The gemstone peridot, recognized as a birthstone for the month of March, holds a place in both jewelry tradition and contemporary fashion. While historically associated with more elaborate jewelry pieces, peridot has found a niche in accessible designs like wristwatch accents, as evidenced by offerings from brands like Avon. This article will explore the presence of peridot in wristwatch designs, its historical context as a birthstone, and the limited gemological information available from the provided sources.
Peridot in Wristwatch Design
The provided sources highlight peridot’s use as a decorative element in wristwatch designs, specifically within the context of Avon and other brands. These watches often feature peridot-colored rhinestones or faux gemstones integrated into the band or encircling the watch face. One listing describes an Avon watch with peridot rhinestones and a green faux leather band with a bamboo pattern, while another details a March birthstone watch with peridot rhinestones surrounding the watch face and a faux green leather cuff band. These examples demonstrate a trend of incorporating birthstones into wearable accessories, making them accessible and fashionable. The watches are often presented as affordable options, utilizing materials like faux leather and rhinestones to mimic the appearance of genuine peridot.
Historical Context and Birthstone Designation
The designation of peridot as a March birthstone is a relatively modern convention. According to the International Gem Society (IGS), as referenced in one source, the tradition of associating specific gemstones with birth months dates back to the 16th century. However, the list of modern birthstones commonly used in the United States was updated in the early 1900s by the National Association of Jewelers. This update explains why some months, including March, have multiple associated gemstones – in this case, aquamarine and bloodstone alongside peridot. The sources do not provide details on the historical significance of peridot prior to the 16th century or the reasoning behind its selection as a March birthstone.
Gemological Properties (Limited Information)
The provided sources offer extremely limited information regarding the gemological properties of peridot. They do not detail its chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or typical clarity characteristics. The descriptions focus solely on its appearance as a green-colored stone, often represented by rhinestones or faux gemstones in the context of the watches. Therefore, a comprehensive gemological profile cannot be constructed from the available data.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources do not contain any information regarding the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with peridot. While many gemstones are attributed with specific meanings and powers, the provided materials remain silent on this aspect of peridot.
Care and Cleaning
Similarly, the sources do not offer any guidance on the care and cleaning of peridot. Given the focus on watches featuring peridot-colored rhinestones and faux gemstones, the care instructions would likely differ significantly from those for genuine peridot. The sources do mention jewelry care services offered by Peter & Co. Jewelers, including ring resizing, polishing, scratch removal, and repair of damaged settings, but these services are not specifically linked to peridot.
Purchasing and Retail Options
Several sources highlight retail options for gemstone jewelry, including birthstone pieces. Michaels Jewelers lists “Birthstones” as a shop-by-gemstone category alongside diamonds, white gold, and other materials. Peter & Co. Jewelers emphasizes a worry-free shopping experience and knowledgeable sales teams to assist customers in selecting gemstone rings. Portofino Jewelry specifically promotes turquoise, but also offers custom jewelry services, implying the possibility of creating pieces with peridot or other gemstones. These sources demonstrate the availability of birthstone jewelry through both established jewelry retailers and online platforms like Poshmark, where pre-owned or vintage pieces are often sold.
Gemstone Rings and Metal Choices
Peter & Co. Jewelers provides some guidance on choosing a gemstone ring, noting that sterling silver is a versatile metal that pairs well with nearly every gemstone and is often more affordable than gold. Gold-plated sterling silver offers a warmer hue at a lower price point. These considerations are relevant to peridot rings as well, offering options for different budgets and aesthetic preferences.
Conclusion
The available sources primarily showcase peridot as a decorative element in affordable wristwatch designs, particularly those marketed as March birthstone accessories. While the sources confirm peridot’s status as a birthstone for March, they offer limited insight into its historical significance, gemological properties, symbolism, or care requirements. The information suggests a trend of incorporating birthstones into accessible fashion items, making them available to a wider audience. Further research, utilizing sources beyond those provided, would be necessary to develop a comprehensive understanding of peridot as a gemstone.