Fashion

Key Guide to the Wonders of Peridot Gemstones

Those who delight in something a little more unique than the usual suspects when it comes to gemstones will absolutely want to buy stunning peridot jewellery. This gem features a gorgeous spring green or olive green colour that stands out for its strikingly fresh appeal.

The following guide will give you a useful overview on peridot to ensure you buy top quality when choosing a jewellery piece with this lovely gem at centre stage.

Introducing Peridot Gems

In scientific terms, peridot belongs to the Olivine mineral family. Created deep within the earth under extreme heat and pressure, it is one of the few single coloured gemstones that occurs both naturally and without impurities.

It is also interesting to note that peridot is one of the oldest gemstones known to man. Discovered approximately four thousand years ago on the island of St. John (today called Zabargad) in the Red Sea of southern Egypt, peridot gems were later introduced to Europe by the early Crusaders.

Peridot is mentioned in many ancient references, including the Bible. In pagan times it was believed that the gem represents spring, so it was considered a gift from Mother Nature. Early Christians considered peridot to be sacred and even today Bishops can be seen wearing a ring adorned with peridot to symbolise purity.

The name peridot is derived from the Greek word ‘peridona', which means ‘richness of colour'. This is an apt description, since the gem truly captivates the eye with its vibrant green hue.

Where Peridot Comes From

Peridot is still found and mined in Egypt, while additional sources of this beautiful gemstone are Africa, Australia, Brazil, China, the US, Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Norway and Saudi Arabia.

The most valuable peridot specimens are from Pakistan, while the Myanmar variety is popular for its vivid light green colour and silky sheen. Arizona in the US is also a popular source since the stones mined there have a stunning yellow-gold tint mixed in with their olive green colour.

Buying Tips for Peridot Jewellery

  • Peridot is one of the few gemstones that are not treated artificially to enhance its colour. It is also unusual in the fact that it does not change colour under different types of light sources, which is why it was once commonly known as ‘The Evening Emerald'.
  • The price of peridot can vary greatly depending on the size and quality of each stone.
  • Star peridot and cat's eye peridot are extremely rare and valuable.
  • Some peridot gems have tinges of gold, while others range in colour from a yellow tinted green to a deep olive green.
  • Peridot is often confused with emeralds or chrysolite.
  • The cabochon (dome shape) cut is popular with this gem in jewellery as this tends to bring out the silky shine of the stone's inclusions (natural inner fissures).
  • Some specimens have tinges of gold, while others range in colour from a yellow tinted green to a rich olive green.
  • Peridot measures 6.5 to 7 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, meaning it is not overly soft but neither is it highly robust like diamonds. For this reason, as with most gems, be careful of accidental scrapes and knocks when wearing peridot jewellery.

Conclusion

In addition to its stunningly vibrant colour and silky shine, peridot is prized for stimulating awareness, intuition, vitality, confidence and assertiveness. It is also believed to have the ability to heal bad relationships and mend hurt feelings. Without a doubt, anyone who loves gemstones that are not the usual run of the mill will want to own at least one item of stunning peridot jewellery.

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