August Birthstone: Peridot
The Gem of Summer Green
Spectacular ring by Hemmerle
Peridot captures the color of late summer like no other gem.
Its lively green is softer and fresher than emerald, tourmaline or tsavorite, with a luminous glow that seems to brighten the wearer.
Better yet, it also happens to be one of the best values among colored gemstones, allowing beautiful design with larger sizes at approachable prices.
One of the oldest gems with cosmic roots, it is no wonder that peridot has been a powerful talisman since ancient times.
This awesome gem, also representing the 16th wedding anniversary is one of our favorites!
What Makes It So Special
Matching peridot pair from the Susan Kottemann Collection
Peridot is one of the few gems that occurs in one color…tanzanite comes to mind as one of the other single-color gems.
Its soothing color ranges from a pure green to yellowish green. The finest peridot is a pure grassy green without brown or yellow undertones.
Peridot is available in a wide variety of classic shapes and sizes which makes it easier to source for any design. This availability and gentle pricing make peridot fun to design with.
A little Gemology
Cabochon "Pebble" earrings by Nicholas Varney
Like all gemstones, the color is derived from impurities. Iron is what gives peridot its distinctive color.
At 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale, it is a relatively delicate gem and not well suited to hard everyday wear.
By far, the coolest thing I learned while researching this blog is that some peridot is actually extraterrestrial. Tiny crystals have been found in meteorites that formed during the birth of our solar system over 4.5 billion years ago. Most peridot, though, is forged deep in the earth's mantle and delivered to the surface by volcanic activity.
Peridot is mined in several parts of the world, including Arizona, Pakistan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Finland and the Egyptian island of Zabargad.
History and Legends:
Amethyst and peridot antique earrings
From the earliest times, peridot was associated with the sun and with an ability to protect against evil spirits. From gem-encrusted goblets used by Egyptian priests to honor the gods to peridot powder kept in medieval apothecaries as a remedy for a variety of ailments, peridot in all its forms, has been used as talismans for protection and as a remedy.
Peridot was treasured by the Ancient Egyptians and mined on the island of Zabargad as early as 1500 BC. This has led some historians to speculate that Cleopatra's famous "emerald" collection may actually have contained peridot.
Confusion between emerald and peridot persisted for centuries. The green gemstones adorning Shrine of The Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral, long believed to be emeralds, are now known to be peridot.
How We Love to Use Peridot
Peridot may be too soft for an everyday ring but perfect for a cocktail or fashion ring. Since peridot is available in large sizes and affordable, we have freedom to use larger gems and can be bold and playful in the design.
One-of-a-kind ring by Rafka / High karat gold cuff by Darlene de Sedle
In terms of the effect on the wearer, peridot is luminous and often has what I describe as a "glow" so in earrings or a necklace it brings light and brightens the face!
Custom designed earrings by Susan Kottemann
We love using pavé diamond accents with peridot to add sparkle and color contrast at a lower cost than more expensive side stones.
One-of-a-kind necklace from the Susan Kottemann Collection
As you all know, I LOVE pairing colored gems. Combining complementary and contrasting gems creates some of the most unique and sophisticated jewelry we make. With peridot, softer pink hues such as sapphire, spinel and tourmaline pair beautifully. The rich purple hue of amethyst is another favorite. It creates a bold contrast and is also an affordable gemstone, making a striking combination with a gentle price tag.
Custom designed earrings by Susan Kottemann / Peridot and pink sapphire earrings by Paola Costagli
Peridot looks great in both yellow and white metals but I think rich 18 karat yellow gold complements the vibrant green of peridot best.
Peridot has always been one of my favorite gems and its availability in high quality and approachable prices makes it a wonderful gemstone for creating one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Whether you're celebrating an August birthday, a 16th wedding anniversary, or simply love the fresh green glow of peridot, we'd be delighted to help you create something truly personal.
Where Do We Begin?
Peridot and aquamarine gemstones from the Susan Kottemann Collection
The custom jewelry process is fun and very fulfilling…creating a jewel for yourself or as a gift is creating a material treasure with a soul. Jewelry with a story is treasured differently and often becomes a family heirloom.
Over the years, we have built relationships with gemstone suppliers, designers, and craftspeople, allowing us to bring together the resources needed to create jewelry reflecting a wide range of styles, tastes, and budgets.
Most projects either start with an idea for a design OR start with a gemstone—perhaps one you already own. From there, we work together to refine the concept, making adjustments to the design, materials and details until the jewel reflects your personal style and vision.