SUWA
PERIDOT , Untreated

In Europe, it was said that this gem made the wearer more eloquent.
Perhaps we could take note of this in modern society.

The mineral olivine sometimes occurs as a gemstone of an olive color, a green mixed with yellow and brown. The more precious of these stones are called peridot. The historical source of this stone is the barren island of Zabargad, located in the Egyptian Red Sea. In the gemstone exhibitions of the Green Vaults in Dresden, Germany, swords and staves set with large peridots are displayed alongside diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Similar-colored gemstones were often confused with each other long ago, and peridot was sometimes mistaken for emerald simply because they are both green.

Peridot has a major characteristic seldom seen in other gemstones. Due to its high birefringence, when viewed through the table, facet junctions on the opposite side are clearly doubled. Of course, this characteristic is more noticeable deeper stones. Ruby, sapphire, and emerald are also doubly refractive gemstones, but this effect cannot be seen with the unaided eye as clearly as it is in peridot.

Peridot became popular in Europe and the United States in the 19th century, but it has not received much attention since then. However, as one of the few attractive green gemstones that is often faceted and can be enjoyed at an affordable price, it is highly likely that it will once again take its place in the limelight. It is also the birthstone for August. Its hardness is 6 1/2 to 7, sufficient for a gemstone. Reflections and refraction cause a mosaic-like pattern consisting of a variety of lovely yellows and greens ranging from olive-yellow to lime-green, which characterize the beauty of peridot. The mosaic patterns seen in the peridot in the photograph to the next page are very well balanced.

Ring, Gold
Peridot 1 pc
1.76 ct
Untreated
Diamond 32 pc
0.87 ct
US $4,500
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