Peridot, with its distinctive olive-green hue, holds the esteemed position of birthstone for August. Revered for centuries and increasingly popular in contemporary jewellery, this gemstone is associated with renewal, good luck, and emotional balance. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of peridot, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
Peridot’s history is rich and spans numerous cultures. Historically, the gemstone has been associated with wisdom, strength, and elegance. Its enduring appeal has made it a cherished choice across cultures for centuries. While specific details regarding its earliest uses are limited within the provided sources, its consistent presence in jewellery and symbolic practices indicates a long-standing appreciation. The sources highlight its modern association with August birthdays, anniversaries, and as a token of self-love.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided materials do not detail the geological formation of peridot. However, they confirm that the peridot used in contemporary jewellery is a natural gemstone. The sources do not specify particular mining locations, but indicate that the peridot featured in jewellery is ethically sourced. Several UK-based businesses offer peridot jewellery, suggesting a supply chain that extends internationally.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is characterized by its vibrant green colour, a defining feature that contributes to its appeal. The sources describe it as a “lively green” gemstone. It is commonly found in jewellery as a faceted stone, often set in gold or silver. One source specifies a pendant size of approximately 6mm in diameter.
A specific example of a peridot pendant details its composition: a natural peridot set in 9kt yellow gold, weighing approximately 0.47g with a gemstone height of 4.5mm. The pendant is described as having a classic mand-setting, designed to enhance the stone’s natural brilliance.
The sources do not provide detailed gemological data such as hardness, refractive index, or chemical formula. However, they do indicate that peridot is suitable for various jewellery types, including earrings, pendants, brooches, and rings.
Here's a table summarizing the properties mentioned in the sources:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Colour | Vibrant Green, Olive-Green |
| Material | Natural Peridot, 9kt Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver |
| Setting | Star Set, Mand-Set |
| Pendant Size | ~6mm diameter |
| Gemstone Height | ~4.5mm |
| Weight (Pendant) | ~0.47g |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot is traditionally associated with qualities like balance, clarity, and protection. It is believed to bring harmony and emotional balance to the wearer. The sources emphasize its symbolism of renewal and good luck, making it a fitting gift for new beginnings or celebrations. The stone is also linked to wisdom and strength, suggesting a deeper, more enduring significance.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of peridot jewellery requires gentle care. The sources recommend regularly cleaning gold jewellery with a polishing cloth and avoiding harsh chemicals. Silver peridot jewellery may tarnish and benefit from storage in a sealed bag or airtight box, alongside regular cleaning with a polishing cloth. Pearls, if present in the jewellery, should also be cleaned with a polishing cloth to maintain their lustre. Specific cleaning instructions for the peridot gemstone itself are not provided, but the general advice suggests avoiding abrasive cleaners that could damage the stone’s surface.
Styling Peridot Jewellery
The sources offer some styling advice, suggesting that peridot can be paired with both silver and gold tones, depending on the wearer’s skin tone and outfit. It can be worn as a statement piece or layered with simpler chains. The gemstone’s green hue complements neutral, pastel, or bold colours, offering versatility in styling.
Purchasing Peridot Jewellery in the UK
Several UK-based businesses are highlighted in the sources, offering a range of peridot jewellery. These include Seoidín, with shops in multiple locations across Ireland and one in Skerries, Dublin, and Honey Willow, based in Bath, England. Ojewellery, also based in the UK, offers a variety of peridot pieces and provides information on the gemstone’s significance. These businesses offer options for personalization, such as engraving names or dates, and provide gift packaging.
Conclusion
Peridot remains a captivating gemstone, steeped in history and symbolism. Its vibrant green colour, coupled with its associations with renewal, good luck, and emotional balance, makes it a cherished birthstone for August and a popular choice for jewellery enthusiasts. While the provided sources offer a glimpse into its appeal and care, further research into its geological origins and detailed gemological properties would provide a more comprehensive understanding of this beautiful stone.