Peridot jewelry
The out-of-this-world gemstone.
Cleopatra may have worn them. Pirates loved them. They attract wealth and drive away evil spirits. And they’ve even been found in meteorites that hurtled to Earth from outer space.
The olive green color of peridot, with subtle flashes of gold, gives this stone a very contemporary, popular look. We love it with a lot of today’s fashions — and mixed with other colorful gemstones.
Peridot is the August birthstone, but many women buy peridot jewelry for themselves.
Color and pedigree
While peridot can come in brown or yellow shades, the brilliant green color is by far the most popular. Olive, golden lime, yellowish green, and greenish yellow are a few of the variations you can see. Peridots often have a few inclusions (tiny birthmarks). Some are born in the USA–specifically, Arizona–and most others come from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Taking them home
Peridots are not especially hard — they rank 6 1/2 to 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, where 10 is diamond-hard, so they’re only moderately resistant to scratches. Peridot is also very susceptible to chemical weathering which can change or fade the stone’s color. We recommend that certain types of peridot jewelry, such as rings, be saved for special occasions — earrings or a bracelet may be a better choice for everyday wear. Their resistance to chipping and breaking is fair-to-good. Try not to wear them in situations where they could be knocked around, like on the rugby field. Avoid liquid jewelry cleaners, but mild soapy detergent and water are fine. Never use ultrasonic cleaners and avoid sharp temperature changes.
Peridots are perfect when…You’re looking for a color that feels fresh, contemporary, even a little sporty. We love peridot earrings with green eyes. And the green sparkle of a peridot bracelet looks refreshingly cool in the summer. Wrap it in red, and you’re ready for Christmas. Shop our peridot collection to see the many shades of peridot we carry. |  | Peridots are hard to ignore. They’re perfect for outfits that need a bright, sparkling dash of color |  | |
