August, with its sunny days and vibrant energy, brings a unique opportunity for jewelry lovers to celebrate not one, but two captivating birthstones: spinel and peridot. These gemstones, each with their distinct charm and history, are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and color to any jewelry collection. Each jewel at Levy’s Fine Jewelry is an embodiment of artistry. Embrace memorable occasions with the captivating elegance of peridot and spinel birthstone jewelry from Levy’s, where tradition blends seamlessly with exquisite design.
Spinel, often mistaken for other gemstones due to its wide range of colors, has a rich history intertwined with royal jewels. Notable for its deep red hue, which rivals that of rubies, spinel also dazzles in shades of pink, lavender, blue, and even black. Spinel’s allure dates back centuries, with famous specimens like the “Black Prince’s Ruby” in the British Crown Jewels actually being a red spinel. This gemstone has been cherished for its durability and brilliance, making it a favorite among royals and collectors. Today, spinel is celebrated for its range of colors. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a unique alternative to more traditional gemstones. Whether set in a ring, necklace, or earrings, spinel adds a touch of regality and individuality.
Peridot, with its striking olive-green hue, is a gemstone that has been around since ancient times. Often associated with the sun, this gemstone is believed to bring warmth and happiness to its wearer. The Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun,” and it was believed to protect its wearer from nightmares. Peridot has been found in meteorites, hinting at its cosmic origins and adding to its mystical appeal. It complements both gold and silver settings, making it versatile for a variety of styles. From minimalist designs to bold statement pieces, peridot infuses a sense of elegance.
Burmese Red Spinel Platinum Ring
This vintage mid-century platinum ring is a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. It features a mesmerizing 2.86 ct cabochon cut Burmese red spinel, renowned for its deep red hue and smooth, polished surface. The spinel is encircled by a halo of 15 baguette cut diamonds, enhancing its allure with their brilliant sparkle and geometric precision. This ring epitomizes mid-century design, offering a timeless blend of luxury and craftsmanship.
Crafted in luxurious 14K white gold, this ring is a testament to modern elegance. At its heart is a square 6mm step-cut peridot, celebrated for its vivid green color and clean, geometric lines. Surrounding the peridot is a halo of 18 round, brilliant-cut diamonds, each meticulously set to accentuate the peridot’s natural brilliance. This combination of gemstones and precious metal creates a captivating piece that effortlessly transitions from day to evening wear.
Radiating with opulence, this 14K white gold ring showcases a majestic 5 ct round peridot as its centerpiece. Known for its calming green hue, the peridot is enhanced by a stunning array of 52 baguette-cut diamonds that adorn the ring’s band. These diamonds add a touch of refinement and sparkle, highlighting the peridot’s natural beauty and creating a luxurious statement piece ideal for special occasions.
Peridot And Topaz Gold Earrings
These enchanting 14K yellow gold dangle drop earrings are a celebration of color and charm. Adorned with four round green peridots, four vibrant blue topaz gemstones, and two brilliant round-cut diamonds, they exude a playful yet sophisticated aura. The peridots and topaz gemstones are delicately arranged to create a harmonious blend of colors, while the diamonds add a touch of luxury and sparkle. These earrings are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any ensemble.
Russian Floral Gemstone Brooch
A testament to vintage craftsmanship, this Russian floral brooch in 18K gold is a work of art. Adorned with 12 multi-colored spinels of various shapes and sizes, each displaying its own unique brilliance and color, the brooch captures the essence of Russian jewelry design. Three natural sapphires add a regal touch, while nine round diamonds provide a subtle sparkle that complements the intricate floral motif. This brooch is a treasure from a bygone era, perfect for collectors and lovers of vintage jewelry alike.
Victorian Peridot Pearl Necklace
This antique Victorian 14K yellow gold festoon necklace is a symbol of enduring beauty and grace. Featuring delicate peridot gemstones and natural seed pearls meticulously arranged in a festoon style, the necklace embodies the romanticism and refinement of the Victorian era. The gentle green hue of the peridots contrasts beautifully with the creamy luster of the pearls, creating a timeless piece that exudes vintage charm. Ideal for those who appreciate history and craftsmanship, this necklace is a stunning addition to any jewelry collection.
At Levy’s Fine Jewelry, our peridot and spinel jewelry embodies timeless elegance and individuality, each piece crafted to be as exceptional and cherished as its wearer.
History of Peridot, an August Birthstone
By Joseph Denaburg of Levy’s Fine Jewelry
Peridot is the August birthstone. Peridot can range from yellowish-green to deep olive to brownish green, and it is one of the only gemstone to be found in only one color. The most valuable shade of peridot is a rich, lime green. The gem is said to bring happiness, attract love and foster friendship.
The word peridot comes from the Greek word, “faridat”, meaning “gem”. Peridot today is mined Australia, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), China, Congo, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, USA (Arizona, Hawaii and New Mexico) and Vietnam, and it is sometimes found in meteorites.
A JUDEO-CHRISTIAN HISTORY OF PERIDOT
Peridot has significant meaning amongst Judeo-Christian belief as well. The stone decorated church treasures for centuries, especially after the crusades, and it was also one of the 12 stones on Aaron’s breastplate and mentioned in the book of Revelations.
Large peridot, totaling more than 200 carats in weight, adorn the Shrine of the Three Magi at the Cologne Cathedral. Today, many Catholic Bishops still wear a peridot ring as a sign of purity and morality.
AN EGYPTIAN HISTORY OF PERIDOT
The love affair with Egypt and peridot dates all the way back to 1500 BC, when the people referred to the gemstone as “the gem of the sun”. Ancient Egyptians discovered huge resources of peridot at Topazo Island (St John’s Island) in the Red Sea and mined the stones so that the pharaoh and other nobles could ward off evil with amulets. These stones were also commonly found in tombs and were perceived to offer the deceased some benefit in the afterlife.
Peridot was also commonly ground into a powder and ingested by Egyptian priests during ceremonies, particularly when honoring the goddess Isis. It was believed that this drink would bring the priest closer to nature.
Many historians and archaeologists believe that Empress Cleopatra’s vast emerald collection included a substantial amount of deep green peridots (some even accuse all of the stones of being peridots). Today, peridot is still the official National Gem of Egypt.
A ROMAN HISTORY OF PERIDOT
Roman citizens wore peridot to attract lovers, strengthen the eyes and provide them with protection from enchantment, melancholy and illusion. It was perceived to aid in friendship, free the mind of envious thoughts and protect the wearer from the evil eye.
In order to expel evils of the night, it was most popular for the gemstone to be set in yellow gold (the metal of the sun) and pierced, with the hair of a donkey strung through it. He says the stone is dull by daylight, but glows like a hot coal by night. The quality of glowing at night led to peridot being known as the “evening emerald”. According to Roman historian Pliny, the stone works its best magic when worn on the right arm.
PERIDOT: TEARS OF THE HAWAIIAN GODDESS PELE
The Ancient Hawaiian people viewed the goddess Pele as being a destructive goddess, but capable of creation as well (much like the creation of their own island chain). Peridot is said to be the hardened tears of Pele, which is one of the many gifts the goddess presented to the people of Hawaii.
MORE MYSTICAL AND HEALING PROPERTIES OF PERIDOT
Peridot was one of the most important stones to spiritual leaders of ancient times. It was believed that a peridot with a carving on it would assist a person with a skill or prophesy. Dreaming about the stone was said to be a sign of impending danger, and it is said that in order to protect the wearer from evil spirits.
For darker magicians, engraving a totem or vulture on the gemstone allowed for the stone to have control over the winds and various demonic spirits.
Peridot has been used to treat conditions relating to the eyes, stomach, liver, gall bladder and asthma. It is believed that only the sound of mind is capable of embracing the power of the stone, and it is worn best set in a necklace at the base of the wearer’s throat. Placing it under the tongue was once seen as a viable solution to reduce fever. It is most commonly worn to calm nerves, dispel negative emotions and promote articulation.
FUN FACTS ABOUT PERIDOT
Other than diamond, peridot is the only gemstone to form in the earth’s mantle and not the crust
Peridot is rarely treated, and due to its affordability, there is no synthetic form
Peridot is a very soft stone and should only be cleaned with warm water
