Peridot, with its distinctive olive-green hue, holds the esteemed position of birthstone for August. This gemstone, often associated with harmony, peace, and compassion, has a history stretching back centuries, and continues to be a popular choice for jewelry, particularly in necklaces and chokers. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of this captivating gem, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
Peridot’s history is interwoven with ancient beliefs and traditions. While specific dates of initial discovery are not detailed in the provided sources, the gem has been valued for its beauty and perceived powers for a considerable period. Sources indicate that peridot is associated with harmony, peace and compassion. It is considered a timeless gift for those born in August. The sources do not detail ancient Egyptian use, but the gem’s enduring appeal is evident in its continued presence in modern jewelry.
The sources highlight the gem’s modern resurgence in popularity, particularly in handcrafted pieces. Honey Willow, for example, features peridot in a briolette choker necklace, handmade in Bath, England, since 2010. La Côte Club also offers a peridot birthstone necklace as an original design, emphasizing its handcrafted nature and hypoallergenic properties. Ojewellery sources its natural peridot from Arizona, USA, showcasing a commitment to specific geographical origins.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources offer limited detail regarding the geological formation of peridot. However, Ojewellery specifically notes that its peridot is sourced from Arizona, USA. The gem is formed as a result of volcanic activity, but the sources do not elaborate on the specific conditions required for its creation.
The sources do not provide a comprehensive list of peridot mining locations beyond Arizona. The focus remains on the finished product and its availability for jewelry making, rather than the intricacies of its geological origins.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is characterized by its distinctive olive-green color, a result of its chemical composition. The sources do not provide the chemical formula, but describe the color as vibrant green. The gem’s clarity is often described as varying, with natural peridot chip beads exhibiting different shapes and sizes.
Several sources provide details regarding the physical characteristics of peridot jewelry:
- Carat Weight: Ojewellery specifies a peridot necklace featuring a 0.5ct pear-shaped pendant.
- Dimensions: La Côte Club details pendant dimensions as 5.3 mm x 5.3 mm. Ojewellery provides dimensions of 6mm long by 4mm for their pear-shaped peridot.
- Cut: The sources showcase various cuts, including briolette (Honey Willow), pear (Ojewellery), and chip (Shokh Jewelry).
- Setting: Ojewellery utilizes a flush setting for its peridot pendant, while others are set in various styles within chokers and necklaces.
- Materials: Peridot is frequently paired with sterling silver, 18K gold vermeil, and bead stringing wire in the jewelry described.
- Chain Length: Chain lengths vary, with options including 16 inches extending to 18 inches (La Côte Club) and 18 inches (Ojewellery).
- Weight: The weight of a peridot pendant and chain combination can be 2.7g (Ojewellery) or 3.04g (Jewells.com).
The sources do not provide information on peridot’s hardness, refractive index, or other detailed gemological properties.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot is imbued with symbolic meaning across various cultures. Ojewellery associates peridot with harmony, peace, and compassion. These attributes contribute to its popularity as a birthstone for August, representing renewal and inner clarity, as stated by La Côte Club. The sources do not detail historical or cultural beliefs beyond these associations.
The “wearable way to celebrate” concept, as highlighted by Jewells.com, suggests a modern interpretation of the gemstone’s symbolism – a personal and meaningful adornment.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of peridot jewelry requires careful attention. Shokh Jewelry provides specific care instructions for peridot crystal chip necklaces:
- Put jewelry on after changing clothes and remove it before taking clothes off.
- Avoid spraying perfume directly on the jewelry.
- Remove all jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, or sleeping.
La Côte Club also offers general jewelry care advice: remove jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising; avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products; store each piece individually in its pouch; and clean regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Jewells.com recommends using a jewellery cleaning cloth to maintain shine.
The sources emphasize the importance of protecting peridot from harsh chemicals and physical damage to preserve its luster and integrity.
Modern Applications and Jewelry Styles
The provided sources demonstrate peridot’s versatility in contemporary jewelry design. It is featured in a range of styles, including:
- Choker Necklaces: Honey Willow and Shokh Jewelry showcase peridot in briolette and chip choker designs.
- Pendant Necklaces: La Côte Club, Ojewellery, and Jewells.com offer peridot pendant necklaces in various settings and chain lengths.
- Materials: Peridot is combined with sterling silver, 18K gold vermeil, and other materials to create diverse aesthetic options.
The emphasis on handcrafted designs and the use of high-quality materials, such as 18K gold vermeil, suggest a focus on creating durable and luxurious peridot jewelry.
Conclusion
Peridot, the August birthstone, is a gem steeped in symbolism and natural beauty. While the provided sources offer limited detail regarding its geological origins and detailed gemological properties, they clearly demonstrate its enduring appeal as a material for exquisite jewelry. From handcrafted chokers to elegant pendant necklaces, peridot continues to captivate with its vibrant green hue and associations with harmony, peace, and renewal. Proper care, as outlined in the sources, will ensure that this captivating gemstone retains its brilliance for years to come.