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| THE LORE: Peridot was
believed to have the power to dissolve enchantments. To exert
its full potential, the stone was to be set in gold. Then it
would drive away night's terrors. If it was to be used to
protect the wearer from evil spirits, it had to be pierced,
strung on the hair of a donkey, and worn on the left arm.
As a medical remedy, it was powdered to cure asthma.
Holding a Peridot under the tongue was supposed to lessen the
thirst of a person suffering from fever.
The high priest's breastplate, which is described in the
Biblical book of Exodus, includes a stone for each of the
twelve tribes of Israel, one being Peridot. The Bible also
tells of a jewel worn by King Esekiel from Exodus, an
impressive Peridot.
ITS HISTORY Archaeologists have found valuable Peridots
in Alexandria, Egypt, which must have come from the original
source, the island of Zebargad (zebargad being the Arabic word
for Peridot). It is located about 50 miles from the coast of
Egypt in the Red Sea. Faceted stones have also been found in
the ruins of ancient Greece and attributed to the same source.
Zebargad, which was known for many years as Saint john's
Island, may have been mined as early as 1500 BC The island was
discussed in the natural history of Pliny the Elder (23-79
A.D.) as having been explored in the fourth century BC it was
called "the Serpent Isle' " since its many poisonous
snakes interfered with mining activity. Eventually, an
Egyptian ruler had the snakes killed and kept the miners
isolated at work on the island. Because the rich green stones
were so coveted, ,guards of the deposits were told to kill any
unauthorized travelers approaching the island.
The treasure was kept secret from the western world for
centuries-from Biblical times until the seventeenth century.
The mines were very active from 1906 until world War I and
afterward until World War II.
Burma then became the prime source of'
Peridot, stones from
its Mogok region being generally a bit lighter green than
those of Zebargad. Another major worldwide source of Peridot
is the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. Only the
Apache Indians may mine there. Lesser sources of Peridot are
Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii and the Congo. Peridots have
been found in meteorites.
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TRENDS: Peridot green is showing up again in blouses,
shoes, handbags, watches and jewelry. A few years back, the
shade was a big deal in fashion, thanks to Prada and other
fashion houses. This time around you’re less likely to see
it in a dress or suit, but it makes for a great accent.
Peridot also blends well with, surprise, all the neutrals
American women continue to rely on for office and everyday
wear. Oprah donned Peridot beads for a recent cover of her
eponymous magazine, using them as an accent for the season’s
popular white shirt. Against her dark skin, the color looks
terrific. Prada paired a silk shantung blouse in the color,
which it calls “fern,” with a neutral jacket. The touch of
color added dash to a subdued look. Vogue featured a Bruno
Frisoni Peridot green shoe with a black front accent in one
of its recent issues. But it’s the use of Peridot in watches
and jewelry that jewelers can really celebrate. Now that the
ladies who lunch have their pink and blue watches,
AquaMarin, |
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the Swiss watch maker, decided to launch a Peridot
green strap, sometimes harmonized with Peridot green stones
and aquamarine colored faces. It’s one way to encourage your
customers to don the fashionable shade. Of course, the best
way is through jewelry featuring the gem itself.
WHERE FINE PERIDOTS MAY BE SEEN The largest known
faceted Peridot (310 carats) is displayed at the Smithsonian
Institution, Washington, D.C. Now a part of the Diamond
Treasury in Moscow, Russia, is a yellowish-green 192.75-carat
stone which belonged to the czars. A step-cut Peridot of 146
carats is in the Geological Museum, London, England. The
collections of the American Museum of Natural History in New
York and the Chicago Museum of Natural History have included
beautiful examples of Peridot. Many Peridots were taken to
Europe by crusaders returning from the East and kept in
cathedrals. Especially fine specimens are in the cathedral in
Cologne.
A SPECIAL APPEAL Owners of Peridots have reported that
their fondness for these gems continues to increase over time.
Whether step-cut or fashioned as brilliants, Peridots can be
used for rings, earrings, pins, necklaces and bracelets. They
are available at affordable prices for those with modest
tastes and in elaborate matched suites for connoisseurs. They
can be set alone or combined with other gems that compliment
their delicacy. MYSTICAL POWERS: Peridot is used to
help dreams become a reality. This very popular stone is
believed to attract love. The deep green hue of the Peridot also
suggests a connection in wealth-attracting. Peridot calms a
raging anger. It is also useful to dispel negative emotions, and
it is believed to promote sleep when worn to bed.
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