"Peritot" comes from the French meaning "Gold", and because the natural mineral colour of the peridot stones found in Peridot Rings, Peridot Earrings and Peridot Pendants, show this "gold" colour hue, this is where the word Peridot originates.
Peridot is the gemstone that is usually associated with all types of 16th anniversaries and is the birthstone for the month of August.
Peridot History
It is thought to have been first found around 1500BC on the Island of Zabargad or St Johns Island (once known as Topazos) in the Red Sea off Egypt. This gave rise to it being originally named as Topaz Peridot. This name remained to around the 18th Century when it became known as Peridot (from the French word). This name has stuck ever since.
It was supposed to be Cleopatras' favourite gemstone, even though at first the green stones she once adorned were thought to be emeralds. The Egyptians call it the "Gem of the Sun" and "Evening Emerald" and have also designated it as being their national stone.
On the island of Topazos the local inhabitants were enslaved by the Egyptian Pharaohs so as they would spend all life long mining these gems for them. The Island was so well protected that nobody would dare land without fear of certain execution. These local miners used the stones "evening radiance" or "shine" to be able to pick peridot from the earth even at night!
The Christian Crusaders during the 11th and 12th centuries are believed to have returned home with amazingly large examples, gained from plundering mines from all over their travels. Some of these truly beautiful gems are now found in major museums such as the Tower of London and in the Vatican, but most have probably been cut down to fit in to jewellery through the centuries.
At the beginning of the 1900's superb examples of this gem re-appeared on the markets, again sourced from the Red Sea region. One large example (approx six by four inches) that was famously thought to be originally glass crystal reached an amazing price of 100 which was phenomenal in those days. Production reached its peak during the 19th century, before closing down for 20 years in 1930 due to war.
Excellent quality peridot was once mined in Burma, but just the same as with other gemstones found there, its trade has been damaged due to the political unrest. Although some stones do still come out they are usually not of the same previous quality and are passed through to Thailand in the network of "black market" trading.
Legends of Peridot
Mother nature was thought to have given peridot to the Ancients annually, in celebration of the creation of a "New World". Tribe leaders throughout history if wearing peridot are thought to have been fair and wise.
Up until the middle ages it was thought that the cosmos was made from gemstones and that the sun was made from peridot.
Peridot is supposed to hold many amazing magical powers according to legends. If the jewellery containing peridot was set in to gold, then it would be even stronger in its ability to ward of terrors and bad dreams of the night. The Romans thought that if worn on the right arm it would be even stronger!
Peridot is supposed to protect people from the "evil eye", dispel envious thoughts, and help in friendship along with bringing happiness. It attracts lovers, and strengthens the eye sight.
In ancient times medicines were drunk out of cups made from peridot because it was thought to massively help the healing process. If peridot was carved with an etching of an Ass it was believed to provide greater skill and prophesy, whereas if a totem or vulture was carved, this would provide control over the wind and demons!
My Summary
Most, if not all of the following information has at some time been used by the jewellery trade to market the gemstones to various sections by tapping into peoples beliefs and interests, and hoping these aspects would tempt them to buy this gemstone. It often works!
I hope you have found my article on the peridot gemstone interesting and thank you for taking the time to read it.
J S Stewart © 2011 Globe Jewellery Limited. All Rights Reserved.
J S Stewart © 2011 Globe Jewellery Limited. All Rights Reserved.
To view an excellent range of Beautiful Peridot Jewellery, it is well worth a visit to www.GlobeJewellery.co.uk for an amazing collection of Stunning Peridot Rings, Peridot Earrings and Peridot Pendants, as well as much more!
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