Peridot. That’s ‘doh’ don’t you know.

Pronounce it ‘Per ‘i’ doh’, Peridot is the Birthstone for August.

The Peridot is an ancient gemstone, so ancient that it can be found in Egyptian jewellery from the early second millennium B.C. In all likelihood, Cleopatra’s Emeralds may well have been Peridot due to the proximity of deposits.  

The stones used at that time were called Topazion as they came from a deposit on a small volcanic island, Topazios (now St. Johns) in the Red Sea, some 45 miles off the Egyptian coast. These deposits were not rediscovered until about 1900.

The Romans too were fond of this gemstone and revered its radiant green shine, which does not change even in artificial light. For that reason it bears the moniker ‘Emerald of the evening’.

Peridot is also found throughout Europe in medieval churches where it adorns many a treasure, an example being one of the shrines in Cologne Cathedral. During the baroque period, the rich green gemstone once again enjoyed a brief heyday, and then it somehow faded into obscurity.

It received its name Peridot in the Eighteen Century. It is a Gem of the mineral Olivine.

The Peridot as we know it is a modern gemstone, for it was not until the 20th century that Peridot deposits were located in the Kashmir region. The stones from those deposits, being of an incomparably beautiful colour and transparency, have succeeded in contributing to the image of this beautiful green gemstone.

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in one colour and one colour only. Green. The intensity of the green however, depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure. The colour of Peridot gems can vary from yellow, through olive, to brownish-green. The most valued colour is a dark olive-green.

In history and folklore:

• In Hawaii, Peridot symbolizes the goddess Pele’s tears. Some Hawaiian beaches are packed with tiny grains of Peridot that are too small to cut.
• The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., houses the largest cut Peridot, a 310 carat gem.
• Ground Peridot, taken internally, was once used as a treatment for asthma.
• It was thought that Peridot brought power and influence to its owner.
• Napoleon used Peridot to assure the empress Josephine of his undying love and admiration, which, of course, happened before he had their marriage annulled.

The Peridot is a gemstone that you should definitely get to know better as its fine pistachio to olive green is the perfect complement to the Irish complexion. It looks particularly good set with Diamonds, in Gold.

It’s a soft compliment to the Autumn wardrobe, and works well with Kelly Greens’ and Ochre.

Today Gem quality Peridot comes from Arizona, Burma, Norway, and St. Johns Isle. Peridot may also be found in Meteorites.

It is thought to bring its wearer good luck, peace and success. Supposed powers include Health, and protection from Nightmares.

If you would like to get in touch and Tweet me: 
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You can always get in touch and leave a comment below.

Michael

Check your Settings

So it’s my third little post in a week. Very rare occurrence for me, but it was a random question that got me thinking.

It’s something that isn’t covered, nor promoted at point of sale, although it’s one subject that does need to be addressed.

I was asked today whether or not Settings in a Ring should be checked. Surprisingly it annoyed me slightly that I rarely think to mention this as part of my service. Just to let you know I do, but it is a rare occurrence that a Client requires such.

Nonetheless it is quite important to have your settings checked.

Bear in mind that Gold and Platinum are metals, and are prone to wear and tear from the everyday contact, the rubbing, the brushing etc.

These metals, over time do wear down, so it is prudent to have them checked from time to time, to make sure the stones do not come loose.

The long and the short of it is, a loose claw or setting could mean the difference between having a Diamond Ring and a Ring where a Diamond used to be.

I’m sure you can appreciate the difference!

I would recommend that you use the following as guidelines:

• When your Jewellery is not in use, then do keep them in boxes.
• A regular clean will maintain the cleanliness and overall look. A simple warm water and liquid solution, will keep most dirt at bay. Avoid vigorous cleaning, and abrasives. Dry, and polish with a lint free cloth.

For Bracelets, Earrings, and other Pieces coming into contact with clothing causing them to snag, do check that you haven’t teased a claw away from a stone.

If you purchased from a Retail Store, do return to your Store, and have your piece looked at. Once a year is fine, apart from when a piece is subject to heavy knocks, or obvious damage.

I am quite happy for you to give me a call, regardless of where you bought an item of Jewellery.

All part of the Service, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

As always, Comments are very welcome.

Regards,

Michael.

A Commitment to Love, Honor and Respect

I’m always happy to meet new clients, and this morning’s meeting was no exception. There is no necessity to stick to the traditional, and in this instance the formality of engagement was not considered.

In the 8 years that this couple have spent together there was nothing symbolic required save the love and commitment they have shown each other since the time they first met.

I relish the opportunity to begin what I like to call a personal service. It is something more than having a quick browse through a catalogue and settling for a generic piece of jewellery.

My service offers something additional.  I carry out a fully bespoke service that is tailored to each individual.

I have known David and his partner Ben for over 5 years, and was delighted when they announced they were settling down and building a life for themselves together as one. Even more delighted when they asked me to create two bespoke Rings based on their designs.

Always intrigued as to what Rings people choose for Civil Partnerships and given the penchant for ‘Rainbow’ themed industrial metal Bands, I was glad to see that both guys had come up with designs that were evocative of their feelings and love for each other.

Ben chose an 18kt Gold Ring with Centre Row of brushed 18kt Yellow Gold set with intersecting Princess Cut Diamonds, and polished 18kt White Gold Rims, while David chose the reverse.

So how do Same Sex Rings Differ? ‘Surprise Surprise’, they don’t. A band on your finger is Symbolic. It means what you and your partner want it to mean. They are bands of devotion, a commitment to Love, Honor and Respect each other.

Be it a Celebration of your Sexuality, a discreet band, or a Bespoke Diamond Set Piece it is all down to choice. It is yours and yours alone.

I am very glad both David and Ben chose me to be part of their Celebration. I hope that they spend many happy years together.

If you are considering a Civil Partnership this year, and would like some advice and/or suggestions, feel free to drop me a line.

Call on 086 8687456 or mail GemInfo@iol.ie