Peridot, with its distinctive olive-green hue, holds a prominent place among birthstones, specifically recognized for the month of August. This gemstone, favored for its vibrant color and relative affordability, is featured in a diverse range of jewelry, from simple stackable rings to elaborate designer pieces. Retailers like Jared, Helzberg Diamonds, and Brilliant Earth offer extensive collections, catering to various preferences and budgets. This article will explore the availability of peridot jewelry, focusing on options like stackable rings, alongside insights into its sourcing, care, and the overall market landscape.
A Range of Retail Options
The market for peridot rings is diverse, with several jewelers offering a wide selection. Jared positions itself as a destination for designer peridot rings and comprehensive in-person services, with price points ranging from $200 to over $3,000. Their offerings include pieces from designers like Le Vian, appealing to buyers seeking exclusive and high-quality jewelry. Helzberg Diamonds focuses on affordability, particularly in the under-$500 range, with many peridot rings set in sterling silver or 10k gold, often accented with diamonds. Zales, a mainstream jeweler, provides a vast and accessible selection, from simple stackables to more elaborate designs. Brilliant Earth distinguishes itself through its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, offering peridot rings in recycled precious metals.
The Allure of Peridot
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that exist only in the color green, ranging from shades of brown-green to yellow-green. Its unique color remains stable under artificial light, a characteristic that led the Romans to name it the “evening emerald.” This bright gem creates a stunning statement when contrasted with sterling silver and 14K gold designs. The gem is found in the U.S. in Arizona and New Mexico, plus overseas in Burma, Pakistan, and China.
Ethical Sourcing and Artisan Craftsmanship
A growing number of consumers are prioritizing ethically sourced jewelry, and the peridot market reflects this trend. Several artisans and companies emphasize responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.
Metalicious
Stephanie of Metalicious, based in New York, USA, took a metalsmithing class in 1995 and has never looked back. Running an ethical business is very important to her, and Stephanie only uses reclaimed or recycled fine metals and ethically sourced gemstones in her jewelry. The green ethic extends to office supplies and packaging to ensure her business makes as little impact on the environment as possible.
Throwin' Stones
Throwin' Stones is a family business that started in 2001 and is based in North Carolina, USA. They personally travel to the source of the crystals to ensure their suppliers operate ethically and to verify the authenticity of the stones. Besides lovely gemstone jewelry, they also stock a beautiful selection of mineral specimens and loose crystals.
Verbena Place Jewelry
David and Helen Worcester are the owners of Verbena Place Jewelry, both holding jewelry certifications and have been in business for many years. David is the jewelry designer and producer, and Helen sources the gemstones and takes care of the administration. The bright Argentium Silver they use in their exquisite designs is a modern recycled silver alloy of high purity.
Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth is a fine jewelry company committed to responsible sourcing of gemstones and metals. They ensure all their gemstones are sourced from ethical and environmentally responsible suppliers, use recycled precious metals where possible, pack jewelry in FSC certified packaging, and offset their carbon emissions to become carbon neutral.
Catching Wildflowers
Brittany of Catching Wildflowers in Maryland, USA, loves to design unusual and inspirational pieces and has a passion for creating with her hands. She adores creating unique jewelry with crystals and raw stones which she calls gifts from the earth. Brittany also stocks a selection of beautiful rough crystals and gemstones for healers and rock collectors. Most of her jewelry has a choice of sterling silver or gold filled finish.
Styles and Settings
Peridot's versatility allows it to be set in a wide array of jewelry styles, catering to diverse tastes.
Rings
Peridot rings range from classic to contemporary. Retailers like Jared offer designer pieces, while Helzberg and Zales provide more accessible options. Artisans such as Metalicious and Verbena Place Jewelry create unique, handmade rings using recycled metals and ethically sourced stones. Stackable rings are a popular trend, offering a modern and customizable look.
Earrings
August birthstone earrings can be set with raw Peridot, faceted Peridot, or peridot/olivine colored beads. When reading jewelry descriptions, it is important to check whether the beads or crystals are actual natural Peridot gemstone or simply a peridot green color. Sometimes even an olive green quartz is used to represent Peridot, as sometimes the quartz is clearer than the rough Peridot gemstone. All are equally beautiful, and it just depends on personal preference.
Necklaces and Pendants
Peridot necklaces and pendants offer a striking way to showcase the stone. Designs range from simple, single-stone pendants to elaborate pieces with intricate scrolling and twisted wire details. Brittany of Catching Wildflowers specializes in necklaces featuring natural raw Peridot crystals, offering a more organic and earthy aesthetic.
Bracelets
Peridot bracelets provide a continuous band of vibrant green. Throwin' Stones offers stunning bracelets featuring Peridot gemstones, crafted with a focus on ethical sourcing and authenticity.
Symbolism and Lore
Peridot is associated with growth, prosperity, love, loyalty, and protection. It is often worn to represent a special love or to celebrate a birthday, making it a meaningful gift for those born in August. The stone's bright green hue is said to bring a sense of light and positivity to any jewelry collection.
Care and Maintenance
While peridot is a durable gemstone, it requires proper care to maintain its brilliance. Due to its hardness and potential for cleavage, it is important to handle the stone with care. Cleaning should be done with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes, which can damage the stone. Storing peridot jewelry separately from harder gemstones will prevent scratches.
Conclusion
Peridot stands out as a vibrant and meaningful birthstone for August, offering a unique olive-green color that has captivated wearers for centuries. From high-end designer pieces at retailers like Jared to ethically sourced creations from artisans like Metalicious and Brilliant Earth, there is a peridot jewelry option for every style and budget. Its association with positive attributes like growth and prosperity, combined with its stunning visual appeal, makes peridot a cherished gemstone for birthdays and special occasions. Whether set in a stackable ring, a pair of earrings, or a statement pendant, peridot brings a touch of natural elegance and light to any jewelry collection.