Peridot: The August Birthstone – A Celebration in Green

Peridot, a vibrant green gemstone, holds the esteemed position of birthstone for the month of August. Revered for its captivating color and believed properties of harmony and peace, peridot has adorned jewelry for centuries and continues to be a popular choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. This article will explore the history, origins, gemological characteristics, and contemporary uses of this fascinating gem, drawing solely from available sources.

History and Lore

While a detailed historical account is limited within the provided sources, peridot’s association with August as a birthstone is consistently noted. The gemstone is linked to beliefs in healing and protective properties, making it a meaningful gift for those born in this month. Seoidín, an Irish jewelry company founded in 1996, highlights the belief that peridots are associated with harmony, peace, and compassion. The company’s designs are inspired by the Irish landscape, reflecting a connection to the natural world and the inherent beauty of gemstones. Honey Willow, a family business established in 2010, also emphasizes the significance of peridot as the August birthstone, offering personalized necklaces featuring the gem.

Geological Formation and Sources

The sources do not provide extensive details regarding the geological formation of peridot. However, Ojewellery specifies that the peridot used in their necklaces is a natural stone sourced from Arizona, USA. This suggests that the United States is a known source for this gemstone. The pendant offered by Ojewellery features a 0.5ct pear-shaped peridot, 6mm long and 4mm wide, indicating a specific size and cut commonly available in the market.

Gemological Properties

The provided sources offer limited but valuable insights into the gemological properties of peridot. The color is consistently described as a vibrant green, a defining characteristic of the gemstone. Ojewellery highlights the “elegant pear” shape as a popular cut for peridot pendants.

The sources detail various dimensions and weights of peridot pieces. Jewells.com offers a peridot pendant necklace with a pendant length of 405mm and width of 1mm, weighing 3.04g. Honey Willow’s personalized pendant is approximately 10mm in diameter, suspended on a chain of 16 inches with a 2-inch extender. Another Honey Willow pendant, star-set, measures 6mm in diameter. Ojewellery’s pear-shaped peridot weighs 0.5ct, measuring 6mm in length and 4mm in width. These measurements provide a practical understanding of the size and scale of peridot gemstones commonly used in jewelry.

The materials used in the settings of peridot gemstones vary. Jewells.com utilizes 18K Gold Vermeil, while Honey Willow employs sterling silver. Seoidín uses 14 carat gold fill, and Ojewellery uses sterling silver with a rhodium plate for added shine and durability. Rhodium plating is noted as providing a high-quality finish.

Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs

As previously mentioned, peridot is associated with harmony, peace, and compassion. Seoidín specifically links these beliefs to the gemstone, suggesting its potential for promoting well-being. While the sources do not delve deeply into the historical or cultural symbolism of peridot, the emphasis on its positive attributes indicates a long-standing tradition of attributing beneficial qualities to the stone.

Care and Cleaning

The sources offer practical advice on caring for jewelry containing peridot, differentiated by the metal used in the setting. For gold jewelry, Jewells.com recommends regular cleaning with a polishing cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals, and storing the piece in a cool, dry place. They also suggest using a Jewellery Cleansing Foam for a lasting shine. For silver jewelry, the sources advise storing it in a sealed bag or airtight box to prevent tarnishing and regular cleaning with a polishing cloth to maintain its shine. Ojewellery includes a jewellery cleaning cloth with their peridot pendants to facilitate proper care.

Contemporary Applications and Market Availability

The provided sources showcase a range of contemporary applications for peridot in jewelry. Peridot is featured in pendant necklaces, charms, and personalized pieces. Several companies, including Jewells.com, Honey Willow, Seoidín, and Ojewellery, offer peridot jewelry through their online stores. These retailers provide options for various styles, including simple pendants, personalized engravings, and star-set designs. The availability of free UK and international shipping, along with 30-day return policies, demonstrates the accessibility of peridot jewelry to a global market. The sources also mention the option of express making and courier services for faster delivery.

Retailer Information

The sources provide details about the retailers offering peridot jewelry:

Jewells.com: Offers peridot pendant necklaces and charms, with free UK delivery on orders over £50.
Honey Willow: Specializes in personalized peridot necklaces, handmade in Bath, England, since 2010. Offers international shipping with varying customs duties.
Seoidín: An Irish jewelry company founded in 1996, offering peridot pendants with a woven gold surround. Has physical stores in Ireland and Limerick.
Ojewellery: Offers peridot necklaces with pear-shaped pendants, sourced from Arizona, USA. Includes a presentation box, gift bag, authenticity card, and cleaning cloth.

Peridot in Detail: A Table of Specifications

Feature	Jewells.com Pendant	Honey Willow Personalized Pendant	Ojewellery Pendant	Honey Willow Star Set Pendant
Gemstone	Peridot	Peridot	Peridot	Peridot
Pendant Length	405mm	10mm (diameter)	6mm	6mm (diameter)
Pendant Width	1mm	N/A	4mm	N/A
Pendant Weight	3.04g	N/A	0.5ct	N/A
Metal	18K Gold Vermeil	Sterling Silver	Sterling Silver	Sterling Silver
Plating	N/A	N/A	Rhodium	N/A
Chain Length	N/A	16 inches + 2 inch extender	18 inches	N/A

Conclusion

Peridot, the captivating green birthstone of August, continues to enchant jewelry lovers with its vibrant color and symbolic associations. While the provided sources offer a limited scope of information, they reveal a gemstone with a rich history, contemporary appeal, and a range of applications in modern jewelry design. From personalized pendants to elegant necklaces, peridot remains a cherished choice for those seeking a touch of harmony, peace, and natural beauty. The availability of peridot jewelry from various retailers, coupled with practical care instructions, ensures that this gemstone can be enjoyed for generations to come.