The standard birthstone for next month just happens to be well-represented at Rings & Things. Let’s play with peridot…
Did you know about peridot?
- It’s also known as “Bastard Emerald”
- Peridot is technically a variety of olivine
- It turns out that quite a few “emeralds” in queens’ and kings’ treasuries are actually peridot!
- Peridot is claimed to increase eloquence and remove speech impediments, and, um…oh, what’s that word? (All this info & more is on the Peridot Page of our main website)
Some of the styles of peridot that we stock are snazzy enough to wow any Leo/Virgo child of August. You can even tuck a tiny birthday gift or note inside this peridot & sterling ‘wish box’ pendant:
Peridot & sterling ‘wish box’ pendant
For guys you might prefer going with a chunkier style like these hefty peridot chip beads:
Peridot chunky chips
Or you can go really smooth and classic with sleek round peridot beads:
Smooth as velvet: peridot rounds
Just bear in mind (and please tell your customers) that peridot is often enhanced in order to smooth out tiny natural irregularities in its surface — So go easy on the exposure to hazardous chemicals. Also shield your peridot from high heat, deep cold, and hammers, okay?
* Alternative August birthstones are onyx or sardonyx, and carnelian.
I bet some of you have sold, or been commissioned to make, August birthstone jewelry. You can share your experiences in a comment below!
5 Comments
Peridot is a particular favorite of mine….since I am an August baby!
The bright green color was odd to me when I was growing up, but I have come to appreciate its bright citrus tone and versatility in designs. I think that it is a very casual stone and looks great when combined with browns and various shades of blues and black or white. I especially like Peridot with copper. I have a piece coming out in the August issue of Bead Trends that will have peridot and peridot-colored pearls and copper. Watch for it! I had no idea that it was often mistaken for emeralds…it is a very pretty stone! Enjoy the day! Erin
It’ll be nice to see your design in the magazine, Erin, thanks for the color ideas!
Thanks for highlighting this luscious stone!! I just loooove green, so peridot is one of my favorites!! I am new to your site, but have been visiting for the past few days and can’t believe the wealth of information you have to share on your blog and store. I really appreciate the Gemstone Bead Index, I love to learn as much as I can about the stones. I am still trying to look over all the products you have to offer….getting my wish list together! Thank you!
Great post…I didn’t know peridot was referred to as a “Bastard Emerald”…last year I did a post each month on the “Birthstone of the Month” and peridot was of course Augusts.
I have to admit peridot is not a stone I’ve used much, I think part of the reason is I’ve never had anyone ask much for green specifically peridot and I was not a huge fan of greens…I’ve started to develop a liking for different shades of green in the last little while, so maybe I will add peridot to my bead list!
Cheers
It’s nice to take a bit of time & focus in on an individual stone! You guys’ comments remind me how much your appreciation of a gemstone can grow at a second look…