Peridot for August
Egyptians called peridot the “Gem of the Sun” for its electric yellowish green hues. Peridot (also called Olivine) has long been prized for its yellowish green color that comes from iron and magnesium impurities. The best peridot is a pure grass green in color.
Peridot crystals are often found in meteorites, but these crystals are usually not large enough to be made into jewelry. Most peridot for gem purposes is found as irregular nodules from lava flows in the United States, China and Vietnam.
Some historians believe that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection might actually have been peridot. People in medieval times often confused peridot with emerald. For centuries, it was believed that the 200-ct. gems adorning the shrine of the Three Holy King’s in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were emeralds, when in fact, they are peridot’s.
Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and also represents the 15th Anniversary gemstone. It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular gem and surrounded by so much lore!
All the best!
Chrissi
*gemstone information source: GIA website.
Amethyst for February
Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for the month of February and how lucky February birthdays are! It is known as the stone that enhances intuition, spirituality and meditation. In medieval times, it was believed that amethyst would protect from nightmares and insomnia, and amethyst was widely engraved with animal symbols to provide protection and security.
The Romans believed that amethyst would be protected from drunkedness if they drank from a cup decorated or carved from amethyst. In Britain, power, wealth and royalty was often associated with the color purple, so many of the royal jewels are adorned with amethyst stones.
Amethyst is a purple variation of quartz. It’s colors range from deep, dark purple that appears almost black in some light to a very light lavender. Sometimes, you will find amethyst and citrine in the same stone which is called Ametrine. Because amethyst is a member of the quartz family, it’s a good gemstone for jewelry. It takes wear very well, and can be found in everything from bracelets, earrings, rings and necklaces.
Amethyst is one of my favorite gems. Be sure to check out our website to see all that we have available in this beautiful stone!