Peridot – August’s Birthstone

14K Gold Fold Formed Earrings with Faceted Peridot

14K Gold Fold Formed Earrings with Faceted Peridot

The History of Peridot in Jewelry

The green and gold hues of the gem, peridot, have been in high demand for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian priests drank to the goddess, Isis, from cups made out of the stone. This connection with a higher power continued over the ages, and peridot can now be found within many medieval churches and in European artwork, specifically from the baroque period. In modern times, jewelers continue to use this stone to make stunning bracelets, necklaces and much more. For example, many amazing pieces from John S. Brana contain peridot, like his hammered copper earrings and his sterling silver starfish rings.

Sterling Silver Starfish Ring with Peridot

Sterling Silver Starfish Ring with Peridot

Peridot is August’s Birthstone

Not only do the inner impurities and amazing green color of peridot make it a truly breathtaking gem, but it is also the birthstone for those born in August. Because its interior seems almost alive, peridot is representative of vitality and strength. It signifies inner power and long-lasting relationships, as well as future success and positive growth. The stone is also said to have many mystical properties such as reliving stress, healing the heart, enhancing fame, and boosting the potency of medicinal products. All of this makes a piece of peridot jewelry the perfect gift for all those August babies.

August’s Birthstone in Handmade Designer Jewelry

The gem, peridot, looks great no matter where it is used. Everyone from the ancient Egyptians to the baroque artists knew of this fact. Luckily, the stone still looks fantastic today and can be found in modern-day jewelry such as rings and bracelets. John S. Brana’s chalk turquoise necklace contains peridots mixed in with the other gems while his gold fold formed leaf earrings also contain the stone. No matter what item catches your eye, that sparkling green found in the peridots within will make it something you wish to wear everywhere, regardless of whether it is your birthstone or not.

Recommended Reading

Happy Birthday August – Peridot is Your Birthstone

August’s birthstone, Peridot, is a light green gem with a mystical history.

Pronounced “pear-a-doe, ” Peridot belongs to a mineral group known as Olivines. The yellowish green kind is called Chrysolite, a gem mentioned in the Bible as one of the decorations on the high priest’s breastplate. The olive-green version is called Olivine.  Sometimes called “the poor man’s emerald, ” the name Peridot comes from a Greek word “faridat, ” which means “gem.” It is also often referred to as “poor man’s emerald”.  The traditional lime-green color associated with the Peridot makes it a popular gemstone for jewelry. How deep its green color will be, depends on how much iron is in the crystal structure. Whatever its shade, through the ages its color was thought to reflect many spiritual aspects of life.

The first documented source of Peridot was 4,000 years ago on an island off Egypt now called Zabargard. Early Crusaders called the isle on St. John’s Island, and brought its green gems with them back to Europe. The ancients thought of Peridot as a springtime stone and considered it one of Mother Nature’s gifts. However, if someone dreamed about Peridot, the dream was said to be a sign of coming danger.  Christians also considered Peridot sacred. Today, Catholic bishops traditionally wear rings decorated with Peridot and amethyst, symbolizing the purity and morality of their church office.

As the stone assigned to those born in August, Peridot is said to impart love, faithfulness, truth and loyalty to its wearers. It’s also thought to enhance prosperity, growth, and openness.  Many New Age healers believe that Peridot is one of the few stones to which no negative energy will cling. It’s said to improve mental clarity and to have a beneficial effect on the gall bladder and the liver, as well as the lungs, lymph system, breasts and sinuses.  Today Peridot has moved far beyond the Egyptian isle where it was first discovered. The lovely green gem is mined in Arizona and Hawaii, Myanmar, Australia, Norway, South Africa and Brazil, making Peridot a citizen of the world.

Sterling Silver Starfish Ring with Peridot Hammered Copper Earrings with Peridot

Birthstones by Month
January Birthstones May Birthstones September Birthstones
February Birthstones June Birthstones October Birthstones
March Birthstones July Birthstones November Birthstones
April Birthstones August Birthstones December Birthstones

Recommended Reading

Happy Birthday August – Peridot Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S. Brana

August, you are one year older, and Leo has never looked more fierce!  The blazing Sun is the element that represents the ferocity and brilliance of Leo making citrine the perfect August gemstone.  This gorgeous summer stone is like holding a piece of the Sun and its lemony color in your hand.  Its color is hard to come by in the world of gemstones which makes its glow that much more special.

John S. Brana has captured the warmth of citrine in his Pacific Heights collection.  These, and other beautiful August stones such as peridot, are fully showcased in swirling pendants, over-sized cocktail rings, and lovely drop earrings.  These jewels are wrapped by hand in 14K gold filled sculpted wire and come in a variety of cuts such as oval, pear, emerald, and marquise.  Each piece of this roaring collection is a true conversation starter at any event and is a must-have for all your heat wave outfits.

So get your own piece of the Sun from John S. Brana’s citrine Pacific Heights collection, and enjoy being the fierce Queen that you are. Have a fantastic birthday!

 

Fine Silver Wire Wrapped Peridot Tear Drop Earrings Sterling Silver Peridot Starfish Ring

 

Recommended Reading