Stone of the Month: Peridot

Modern Peridot and Silver Earrings
by Splurge

Anyone who loves the color green is usually envious of those born in August, for they enjoy one of the most beautiful birthstones in the spectrum. Peridots have an incredibly rich shade of green, and are one of the only gemstones that do not appear in various colors. Only the brightness of the green will change, depending on the amount of iron in a particular deposit. Peridots are also the only form of gemstones that have been found in meteorites.

Peridot is a gemstone quality form of olivine, or magnesium iron silicate. Most peridots are mined in Pakistan and Afghanistan, though deposits have been found in Asia and North America. Their rarity has fluctuated over the centuries, with small deposits being discovered only occasionally, as far back as Ancient Egypt and Rome.

Peridot Chainmaille Charm Bracelet
by Chicki

The word peridot comes from the Greek peridona, which means “richness”. It’s an excellent way to describe the unique green of these stones. There is an intensity to them that expresses a lust for life, which makes peridots an ideal gem for a summer birthstone.

Because their color remains true in all types of light, the Romans nicknamed peridots the “emerald of the evening”. These pretty green gems are excellent in glam jewelry, for a girls night out or night at the opera.

Fun, affordable peridot imitations are abundant in materials like glass and acrylic. The shades of green called “peridot” will vary by maker, but they are all deliciously beautiful. Both the real gemstones and the alternatives make great ocean and summer inspired jewelry designs, and pair well with almost anything. They look delightful with pale colors like turquoise, topaz and white, and elegant with sapphire, black or oxidized silver.

Peridot Cubic Zirconia Earrings
by Rock Fern

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