August:
Peridot
Looking at the popularity and profusion of peridot as August's
birthstone, it's hard to believe that for almost 2,000 years
the original source of this lovely summer gem was lost in
the mists of history.
In fact, the island of Zeberget, today called the Isle
of Saint John, was literally lost in banks of fog off the
coast of Egypt until the early 1900s, making the yellowish
green peridot from the island so rare as to become the almost
legendary.
In ancient times, mariners and pirates believed that peridot
would glow in the dark whenever it was near buried treasure
or hidden ore veins, particularly of gold or silver.
Medieval alchemists used peridot in amulets to protect
the wearer from demons, but by Renaissance times, peridot
had become a love stone, worn to attract romance.
Eastern mystics recommended peridot to stimulate tissue
regeneration. More common uses for peridot were to attract
wealth and prosperity, or to ward off stress.
In this century, peridot has become the August birthstone,
the 16th anniversary gem, and the zodiac stone for Leo.
It has also been alleged to encourage a positive emotional
outlook on life, to prevent fear or guilt, and to help develop
patience.
The good news for peridot lovers is that new American sources
for peridot in gorgeous clear yellowish green colors have
made peridot both more available and lovelier than ever.
Peridot takes a great polish, and it's easy to match colors
in the smaller stones for bracelets, necklace and earrings.
Peridot is relatively soft and best used in earrings, pins
and pendants, where they will not endure rough wear. Treat
peridot with care to avoid chipping. Long contact with perspiration
can attack the gem over time. Keep peridot away from acids,
sudden temperature changes, and ultrasonic cleaning.
These days, peridot is so beautiful, affordable and available
that there's no mystery at all about why jewelry lovers
have added it to the palette of popular gemstone colors.
Styles
