08.10.15 Green with....

Peridot specimens
Smithsonian Gem Room

...you thought I was going to say "envy", didn't you? Nope - peridot! August's birthstone.

Green was my mother's favorite color - so it surprises me that none of her jewelry (at least none that made its way to me) contains green stones - either emeralds or peridot.

Peridot is the gem grade form of the mineral "olivine" (for its olive green color).  One of the earth's most abundant minerals, it forms in the mantle and is the only gemstone other than diamonds to form below the crust.  The mineral has also been found in meteorites.

Like diamonds, peridots come towards the earth's surface through volcanic eruption. Unlike diamonds (or other gems) which can come in a variety of colors, peridots are always green.  The color is the result of the high iron content in the mineral - the more iron - the deeper the green.

Photo credit: Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian collection (which is well worth visiting) includes this magnificent 46.16 carat precision cut gem.  This piece, from Pakistan, is ideal in color - deep green without any browns or yellows.

Photo credit: Beyond the Rockz

Since I don't have any peridot pieces in my personal collection, I've put together some of my favorites on Pinterest, and thought I'd share a few of them (with shopping links, of course) right here for anyone looking for that perfect gift for an August baby.

This spectacular peridot and white gold ring comes from the design team of Al and Caroline at Beyond the Rockz.  I've long been an admirer of the beautiful rings in this wonderful shop featuring vintage designs and custom pieces, but I don't really have enough fingers for any more rings.  That hasn't stopped me from making other purchases - and favorite personal piece from them is a fluid gold heart, that always garners lots of complements.

Photo credit: Cecile Raley Designs

Very similar to the black diamond necklace I had made for my daughter - this round peridot in Yvonne Raley's signature octagonal setting is another beautiful piece from one of my favorite jewelers.

Photo credit: Metalicious

Last, but far from least, is this scroll pendant with a peridot briolette drop from Stephanie Maslow of Metalicious. She describes the wrought ironwork in the cities of Europe as her inspiration for the infinity link that holds the stone.





Whether or not you have an August birthday, if you are looking to put a pop of springtime green into your jewelry wardrobe, peridot is your go to gem.


Until next time.