Peridot, a vibrant green gemstone, holds the distinction of being the primary birthstone for August. Revered for its association with strength, vitality, and positive energy, peridot jewellery offers a radiant touch to any collection. This article delves into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of this captivating gem, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The name “peridot” originates from the Greek word ‘peridona,’ meaning “giving plenty,” hinting at the gem’s long-held association with abundance. While a detailed historical timeline is not provided within the sources, the gem’s enduring appeal is evident in its continued use in jewellery throughout the centuries. Modern interpretations connect peridot with both the Leo and Virgo zodiac signs, offering a personalised touch to gift-giving. The sources highlight peridot’s role in contemporary jewellery, particularly as a meaningful gift for August birthdays, alongside the gladiolus and poppy flowers which share the month’s symbolism.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not detail the geological formation of peridot. However, they do emphasize its presence in contemporary jewellery crafted by businesses located in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Specifically, Seoidín, a jewellery company with shops in County Clare and Limerick, Ireland, features peridot in its designs, drawing inspiration from the Irish landscape. Honey Willow, a family business based in Bath, England, also utilizes peridot in its personalised jewellery offerings. While the sources do not specify the origin of the peridot used by these businesses, they demonstrate the gem’s accessibility and integration into modern jewellery production within these regions.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is characterized by its distinctive light green hue. The sources do not provide a detailed chemical composition or refractive index for peridot. However, they describe it as a vibrant gemstone, often set in gold or silver. Several sources mention the use of Swarovski Crystals to simulate peridot’s appearance, indicating that the colour is a key identifying feature.
The sources offer some physical characteristics. Honey Willow specifies that their peridot pendants are approximately 10mm in diameter. Jewells.com provides dimensions for a peridot pendant necklace: 405mm in length (including the lobster clasp) and 1mm in width, with a weight of 3.04g. These details illustrate the scale and form of peridot jewellery commonly available.
The following table summarizes the physical properties mentioned in the sources:
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter (Pendant) | ~10mm | Honey Willow |
| Length (Necklace) | 405mm | Jewells.com |
| Width (Necklace) | 1mm | Jewells.com |
| Weight (Necklace) | 3.04g | Jewells.com |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot is imbued with a rich tapestry of symbolism. Joy by Corrine Smith highlights the belief that peridot brings good health and peace to relationships by balancing the mind. It is considered a healer, cleansing and repelling negative feelings and exhaustion, replacing them with kindness and understanding. This aligns with the gem’s historical association with abundance and positive energy. The sources suggest that wearing peridot jewellery is considered a good luck charm, making it a thoughtful gift for loved ones or a personal treat.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of peridot jewellery is straightforward. Jewells.com advises regularly cleaning gold peridot pieces with a polishing cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals, and storing them in a cool, dry place. For silver peridot jewellery, regular cleaning with a polishing cloth is recommended to prevent tarnishing, and storage in a sealed bag or airtight box is advised. Pearl and peridot combinations should also be cleaned with a polishing cloth to maintain lustre. Joy by Corrine Smith notes that their peridot jewellery is made from Swarovski Crystals, suggesting that standard crystal care practices apply.
Contemporary Applications and Retail
The sources showcase a diverse range of peridot jewellery available in the UK market. Retailers such as Hepburn and Hughes, Carrie Elizabeth, Joy by Corrine Smith, Not on the High Street, and Honey Willow offer peridot pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets in various styles and materials, including gold, silver, and Swarovski Crystal. Seoidín, based in Ireland, features peridot in its Fí woven gold designs. Personalisation options, such as engraving initials alongside the peridot birthstone, are offered by Honey Willow, adding a unique touch to the jewellery. The sources indicate a wide price range, with items starting from £23.00 and extending to £375.00, reflecting variations in materials and design complexity.
Purchasing and Shipping Information
Several sources provide details regarding purchasing and shipping. Seoidín offers free shipping within Ireland and the UK via An Post Express Delivery, with expected delivery times of 1-2 days for Irish customers. Jewells.com provides information on standard UK shipping (3-7 working days) and returns (30-day window). Honey Willow details shipping options to the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, including both free and fast courier services, with varying delivery times and customs/tax implications depending on the destination.
Conclusion
Peridot, the captivating birthstone of August, embodies strength, vitality, and positive energy. From its ancient origins – signified by its Greek name meaning “giving plenty” – to its contemporary presence in the jewellery market, peridot continues to enchant and inspire. Its vibrant green hue, combined with its symbolic associations and relatively simple care requirements, makes it a cherished gemstone for both personal adornment and meaningful gift-giving. The availability of peridot jewellery from retailers across the UK and Ireland further solidifies its position as a popular and accessible gem for all.