Peridot Guide
Peridot is an enchanting gemstone set apart by its alluring green colour. This stone’s calming hues and excellent translucency make it a joy to look at, especially when it’s sparkling on your finger or wrapped around your wrist. First mined in Egypt over two millennia ago, peridot was, at that time, associated with sunlight. Today, it symbolizes strength and good health and is crafted into an array of dazzling jewellery styles. Find out more about peridot to make you fall in love with this exquisite gemstone beauty.
What is peridot?
A gemstone of vivid colour, peridot is formed deep in the earth's mantle and carried out by lava. Its characteristic green comes from the presence of iron, and its hues range from greenish-yellow to brownish- and yellowish-green.
PERIDOT QUICK GUIDE
PRIMARY COLOUR
Green
SECONDARY COLOURS
Greenish Yellow
COMMON SHAPES
- Emerald
- Round
- Cushion
BIRTHSTONE MONTH
August
ZODIAC SIGN
Libra
- Mineral:
- Olivine
- Origins:
- China, Vietnam, Tanzania, United States
- Symbols:
- Strength, Good Health
- Properties:
- Mood-boosting, Creativity
- Durability:
- 6.5 to 7
Enhancements
None
CARE
Special Gemstone Care: Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, perfume, cosmetics, and hairspray.
Similar Gemstones
- Emerald
- Citrine
- Aquamarine
What to Look for in Peridot
Peridot is a relatively common gemstone found in hardened lava flows around the world, including in China, Vietnam, Tanzania and the United States. The finest and rarest peridots in the purest green hues come from Myanmar and Pakistan. The August birthstone, peridot is a much-loved gemstone for special jewellery.
Peridot is one of the few green-coloured gemstones, and gemstone-quality peridot is rather rare, although the mineral itself is very common throughout the world. When you’re perusing peridot, look for these qualities:
COLOUR
Gemstone colour is probably the most important aspect of a gem. The most desirable peridot gemstones feature a rich green colour with no visible inclusions, while the best value is found in a gemstone with olive tones and minor inclusions that look just as striking. Consider the shape and hue that most appeals to you.CUT
Though it has a smaller colour range, peridot also works with a variety of gemstone cuts that showcase its hues in different ways. Popular shapes for peridot include emerald, oval, round, pear, triangle, cushion and marquise. The ideal cut and shape for any gemstone is the one that best displays its colour and brilliance. An emerald cut enhances the colour of peridot, while round and oval cuts maximise sparkle.CLARITY
Gemstone clarity is an important evaluator for many gemstones. Almost every gemstone contains marks known as inclusions, which are liquids, gas bubbles, mineral traces, and other debris found inside stones. Fine peridot is usually "eye clean," meaning that its inclusions are only visible when magnified. Peridot with a few visible inclusions offer the best value, and their unique marks only add to their one-of-a-kind appeal.SIZE (CARAT)
Gemstone size, unlike diamond size, is generally measured in millimeters in diameter. Peridot is available in a variety of sizes. Smaller gemstones are abundant, while larger sizes are rarer.ENHANCEMENT
Most gemstones receive enhancements, such as heat treatment and infusions, to improve their appearance. Our gemstones are enhanced using only approved techniques to bring out the brilliant colour and clarity of our peridot jewellery.
Hardness & Wearability
On the Mohs hardness scale, peridot ranks from 6.5 to 7, making it a fairly durable gemstone for any type of jewellery wear, although it’s susceptible to scratches. It’s gorgeous in a silver setting as a pendant, earrings or bracelet. Peridot is suitable for rings that you won’t be wearing every day, since too many hard knocks may chip or crack it. But if you wear it with care, you can enjoy your peridot jewellery for a lifetime.
Choosing the Right Peridot Jewellery
Ultimately, the most important aspect of choosing peridot jewellery is to pick a piece you love. At the end of the day, you should choose your favourite type of jewellery with your preferred metal, and whatever embellishments or accent stones you think would look fabulous on your personage.
Famous Peridot Gemstones
The first recorded uses of peridot came from Egypt, though it was often mistaken for other gemstones like topaz and emerald throughout ancient and medieval times. Some historians suggest that Cleopatra's famous collection of emeralds may have actually been peridots. What were thought to be emeralds on The Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral turned out to be stunning deep green peridots as well. Today, it’s the gemstone that traditionally celebrates a 16th wedding anniversary. All gemstones have meanings for those in possession of them — peridot has been used for centuries to protect the wearer from evil spirits and night terrors.
How to Care for Your Peridot Jewellery
- Practicing the proper gemstone care will keep your peridot jewellery gorgeously glimmering for a lifetime. Give it a regular cleaning with warm, soapy water, using a soft brush and a gentle scrubbing motion. Store it in a quality, felt-lined jewellery box to protect it from scratches.
- Over time, your beautiful peridot jewellery may need repair or professional cleaning. We offer free and convenient cleaning and repair services for all of our gemstone pieces.
Learn More About Gemstones
Like peridot, every gemstone has its own distinct characteristics that amaze and enthrall. Learn about other extraordinary gemstones, and choose the one you love best.
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