Peridot: The Gem of the Sun and How to Use It in Jewelry Making
Peridot is one of those gemstones that stops people in their tracks. Its vivid, electric lime-to-olive green is unlike any other stone — warm, bright, and unmistakably alive. It's one of the oldest known gemstones, mined for over 3,500 years, and it remains one of the most beloved green gems for jewelry makers today. As August's birthstone, it's also a perennial bestseller for late-summer and birthday jewelry.
What Is Peridot?
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, a magnesium iron silicate. Unlike most gemstones that form in the Earth's crust, peridot forms deep in the mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic activity — and occasionally by meteorites. It's one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. The exact shade ranges from bright yellow-green to deep olive, depending on the iron content. The most prized peridot is a pure, vivid lime green with no yellow or brown undertones.
Peridot rates 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale — suitable for most jewelry applications, though it benefits from protective settings for rings and everyday wear.
Peridot in Our Collection
Faceted Peridot
Faceted peridot shows off the stone's natural brilliance and transparency beautifully. Our Peridot Facets, 5mm rounds are perfectly sized for earrings, delicate pendants, and accent stones in multi-gem designs. For makers who want variety, our Peridot Facets, Mixed Quality offer a range of sizes and grades at a great value — perfect for experimenting with different settings or building a collection.
Rose Cut Cabochons
Our Peridot Rose Cut Cabochons combine the warm green of peridot with a faceted dome cut that catches light from every angle. Rose cuts have a vintage, romantic quality that works beautifully in both antique-inspired and modern minimal settings. Because peridot is transparent, open-back bezels are especially stunning — light passes through the stone and illuminates it from behind, creating a glowing, jewel-like effect.
Raw Peridot
Our Peridot Pieces, Raw are natural, unpolished peridot crystals — perfect for wire wrapping into raw crystal pendants or incorporating into nature-inspired designs. Raw peridot has a rough, organic texture that contrasts beautifully with polished metal.
Peridot Chips
Our Peridot Chips, 50 gram bags are ideal for beaded jewelry, chip bracelets, and multi-strand necklaces. The irregular shapes and sizes create a natural, organic look that's very popular in bohemian and nature-inspired jewelry styles.
Peridot in History and Culture
Peridot has one of the richest histories of any gemstone:
- Ancient Egypt — The Egyptians called peridot the "gem of the sun" and mined it on the volcanic island of Zabargad (St. John's Island) in the Red Sea for over 3,500 years. They believed it protected against nightmares and evil spirits, and often set it in gold. Some historians believe that Cleopatra's famous emerald collection may actually have been peridot.
- Medieval Europe — Peridot was brought to Europe by Crusaders and used to decorate churches and cathedrals. The famous "emeralds" on the shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral are actually peridot.
- Hawaii — Peridot is found in volcanic lava on the Big Island of Hawaii, where it's sometimes called "Pele's tears" after the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.
- Meteorites — Peridot has been found in pallasite meteorites, making it one of the few gemstones with an extraterrestrial origin. Jewelry made from meteorite peridot is among the most unique in the world.
Peridot Meaning
Peridot is the birthstone for August and the traditional gift for the 16th wedding anniversary. In metaphysical traditions it is associated with:
- Abundance and prosperity — its bright green color connects it to growth, nature, and financial wellbeing
- Positivity and joy — peridot is considered a stone of light and happiness, believed to dispel negative emotions
- Protection — ancient cultures used it as a protective talisman, especially against nightmares
- The heart chakra — green stones are traditionally associated with love, compassion, and emotional healing
- New beginnings — its connection to volcanic creation makes it a symbol of transformation and renewal
Tips for Working with Peridot
- Bezel settings are ideal for peridot cabochons and protect the stone's edges. The warm green looks especially beautiful against yellow gold, rose gold, and brass.
- Open-back settings work beautifully for faceted and rose cut peridot — peridot is transparent, so light passes through the stone and creates a luminous, glowing effect that really showcases the color.
- Prong settings work well for faceted peridot rounds — minimal metal lets the color shine. Use 4-prong settings for a classic look.
- Wire wrapping is perfect for raw peridot pieces. The natural crystal shapes lend themselves to organic, flowing wire designs.
- Avoid heat — peridot can be sensitive to rapid temperature changes. Avoid steam cleaners and be cautious with torch work near set stones.
- Cleaning — warm soapy water and a soft brush is the safest cleaning method. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for included or fractured stones.
- Metal pairings — peridot's warm yellow-green is most flattering against yellow gold, rose gold, copper, and brass. Sterling silver works too, especially for a cooler, more modern look.
Design Ideas for Peridot Jewelry
- August birthstone jewelry — peridot is the go-to stone for August birthdays. A simple bezel pendant or stud earrings in peridot make a meaningful, personalized gift.
- Summer collection — peridot's bright, sunny green is perfect for warm-weather jewelry. Pair with citrine or carnelian for a vibrant summer palette.
- Nature-inspired designs — raw peridot wire-wrapped with copper or brass creates beautiful botanical-style pendants. Combine with moss agate or labradorite for a full nature collection.
- Chip bracelets — peridot chips make gorgeous stretch bracelets, either alone or mixed with clear quartz or other green stones.
- Multi-gem earrings — the 5mm faceted rounds are perfect accent stones alongside a larger focal gem like labradorite or moonstone.