The provided sources offer extremely limited information regarding the August birthstone, peridot. Both sources are product listings from Walmart, focusing on jewelry sales rather than gemological or historical details. Consequently, a comprehensive 2000-word article is impossible. This article will synthesize the available information, acknowledging its significant limitations, and will primarily focus on the commercial presentation of peridot as observed in these listings. It will highlight the gemstone’s association with August and its use in rings, but will lack the depth of historical, geological, and gemological detail typically expected in a birthstone profile.
Historical Context and Association with August
The sources do not provide any historical context for peridot. They simply present it as the “August Birthstone.” This association is a modern convention, and the origins of birthstone assignments are not detailed within these materials. The listings do not mention ancient beliefs, historical uses, or the evolution of peridot’s status as a birthstone. Without further information, it is impossible to discuss the gemstone’s historical significance or its place in folklore.
Peridot in Jewelry: A Commercial Perspective
The provided sources exclusively showcase peridot within the context of rings. Both listings feature heart-cut peridot solitaires. Source [1] describes a ring with a “Heart-Cut Simulated Green Peridot August Birthstone Solitaire Ring In 14K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver 4-5 Cttw.” Source [2] offers a “JeenMata 1-Carat Heart-shape Peridot August Birthstone Wedding Ring in 18k White Gold Over Silver.”
This focus on heart-shaped solitaires suggests a marketing strategy targeting romantic gifting, particularly for those born in August. The use of “simulated” in Source [1] is a crucial detail, indicating that the stone is not a natural peridot but a synthetic or imitation material. Source [2] does not explicitly state whether the peridot is natural or synthetic, but the price point and description suggest it may also be a simulated stone. The listings emphasize the carat weight (1 carat in Source [2], 4-5 cttw in Source [1]) and the metal used in the setting (14K Yellow Gold over Sterling Silver, 18k White Gold over Silver). These details are primarily relevant to potential buyers assessing the value and aesthetic appeal of the jewelry.
Gemological Properties: Limited Observations
The sources provide minimal information regarding the gemological properties of peridot. The color is described as “Green” in both listings, which is consistent with peridot’s typical coloration. The listings mention “Heart-shape” as the cut, indicating a popular and aesthetically pleasing style. The carat weight is specified, allowing for a basic understanding of the stone’s size. However, crucial gemological properties such as hardness, refractive index, clarity, and chemical composition are entirely absent.
The term "simulated" in Source [1] implies that the material may not possess the same physical and optical properties as natural peridot. Without further data, it is impossible to compare the properties of the simulated stone to those of a genuine peridot.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs: Absence of Information
Neither source offers any information regarding the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with peridot. Traditionally, peridot is believed to bring good health, restful sleep, and peace to relationships. It is also associated with strength of mind and protection against negative energies. However, these beliefs are not reflected in the provided materials. The listings focus solely on the commercial aspects of the jewelry, neglecting any cultural or spiritual significance.
Care and Cleaning: No Guidance Provided
The sources do not provide any guidance on the care and cleaning of peridot jewelry. Generally, peridot is a relatively soft gemstone (Mohs hardness of 6.5-7) and requires careful handling to avoid scratches and damage. It is recommended to clean peridot jewelry with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided. However, this information is not present in the provided sources.
Market Value and Sources: Restricted to Retail Listings
The sources only present retail pricing for peridot rings. Source [1] lists a price that is not directly comparable to the value of the stone itself, as it includes the cost of the setting and materials. Source [2] similarly provides a retail price without detailing the underlying value of the peridot. The sources do not mention any mining locations or the geological sources of peridot. Peridot is known to originate from various locations, including Egypt, Myanmar, Pakistan, and the United States (Arizona). However, this information is not included in the provided materials.
Table Summarizing Available Data
Given the limited data, a table summarizing the observed characteristics is presented below:
| Feature | Source [1] | Source [2] |
|---|---|---|
| Gemstone | Simulated Green Peridot | Peridot |
| Shape | Heart-Cut | Heart-shape |
| Carat Weight | 4-5 cttw | 1 Carat |
| Metal | 14K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver | 18k White Gold Over Silver |
| Association | August Birthstone | August Birthstone |
| Natural/Simulated | Simulated | Not explicitly stated |
Conclusion
The provided sources offer a severely restricted view of peridot, the August birthstone. The information is limited to the commercial presentation of peridot rings on Walmart’s website. While the listings confirm the association of peridot with August and showcase its use in heart-shaped solitaire rings, they lack any substantial detail regarding the gemstone’s history, geology, gemological properties, symbolism, or care. This analysis highlights the importance of consulting comprehensive gemological resources for a thorough understanding of any gemstone. The absence of critical information underscores the limitations of relying solely on retail product descriptions for educational purposes. Further research is necessary to provide a complete and accurate profile of peridot.