While it’s tough to say which gemstone has become the most popular in recent years, peridot (pronounced "per-i-doh") often seems to top the list of best sellers in many jewelry outlets today, including artisan handcrafted jewelers. With its sparkling lime-green hues, peridot looks stunning with today’s popular silver backdrops. Some of the finest peridot stones are called "evening emeralds" because they appear greener under artificial light.

In its long history, the peridot was thought to ward off evil spirits and has always been associated with light. Currently, peridot is found in Arizona’s San Carlos Indian Reservation, Australia, Brazil, Burma, China, Colorado, Egypt, Hawaii, New Mexico, Norway, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Peridot is relatively inexpensive and not hard to find. It can normally be found up to five carats and large peridot stones are commonly available.

This sterling silver ring is a gorgeous example of peridot set in silver and would make a fabulous August birthday or 16th anniversary gift. It features a high-grade round brilliant-cut authentic Brazilian peridot. (Item # AJP200368).

Peridot is among the oldest known gemstones. The "topaz" on the breastplate of Aaron, high priest of the Hebrews in the Old Testament, was believed to actually be peridot. Ancient Egyptians, around 1580 B.C. to 1350 B.C., created beads from peridot. For Greeks and Romans, peridot was popular for use in intaglios, rings, inlays, and pendants. Peridots were a prized gem late in the Ottoman Empire (1300-1918). Turkish Sultans collected what is believed to be the world's largest collection. The gold throne in Istanbul's Topkapi museum is decorated with 955 peridots up to one inch across, and there are also peridots used as turban ornaments and on jeweled boxes.

The largest stone is believed to be a 310-carat gem that belongs to the Smithsonian. A 192-carat stone of fine clear olive-green is part of the Russian crown jewels, in the Kremlin. When looking for a peridot, look for even color throughout the stone. The most popular peridots are bright lime-green with no overtones.

Clean your peridot rings and other jewelry pieces with warm, soapy water and avoid steam and sonic cleaners. Protect the stone from hard knocks and scratches. Do NOT put peridots in sudden temperature changes because it can damage or crack the peridot.

By Julie