Peridot - a brilliant shade of green!
August's Gem of the Month ~
Jewelers of America
Michigan Jewelers Association
Michigan Retailers Association
Mall of Michigan
Lambda Business Assoication, Las Vegas, Nevada
International Platinum Guild
Historic Downwtown Three Rivers, Michigan
Peridot comes from the Arabic word “faridat”, which means gem. In the 18th century the French were the first to call this beautiful yellowish-green stone Peridot. Prior to the 18th century this gem was known as topaz.
As early as 1500 B.C. the Egyptians used Peridot as a gem, and it was considered by their civilization as the “gem of the sun” It was believed, to develop its full strength as a talisman, this gem had to be set in gold. Legend tells us that miners searched for Peridot crystals at night, as the moonlight made it easier to see the glisten of the stone. Miners would mark the location and come back in the daylight to dig them up.
The vivid, slightly golden shimmering green of Peridot is the ideal gemstone color to complement a light summertime outfit. This is not surprise … after all August is the heart of summer in the northern hemisphere. Ranging from pistachio green to the deep olive green that is one of a kind … Peridot is a very popular gem. Not an especially hard stone, Peridot is quite robust and no extra special care is needed to keep your luscious green specimens sparkling!
Remember, the staff at UniQ is always happy to answer your gemstone and jewelry care questions; helping to educate you about gems in general and in the proper care for your jewelry investments are our pleasure. We specialize in jewelry repair and unique jewelry design & re-design to keep your individual jewelry investments a one of a kind that will become your family's heirlooms of the future. To see and learn more, visit UniQ @ 33 N. Main in downtown Three Rivers, go to www.uniqjewelry.com or call 278-UniQ (8647).
