What is peridot?

A gemstone of vivid color, 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 is an enchanting gemstone set apart by its alluring green color. 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 jewelry styles. Find out more about peridot to make you fall in love with this exquisite gemstone beauty.

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 jewelry.

Peridot is one of the few green-colored 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:

HARDNESS & WEARABILITY

On the Mohs hardness scale, peridot ranks from 6.5 to 7, making it a fairly durable gemstone for any type of jewelry 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 jewelry for a lifetime.

Choosing the Right Peridot Jewelry

Ultimately, the most important aspect of choosing peridot jewelry is to pick a piece you love. At the end of the day, you should choose your favorite type of jewelry 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 Jewelry

Practicing the proper gemstone care will keep your peridot jewelry 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 jewelry box to protect it from scratches.
Over time, your beautiful peridot jewelry may need repair or professional cleaning. We offer free and convenient cleaning and repair services for all of our gemstone pieces.