Peridot, a vibrant green gemstone, holds the esteemed position of birthstone for the month of August. Revered for its captivating color and symbolic associations, peridot jewelry, particularly bangles and bracelets, offers a timeless elegance and a meaningful connection to the wearer. This article will explore the history, characteristics, and significance of peridot, drawing upon available information to provide a comprehensive overview of this enchanting gem.
History and Lore
Peridot has a history steeped in symbolism and appreciation. While the sources do not detail ancient origins extensively, they highlight its modern association with positive attributes like friendship, happiness, and harmony. This symbolism makes a peridot bracelet or bangle a particularly thoughtful gift, celebrating the bonds between individuals. The sources indicate that peridot has been valued enough to be incorporated into jewelry for centuries, with contemporary designs maintaining a classic appeal. Honey Willow, a jewelry business founded in 2010, exemplifies this enduring craftsmanship, designing and handmaking peridot pieces in Bath, England.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is identified as a gemstone, specifically the August birthstone. The provided sources offer some insight into its physical characteristics. Peridot gemstones used in ALOA Jewelry bracelets measure approximately 3-4mm in size. Honey Willow specifies that the peridot birthstone in their silver bracelets is 3mm in diameter. The metal used in settings varies, with options including sterling silver and 14k gold filled, as offered by ALOA Jewelry. Saslow’s & Henebry’s Diamond Jewelers features peridot set in sterling silver.
The sources do not provide detailed gemological data such as chemical composition, refractive index, or hardness. However, the consistent description of peridot as a gemstone implies it possesses the durability expected of jewelry-quality stones. The availability of peridot in both synthetic and natural forms is noted, with Caribbijou offering a bangle featuring a lab-grown synthetic peridot.
Peridot Jewelry: Styles and Craftsmanship
The sources showcase a variety of peridot jewelry styles, with bangles and bracelets being prominently featured. District Bangle offers peridot birthstone bangles, praised for their aesthetic appeal and comfortable fit. Customer testimonials highlight the bangles’ ability to be stacked with other jewelry, creating versatile looks. Saslow’s & Henebry’s Diamond Jewelers presents a Peridot Bangle as a celebration of August birthdays, emphasizing its timeless elegance. Honey Willow offers a delicate silver bracelet with a single peridot solitaire, designed and handmade in England. ALOA Jewelry features a peridot bar bracelet, available in both sterling silver and 14k gold filled options.
The craftsmanship involved in creating these pieces is also highlighted. Caribbijou describes their bangles as handmade, with the peridot stone being soldered onto the wire using sterling silver solder. Saslow’s & Henebry’s Diamond Jewelers emphasizes exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail in their bangle designs.
Symbolism and Meaning
The sources consistently link peridot with positive symbolism. Honey Willow explicitly states that peridot symbolizes friendship, happiness, and harmony. This association reinforces the gemstone’s suitability as a gift for loved ones, particularly those celebrating birthdays in August. The emphasis on these qualities suggests that peridot is not merely a beautiful adornment but also a token of affection and well-wishing.
Purchasing and Care
The sources provide practical information for potential buyers. Size guides are available from Caribbijou, offering circumference measurements for their bangles (XSmall - 6 1/2", Small - 7", Medium - 7 1/2", Large - 8"). ALOA Jewelry directs customers to a sizing page for assistance with bracelet measurements. Several vendors offer adjustable bracelets, such as ALOA Jewelry with its extender chain and Honey Willow with a 1.5-inch extender, ensuring a comfortable fit.
While specific care instructions are not detailed, the use of sterling silver in many designs suggests that standard silver cleaning methods would be appropriate. Given the gemstone nature of peridot, gentle handling and avoiding harsh chemicals are generally recommended.
Market and Availability
The sources demonstrate the availability of peridot jewelry through various online retailers. Saslow’s & Henebry’s Diamond Jewelers, Caribbijou, ALOA Jewelry, District Bangle, and Honey Willow all offer peridot bangles and bracelets. The pricing varies, with Saslow’s & Henebry’s listing a peridot bangle at $125.00. Customer reviews from District Bangle suggest the bangles are “underpriced” compared to similar jewelry from brands like Gorjana. The availability of both natural and synthetic peridot options caters to a range of budgets and preferences.
Conclusion
Peridot, the captivating green birthstone of August, embodies friendship, happiness, and harmony. From its classic bangle designs to delicate solitaire bracelets, peridot jewelry offers a timeless elegance and a meaningful connection to the wearer. The craftsmanship and attention to detail evident in pieces from vendors like Saslow’s & Henebry’s, Caribbijou, ALOA Jewelry, District Bangle, and Honey Willow ensure that peridot jewelry remains a cherished possession for years to come. Its enduring symbolism and aesthetic appeal solidify peridot’s position as a beloved gemstone.