Antique Peridot

One of the oldest gem stones
Peridot is one of the oldest and among the most revered gem stones used by man. Notably, ancient Egyptian nobles and royalty had a particular predilection for this stone and procured enormous amounts of it from the Red Sea periodically. As a matter of fact, the oldest known piece is a string of peridot beads found in Egypt. In spite of its great antiquity, peridot still finds its place today in the collections of gem lovers.

The beauty of peridot
Peridot, at its highest grade is a luminous lime green stone with extraordinary clarity and luminosity. Unlike other gem stones, it does not depend as much on external light for its brilliance because of its peculiar crystal construction. As a matter of fact, the ancients would mine this gem during the evening because they considered it easier to identify the stone when it glowed in the darkness. Actually, peridote is an excellent evening accessory. Its glow is intensified and made richer by dim light.

Antique peridot - a good investment
Antique peridot gems, crafted during and following the Victorian period, show clearly, by their masterful execution, how valued this gem was and still is. Four distinct trends in jewelry-making preceded our own modern era and reproductions of these antique styles are very popular pieces. As a matter of fact, people who are collecting antiques should consider investing in antique peridot jewelry. Because of the continued popularity of this gem stone, the value of antique pieces is likely to increase with the years.

Victorian peridot jewelry
The jewelry of the Victorian period, a period which extends from 1836 - 1901, showed strong traces of romanticism. Although by that time, the Romantic period in art had just ended, the temperament of the Queen still held fast to the ideas of Romanticism. Royal predisposition reflected itself in the art of jewel crafting. Frequent motifs encountered in Victorian peridot jewelry are hearts, birds, florals and other motifs that remind one of the natural and the idyllic. Also, in keeping with the strong character of Queen Victoria, jewelry during this era was crafted along bulky and masculine lines. Recognizable traces of Victorian jewelry can still be found in modern day pieces.

Art Nouveau jewelry
During this phase in the history of jewelry design from 1890 - 1919, the craftsman was given great liberty to express himself. The peridot became increasingly popular at this time. Because the stone was relatively cheaper; the artist-cutter could give free reign to his creativity in designing the cuts. This was exactly in keeping with the basic idea behind art nouveau jewelry, which was "art for art's sake." Examples of jewelry from this period still feature the same old motifs but executed along more graceful and feminine lines. Flowers became more detailed. Butterflies were very popular. Curved and finer lines characterized the Art Nouveau look in jewelry.

Edwardian peridot jewelry
The peridot was King Edward's lucky charm and during this period (1901 - 1920), the popularity of the peridot reached unprecedented heights. Although properly the birthstone of people who are born in August, the peridot was also worn by those who desired to avail of its power to give luck, physical health and protection from evil influences. The style of Edwardian jewelry still retains the circular embellishments of Art Nouveau but the lines are more reserved. However, there is a marked improvement in crafting technique over Victorian jewelry.

Art Deco peridot jewelry
This period extends from 1920 to 1935 and is marked by the increasing individualism in jewelry. People began designing jewelry according to their own tastes; we see many new types of designs for this period. The lines of the jewelry were more streamlined and the lack of bulging intersections is notable. In a sense this period was a return to the idiom of the Art Nouveau period but without its romanticism. If Art Nouveau was romantic expression, Art Deco was intellectual expression.

Antique or Reproduction are both good
Genuine antique peridot jewelry may sometimes be a bit expensive, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Very rarely, you may find a piece that is just around $100. However, the value of this investment is certain to increase over time. History has proven that the peridot has always been a favorite gem not only of famous persons but of all gem lovers. That is because in spite of the great beauty of the stone, it remains relatively inexpensive.

On the other hand, if your interest in antique peridot jewelry is to wear them, you might consider buying excellent reproductions of antique peridot items. Modern gem crafting techniques have improved tremendously and gem makers are now making recreations that even surpass the originals in design and technique. Who knows that in a few years from now, your peridot ring shall be a valuable vintage item.

Either way, if you love the eternal green of salads you will love your peridot jewelry.