The Ancient Lore and Modern Elegance of the Peridot
Rough cut Peridot gemstone
Peridot is the birthstone for August, and its significance as the “official” stone for 16th anniversaries has historical and mythological backup: the ancients believed that it kept evil spirits at bay and suppressed jealousy, and so contributed to successful relationships and happy marriages. Hawaiian folklore teaches that peridots are the tears of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire.
The peridot is an utterly unique gemstone as it is the only one that comes in a single color, green, which can vary from a pale yellow-green to a deep olive. They are formed from the mineral olivine, and the color is determined by the amount of iron in the structure of their crystal. Most gemstones form in the Earth’s crust, but peridots are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle. The only other precious stone that shares that characteristic is the diamond.
St. John’s Island in the Red Sea is one of the oldest sources of peridots, having been mined for over 3,500 years. Now can be found around the globe, including areas such as the Southwest United States, China, Pakistan, and Myanmar. Actually, to describe the peridot as being “out of this world” would be apt as they have been found in meteorites, and the stones from outer space are among the rarest gems in the world.
Historical Gem
In medieval Europe, peridots were thought to symbolize purity and morality and adorned many churches and religious artifacts. The Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne, Germany, is covered with gold and over 1,000 gemstones, and it is crowned with five peridots, each weighing more than 200 carats.
In ancient Egypt, peridots were called the “gem of the sun,” and they were referred to as “evening emeralds” throughout the Roman Empire, because their color did not dim in man-made light. In fact, peridots were often mistaken for emeralds, and some historians believe that pieces of Cleopatra’s famous collection of emeralds were actually peridots.
Versatility and Care
Mythology, superstition, and cultural symbolism aside, the peridot is a versatile gem. It is spectacular on its own or when paired with other stones, and gold settings bring out the yellow tones.
As subtle or as bold as you like, peridots can blend into your wardrobe perfectly or stand out with a shine – it’s all up to you! None other than Kate Middleton is regularly seen wearing peridot and topaz earrings! Famous for mixing high fashion with practicality, the Duchess swapped the original diamond gems out for topaz which, partnered with the shimmering green peridots, create a new dazzling, but approachable, combo.
Peridots land on the Mohs scale mark of 6.5-7, meaning that while it is a softer gem, it’s still durable enough for jewelry wear. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to exercise caution with peridots and to not subject them to hard wear and tear. Peridots do require specialized care. They are sensitive to heat and acid, so cleaning is best done by a professional.
So, when shopping for an August birthday, a 16th anniversary, or simply something unique and memorable, but accessible, visit Joslin’s Jewelry. The expert jewelers there can help find the perfect ring, bracelet, necklace, or earrings, and the in-house design team can easily create a lovely, one-of-a-kind piece for any occasion.
