Peridot, recognized as the birthstone for August, holds a unique place in both gemological history and cultural belief. Often called the “evening emerald” due to its distinctive light green hue, this gemstone symbolizes strength and has been treasured for centuries. This article will explore the history, origins, properties, and significance of peridot, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The historical connection between peridot and volcanic activity is a prominent element of its lore. Sources indicate a belief that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were, in fact, the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. This association links the stone to powerful natural forces and imbues it with a sense of mystique. Beyond this specific mythology, peridot has been historically valued for its beauty and believed properties. It is referenced as a stone of remembrance, with contemporary customers purchasing peridot jewelry to honor loved ones who have passed. One customer specifically acquired a peridot ring as a remembrance for their mother, highlighting the stone’s emotional resonance in modern times. Another customer purchased a peridot ring in memory of a baby lost in August, further demonstrating its use as a memorial stone. The traditional association of the poppy flower with remembrance also appears alongside peridot in jewelry designs, specifically in a “Poppy August Birth Month Flower Ring” featuring a 2mm peridot birthstone.
Geological Formation and Sources
While the provided sources do not detail the geological formation of peridot, they do establish its availability as a gemstone used by a specific jeweler. Amelia Ray, a Texas-based jewelry designer, utilizes peridot in her nature-inspired pieces. The sources do not specify the origin of the peridot used, but emphasize Amelia Ray’s commitment to ethical sourcing of diamonds and gemstones. This suggests a conscientious approach to material procurement, though specific mining locations are not mentioned.
Gemological Properties
The sources provide limited gemological data, but establish key characteristics of the peridot used by Amelia Ray. The peridot featured is described as a “2mm genuine AA grade brilliant cut” stone. This indicates a high quality of cut and clarity, denoted by the “AA grade” designation. The stone is set within a 1.2-3 solid round band, available in 14k Yellow Gold, 14k White Gold, 14k Rose Gold, or 925 Sterling Silver. 18k and 9k Gold are available upon request. The color is described as a light green, leading to its nickname, “evening emerald.” While a chemical formula or hardness rating is not provided, the stone’s classification as a birthstone and its historical use in jewelry imply a reasonable degree of durability.
A table summarizing the peridot properties as described in the sources is provided below:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Light Green |
| Cut | Brilliant Cut |
| Clarity/Grade | AA Grade |
| Size | 2mm |
| Metal Options | 14k YG, 14k WG, 14k RG, 925 Sterling Silver |
| Available Options | 18k & 9k Gold |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The primary symbolism associated with peridot, as stated in the sources, is strength. This single attribute is the most prominent metaphysical belief connected to the stone within the provided materials. The historical association with Pele, the volcano goddess, also suggests a connection to power and natural forces. The use of peridot in remembrance jewelry further imbues the stone with symbolic weight, representing memory, loss, and enduring love. The combination of the peridot with the poppy flower, a traditional symbol of remembrance, reinforces this association.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care and cleaning instructions for peridot. However, given its use in jewelry and its implied durability, standard jewelry care practices would likely be appropriate. Further research beyond the provided sources would be necessary to provide detailed guidance on cleaning and maintaining peridot jewelry.
Customization and Purchasing Information
Amelia Ray offers customization options, including the use of different gemstones upon request. The jewelry is custom-made to order, with a production timeline of approximately two weeks. Pricing for peridot jewelry from Amelia Rose ranges from $32 to $150, as indicated by a promotional listing on Goodmorningamerica.com, with a typical price range of $450 + Free Shipping to $900. The same listing indicates a promotional period from November 1st to November 2nd, 2023, and a subsequent period from November 1st to November 12th, 2023.
Business Practices and Customer Service
Amelia Ray is presented as a one-woman show, emphasizing personalized attention to customer inquiries and custom requests. The business prioritizes sustainability through ethical sourcing of gemstones, non-plastic packaging, and environmentally conscious jewelry-making methods. Customer reviews highlight the excellent quality of the jewelry and prompt delivery times. Amelia Ray’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, as outlined on her website, demonstrate a commitment to legal compliance and customer data protection. The company is based in Texas and operates under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Legal Considerations
Amelia Rose Design, Inc. operates under specific Terms of Service and a Privacy Policy, outlining the legal framework governing transactions and data handling. The company is not liable for damages arising from the use of its services or products, and users agree to indemnify Amelia Rose Design against any claims related to their use of the website or violation of applicable laws. The Terms of Service are subject to change, and users are responsible for periodically reviewing them.
Conclusion
Peridot, the August birthstone, is a gemstone steeped in history, symbolism, and natural beauty. While the provided sources offer a limited scope of information, they reveal a stone associated with strength, remembrance, and volcanic power. Amelia Ray’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices further enhances the appeal of this “evening emerald.” The stone’s use in custom-made jewelry allows for personalized expression and enduring memorialization. Further research would be beneficial to expand upon the gemological properties and geological origins of peridot, but the available information provides a valuable glimpse into the significance of this captivating gemstone.