the-peridot-gemstone-value-and-where-it-comes-from
The Peridot Gemstone Value and Where it
Comes From
The peridot is a lovely green gemstone
that comes in a variety of hues and has
a long and beloved history. Often
pronounced per'i doh it is correctly
pronounced per'i-dot and is sometimes
known as the 'evening emerald'. It is
August's birthstone and many of the
emeralds of Cleopatra are believed to
have actually been peridot. It is found
in a wide variety of locations making it
a plentiful gemstone that is more
affordable than most precious stones and
easy to find in many attractive
settings.
The Deep Value
The average peridot is a light lime
green color but rare occasions find this
beautiful gem in deep, rich green that
rivals that of the emerald and is easily
mistaken for the more expensive stone.
The main difference between emeralds and
peridot is the shine. Emeralds have a
crystal like shine that sparkles where
peridot should have a smooth, silky,
velvet appearance. The most sought after
color is a grass green stone with no
yellow undertones.
Caution for Care
The peridot is a relatively fragile
gemstone that is given a hardness value
of 6.5 on a scale of 1-10. This makes it
hardy enough for careful wear but should
always be shielded from bumps, and rough
wear. Remove all peridot jewelry before
heavy work or rough play. Like many
precious gems long term exposure to
bright light or direct heat can cause
fading. Proper storage can prevent many
of the problems of fading in peridot
jewelry.
Due to its softer nature peridot jewelry
should be wrapped or kept separate from
other jewelry when placed in a box or
other storage container so that other
stones do not mar its surface. Peridots
should never be cleaned in ultrasonic
cleaners or steam cleaners often used in
either commercial or home jewelry care.
The Peridot Mystique
Through the years man has believed
peridot to have the ability to bring the
wearer good luck, peace, and prosperity.
Who doesn't want those? It is a popular
gemstone for the believed aspects of
luck as much as it is for its inordinate
beauty. Peridot is also thought to calm
anger, sooth jagged nerves, and rid the
wearer of negativity while attracting
love. At one time it was thought that
ingesting ground peridot would cure
asthma.
Quality
Judged on clarity and color the deeper
green the better with peridot jewelry.
The next deciding factor in value for
this gemstone is clarity. Close
examination for blurry appearance, dark
spots, cuts, or scratches. It is also
important to check for a uniform 'clean'
color.
Ask the seller if the gem has been
treated as many peridots are coated with
oils, wax, or other substances to smooth
the surface and enhance or even out the
color. These coatings are likely to wear
over time reducing the value of the
gemstone.
Typical inclusions (mars to the quality)
of peridot are ribbon-like veils of
milky white color like veins running
through the stone, specks caused by
biotite deposits, and 'lili-pads' that
look like fried eggs, or shaped like
spaceships inside the gem caused by
liquid gas trapped inside. It is
virtually impossible to find a peridot
without any imperfection but the least
amounts visible to the naked eye are
more valuable stones.
Mars in a peridot appearance will be
magnified greatly by its birefringence.
Birefringence creates a mirroring of the
cuts of the stone when looked through
and will also double or magnify the
appearance of cuts and scratches inside
as well as other inclusions.
Any cracks, scratches, or cuts inside
the gem that appear to come near the
surface should be strictly avoided as
they are likely to spread and cause
cracks and chips on the outer surface
over time.
Intrinsic Value
Peridot like any other gemstone has
great sentimental and intrinsic value.
While it is less rare than many precious
gems a good quality stone that is
properly cared for will continue to
appreciate over time while providing a
beautiful piece of jewelry to wear and
show off.
When shopping for a tahitian pearl
necklace visit Vics Fine Jewelry online.
Also available is a wide selection of
Peridot gemstone earrings, pendants and
much more. We're sure to have the
perfect piece for you or a loved one.
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The peridot is a lovely green gemstone that comes in a
variety of hues and has a long and beloved history. Often
pronounced per'i doh it is correctly pronounced per'i-dot
and is sometimes known as the 'evening emerald'. It is
August's birthstone and many of the emeralds of Cleopatra
are believed to have actually been peridot.
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