Peridot, with its distinctive lively green hue and golden undertones, holds a special place in the world of gemstones. Recognized as the birthstone for August, this captivating gem is increasingly popular in contemporary jewelry, from engagement rings to eternity bands. This article will explore the characteristics of peridot, its presence in jewelry, and its significance as a gemstone.
History and Lore
Peridot has been prized for its beauty for centuries. While the provided sources do not detail ancient historical uses, they do establish its modern association with August as a birthstone. The sources highlight its current use in a variety of jewelry pieces, indicating a continued appreciation for its aesthetic qualities. Eternity bands, symbolizing never-ending love, frequently feature peridot set in a continuous line, alongside diamonds, demonstrating its value in sentimental jewelry. Half-eternity bands, a more practical variation, also utilize peridot, making it accessible for everyday wear.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is described as a “beautiful natural gemstone” possessing a “sparkling lively green color with a slight tinge of gold.” The sources do not provide a chemical formula, refractive index, or hardness rating for peridot. However, they do showcase its use in various cuts, including emerald cut, cushion cut, oval cut, and round cut, demonstrating its versatility for gem cutters.
The sources detail peridot’s presence in jewelry crafted from different metals, including 10K white gold, 10K yellow gold, 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold, and 92.5 sterling silver. Rings featuring peridot are available in a wide range of sizes, from 4.5 to 10, catering to diverse preferences.
The quality of peridot is noted as “AAA” in several listings, suggesting a grading system, though the specifics of this grading are not detailed. The sources provide carat weights for both peridot center stones (0.85 CTW, 0.47 ctw) and diamond accents (0.08 ctw), offering insight into typical gemstone sizes used in jewelry. Specific dimensions are also provided for certain cuts, such as a 7x5 mm emerald cut. Ring head dimensions are also provided, ranging from 7.80 MM width and 8.90 MM length, with a height of 6.40 MM.
A table summarizing available ring dimensions is provided below:
| Ring Head Width (MM) | Ring Head Length (MM) | Height (MM) |
|---|---|---|
| 7.80 | 8.90 | 6.40 |
Jewelry Applications
The provided sources primarily focus on peridot’s use in rings. These rings showcase a variety of styles, including three-stone designs, solitaire settings, and station rings. The combination of peridot with diamonds is a recurring theme, enhancing the brilliance and visual appeal of the jewelry.
Several retailers offer peridot rings, including Szul, Sarah Elise Jewelry, Gin and Grace, Rosec Jewels, and Diamondere. These retailers provide a range of options in terms of metal type, cut, and ring size. The availability of both immediate delivery and made-to-order options caters to different customer needs. The sources indicate that custom requests are possible, allowing for personalized jewelry designs.
Care and Cleaning
While the sources do not explicitly detail care and cleaning instructions, the nature of the metal used in the settings (gold and sterling silver) suggests standard jewelry care practices. These include avoiding harsh chemicals, storing the jewelry in a soft pouch, and gently cleaning with a soft cloth. Given peridot’s unspecified hardness, it is reasonable to assume it should be handled with care to prevent scratches or damage.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources do not provide information regarding the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with peridot. However, the use of eternity bands featuring peridot suggests a connection to themes of enduring love and commitment. The gem’s vibrant green color may also evoke associations with nature, growth, and renewal.
Market Value
The sources provide pricing information for peridot rings, ranging from $329.00 to $1,271.00. The price varies depending on the metal type, gemstone quality, and ring design. Rings set in 14K white gold generally command a higher price than those set in 10K gold or sterling silver. The “AAA” quality designation also appears to correlate with higher prices.
Conclusion
Peridot remains a captivating and versatile gemstone, particularly popular as the birthstone for August. Its lively green color, combined with its affordability and availability in various cuts and settings, makes it an attractive choice for jewelry enthusiasts. The sources demonstrate its continued use in contemporary designs, from classic three-stone rings to modern eternity bands, solidifying its place in the world of gemstones. While the provided sources lack detailed gemological data and historical context, they offer a valuable snapshot of peridot’s current presence and appeal in the jewelry market.