I was born in August so I am keenly aware of the birthstone for that month which is “peridot.” The word “peridot” is derived from the Arabic word for gem, which is ‘faridat.’
The August birthstone of peridot is sometimes known as ‘the poor man’s emerald.’ It has always been associated with light. The Egyptians called the peridot gem, “gem of the sun,” and some egyptians believed it protected its owner from terrors of the night especially if the gemstone was set into gold.
An interesting note about the peridot gemstone is that some historians believe Queen Cleopatra of Egypt wore peridot gems referred to then as “emeralds.”
Queen Cleopatra was not actually Egyptian as she resided in her famous role of Queen of Egypt. She was of the Macedonian dynasty and was the last of her bloodline.
The peridot gemstone has other interesting aspects in past history in that the Romans called this gemstone “evening emerald,” because its color did not darken at night and could still be appreciated by candle light as well as campfire light. Ever notice the beautiful lime green colors in a peridot gemstone under candle light? It is a beautiful sight to see. Peridot gemstones come in several color variations ranging from a yellowish green to brown. I, like many lovers and buyers of the peridot stone prefer the bright lime greens. The Peridot stone is used a lot in smaller cut sizes for beaded earrings, necklaces and bracelets. It is a very much prized gem for its resting, peaceful yellowish green hues and interesting background history. The larger cut pieces can be super gorgeous and very attractive smaller cuts are widely available for all price ranges.
The Peridot gemstones is found in rounded rocks with peridot crystals inside in some lava flows in the U.S., China and Vietnam. Large crystals are found in some types of solidfied molten rock. Some people have said the Peridot gemstones have even been found on the planet Mars. It may be a bit softer than other stones requiring extra care from scratches.
Store handmade Peridot gemstone jewelry pieces separately from other pieces of jewelry most preferably wrapped in a soft cloth and in a fabric-lined protected jewelry box if possible to help preserve the quality of the stone. Peridot stones clean up easily using warm, mild soapy water and a soft toothbrush and cloth. Always rinse well after cleaning and never use ultrasonic cleaners or heat steamers to clear Peridot stones.
Written by: Connie Limon for Carmilita’s Handmade Jewelry
Meet: Joy
Joy is a pair of dangle earrings I added to Carmilita’s Christmas Collection. She dangles about one inch from hook. She is appropriate for gift giving. She is also appropriate for wearing to any kind of Holiday celebration.
Materials used:
2 antique copper head pins
2 antique copper French earring hooks
3 antique copper 3 mm bead caps
2 red glass crackle beads 6 mm
2 milky white faceted glass bead
I chose to call these earrings “Joy” because of the joy people usually feel during the Christmas holidays. Joy is a popular name for girls born around Christmas time.
Carmilita's Handmade Jewelry 