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.

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The Gemstone of Success – Citrine

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Ring with Marquise Citrine

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Ring with Marquise Citrine

Known as the “success stone,” pale yellow Citrine, the gemstone for November, suffers from a case of mistaken identity that sometimes keeps gem lovers away from its beauty and benefits.

In nature the color of Citrine, a quartz crystal, ranges from pale yellow to brown. When cut into a gemstone, Citrine is virtually impossible to tell visually from the more valuable Yellow Topaz. This has led unscrupulous dealers to substitute Citrine for Yellow Topaz, much to the chagrin of bilked customers when they discover the truth, usually at resale.

Most commercial-grade Citrine is actually amethyst or smoky quartz that has been heated to active the ferric impurities that give its yellow color. Citrines produced in this way tend to have more of a reddish or orange cast than natural Citrines, which are usually pale yellow. Brazil produces most of the world’s gem-grade citrine. Citrine is one of three traditional birthstones for the month of November.

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Checkboard Cut Citrine

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Checkboard Cut Citrine

Over the centuries, Citrine acquired a reputation as a “success stone” that promotes prosperity and abundance. It’s sometimes nicknamed “merchant’s stone” because superstitious merchants of times past put Citrine in their cashboxes to bring in money. However, Citrine supposedly also brings about success in unexpected ways. In addition to manifesting abundance, Citrine also promotes generosity, leading those who benefit from its powers to share their wealth with others.

Citrine also is thought to enhance mental clarity, confidence and will power. For these reasons, practitioners of New Age healing arts often recommend Citrine crystals for people who suffer from low self-esteem or even depression. Citrine is though to deflect and dissipate all kinds of negative energies, generating stability in thought and emotion. It’s also believed to reduce self-doubt and self-destructive tendencies, instead fostering happiness and good cheer in those who wear it.

Citrine Bronze Ring

Citrine Bronze Ring

Healers also prescribe Citrines to benefit the digestive system, the endocrine system and the immune system. It’s believed to play a role in eliminating toxins from the body and in overcoming various addictions.

Whether chosen merely for its beauty or for its alleged psychic and physical benefits, sunny Citrine bring a gleam of good cheer to its wearers.

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