Birthstones
Peridot
Signifying friendship and dignity, peridot is the only gemstone found in meteorites. Regarded by the Egyptians as a symbol of the sun, it was used as far back as 4000BC to adorn their jewellery, and is alleged to have been Cleopatra’s favourite gemstone. It was originally mined from a small volcanic island in the red sea, but these supplies are now exhausted. Very high quality Peridot is now mined from deposits in the Kashmir regions of Pakistan and Afganistan.
Peridot is the gem form of olivine, and is one of the few gemstones that is available in only one colour – green. Hues vary from a yellow-green through to a brownish-green, but the most highly valued is a deep olive colour.
Peridot is not a very hard gem so it needs to be protected from scratches and blows. It also needs to be protected against sudden changes in temperature, so avoid having it steam cleaned.
To ensure that your birthstones stay looking as beautiful as ever, follow the Annoushka jewellery guide to Jewellery Care Gemstones >
