geological formation of peridot. However, they do showcase its availability in various jewelry forms, suggesting established mining and cutting practices. Several retailers, including ALOA Jewelry and Chordia Jewels, offer peridot gemstones, indicating ongoing sourcing.
The sources do not specify particular mining locations. However, the wide availability of peridot jewelry from retailers based in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States suggests a global supply chain. The fact that Chordia Jewels offers a range of peridot jewelry, including rings and earrings, indicates a consistent supply of the gemstone.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is characterized by its distinctive green hue, a key attribute emphasized throughout the sources. La Côte Club describes the color as “vibrant green,” while ALOA Jewelry simply refers to it as “green.” The sources indicate that natural gemstones exhibit slight color variations, adding to the unique character of each piece.
The sources provide limited specific gemological data. Sarah Cameron Jewelry notes a 4mm faceted peridot gemstone charm, while La Côte Club details pendant dimensions of 5.3mm x 5.3mm. These measurements suggest peridot is often used in smaller gemstone settings.
Regarding materials, the sources detail the metals used in peridot jewelry. La Côte Club utilizes .925 sterling silver and 18k gold vermeil (at least 2.5 microns of gold over sterling silver). Sarah Cameron Jewelry employs 14k gold filled chains. ALOA Jewelry offers options in 14k gold filled or sterling silver. Honey Willow provides choices of sterling silver or 18k gold plated silver. These details highlight the versatility of peridot in complementing various metal types.
A table summarizing metal options is provided below:
| Metal | Source(s) |
|---|---|
| Sterling Silver | La Côte Club, ALOA Jewelry, Honey Willow |
| 14k Gold Filled | Sarah Cameron Jewelry, ALOA Jewelry |
| 18k Gold Vermeil | La Côte Club |
| 18k Gold Plated | Honey Willow |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources primarily focus on peridot’s symbolic association with positive attributes. La Côte Club explicitly links the gemstone to “strength, renewal, and inner clarity.” Honey Willow connects peridot to the symbolism of circles, representing infinite love, strength, protection, and unity.
While the sources do not elaborate on historical metaphysical beliefs, the emphasis on positive qualities suggests a long-held perception of peridot as a beneficial and empowering stone. The association with August birthdays further reinforces its connection to personal growth and positive energy.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of peridot jewelry. La Côte Club provides detailed guidance, advising owners to remove jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising. They also recommend avoiding contact with perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and cleaning products.
The sources emphasize the importance of storage and regular cleaning. La Côte Club advises storing each piece individually in its provided pouch and cleaning regularly with a soft, dry cloth. They also recommend using a polishing cloth to maintain shine, cautioning against over-polishing gold vermeil to preserve the plating. Jewells.com provides similar advice for gold jewelry, recommending regular cleaning and avoiding harsh chemicals. Silver jewelry, according to Jewells.com, benefits from storage in a sealed bag or airtight box to prevent tarnishing and regular cleaning with a polishing cloth.
Modern Offerings and Retail Landscape
The provided sources showcase a diverse range of peridot jewelry available from various retailers. Chordia Jewels offers a wide selection, including stacking bands, dangle earrings, necklaces, and solitaire rings. Honey Willow specializes in delicate, handmade pieces, such as the double halo necklace. ALOA Jewelry features raw peridot crystal necklaces, appealing to those seeking a more natural aesthetic. Sarah Cameron Jewelry offers dainty, minimalist peridot necklaces. La Côte Club provides a classic peridot birthstone necklace.
The sources also highlight the convenience of online shopping, with retailers offering global shipping and returns. Several retailers, including Honey Willow, offer express making options for faster delivery. The inclusion of US import duties in pricing by some retailers demonstrates a commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Peridot, the August birthstone, remains a cherished gemstone celebrated for its vibrant green color, symbolic associations with strength and renewal, and versatility in jewelry design. While the provided sources offer limited detail regarding its geological origins, they comprehensively illustrate its enduring appeal and continued relevance in the modern jewelry market. From delicate necklaces to statement earrings, peridot continues to captivate and inspire, embodying a timeless elegance and positive energy.