STONE OF THE MONTH: PERIDOT

Peridot is a brilliant and captivating gem. Vivid green in colour with a slight hint of gold, this is the perfect gemstone to go with your summer wardrobe. It will come as no surprise that Peridot is the birthstone of the summer month of August.

Peridot has no fewer than three names: ‘Peridot’, ‘Chrysolite’, from the Greek ‘Gold Stone’, and ‘Olivine’. Within the world of jewellery it is called ‘Peridot’, derived from the Greek word ‘Peridona’, which is said to mean ‘to give richness’.

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that come in only one colour. The rich green colour with the slight tinge of gold is caused by very fine traces of iron. From a chemical point of view, Peridot is an iron magnesium silicate. The intensity of the colour depends on the amount of iron present.

The most striking Peridots are mined near the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Peridots can also be found in Myanmar, China, the USA, Africa and Australia. However, the intensity of Peridot can differ between these countries. For example stones from East Burma, now known as Myanmar, have a vivid light green colour and fine inclusions, with a silky shine to them. In comparison Peridot from Arizona, where it is popularly used in native American jewellery, often has somewhat yellowish or gold-brown nuances.

FIREFLY EVENINGS

This beautiful, exotic and inspiring ring from our Firefly Evenings collection features a stunning .80ct cabochon cut Peridot.

Firefly Evenings 18ct yellow Gold Peridot, Amethyst and Diamond ring