Peridot Gemstones
The peridot, a gemstone with a fascinating history was first discovered by the Egyptians in an island in the Red Sea. Being the birth stone for August, it is harder than metal but much softer than most gems. Its beautiful green color makes many to mistakenly believe that they are emeralds and it is said that even Cleopatra wore peridots thinking they were the more precious emeralds. Today however, peridots are found in the Kashmir Mountains and are said to be more valuable than its earlier counterparts due to its clarity and size. These gemstones are also mined in Arizona now, but are relatively small in size.
Characteristics of the Peridot
The lime green of the peridot has a hardness of 6.5 and is very sensitive to changes in the temperature. Since these stones are created by volcanoes or sometimes even meteors that fall down to the earth, the color is an integral part of its basic structure although you can sometimes find other elements in the form of the mineral olivine that has been the result of extreme conditions. The intensity of the color depends on the quantity of iron in the gemstone and curiously enough its one of the very few gemstones that comes in one color. Even so, the density of the color can vary from pale to dark and comes under the category of hard stones.
Buying Peridot Gemstones
Peridot jewelry comes in beautiful settings of rings, bracelets and earrings or if interested, you can buy the loose stone and get it set as you like. Depending on what you can afford, whenever buying gemstones, buy the best you can and you should be able to select something to your liking especially if you search for them online from the vast resources available. The best in peridots are those that are a fresh lime green in color with no undertones of brown or olive. It is the weight of the carats that decides the value of the stone; but you can buy smaller stones at very reasonable prices. Since peridots are pretty easy to be fashioned into rings, bracelets or necklaces, they can be found set in valuable and precious metals such as silver and gold.
How to Check the Authenticity of the Gemstones you buy
Once you come across a piece of peridot jewelry that you like, your next step is to find out how authentic the gems are. You must always be on the lookout for fake stones that are actually glass but treated to look like the genuine stone and has only a single refraction. The best quality peridots will be one of great clarity and transparency with a double refraction that gives the gemstone a slightly sleepy look. Always buy your jewelry from a reputable jeweler and find out as much as possible about his reputation before you pay any money. Especially if you are buying online, ask for a certificate of authentication and never buy anything without finding out what their refund policy is. Make sure you can return your peridot jewelry to the store if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
Negotiating for the Best Price
Don’t fear to negotiate with the dealer for a better price. You will be pleasantly surprised to hear that most jewelers will be more than ready to negotiate, especially if you can prove that you can get a better deal elsewhere. Therefore, never limit your search to one store. Visit as many online stores as possible and get their prices and terms so that ultimately you can buy from the store that offers you the design of your choice for a price you can be happy with.
Caring for Peridot Jewelry
Being a sensitive stone, peridots need careful cleaning. Keep peridots away from salt water and never use chemicals or detergents to clean them. Use warm water with a little bit of mild soap to soak your jewelry for about two minutes. Brush lightly to get the dirt out, rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.
Peridots are said to have mystical powers that can comfort someone who is sad. So why not give a gift of a beautiful ring or bracelet to your girl friend which will not only make her happy but will also bring her wealth and prosperity.
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