Romancing the Stone: Birthstones & Gem Lure

August: Peridot

Looking at the popularity and profusion of peridot as August's birthstone, it's hard to believe that for almost 2,000 years the original source of this lovely summer gem was lost in the mists of history.

In fact, the island of Zeberget, today called the Isle of Saint John, was literally lost in banks of fog off the coast of Egypt until the early 1900s, making the yellowish green peridot from the island so rare as to become the almost legendary.

In ancient times, mariners and pirates believed that peridot would glow in the dark whenever it was near buried treasure or hidden ore veins, particularly of gold or silver.

Medieval alchemists used peridot in amulets to protect the wearer from demons, but by Renaissance times, peridot had become a love stone, worn to attract romance.

Eastern mystics recommended peridot to stimulate tissue regeneration. More common uses for peridot were to attract wealth and prosperity, or to ward off stress.

In this century, peridot has become the August birthstone, the 16th anniversary gem, and the zodiac stone for Leo. It has also been alleged to encourage a positive emotional outlook on life, to prevent fear or guilt, and to help develop patience.

The good news for peridot lovers is that new American sources for peridot in gorgeous clear yellowish green colors have made peridot both more available and lovelier than ever. Peridot takes a great polish, and it's easy to match colors in the smaller stones for bracelets, necklace and earrings.

Peridot is relatively soft and best used in earrings, pins and pendants, where they will not endure rough wear. Treat peridot with care to avoid chipping. Long contact with perspiration can attack the gem over time. Keep peridot away from acids, sudden temperature changes, and ultrasonic cleaning.

These days, peridot is so beautiful, affordable and available that there's no mystery at all about why jewelry lovers have added it to the palette of popular gemstone colors.