How to Pick a Peridot Birthstone

The August birthstone peridot is derived by cutting crystals of the beautiful, spring-green mineral olivine. This gemstone symbolizing vitality was once the favorite booty of pirates, who fashioned it into protective amulets. The sparkling gem was associated with the sun signs Libra and Cancer, as well as the Hawaiian goddess Pele. Today peridot is readily available, affordable and attractive in a multitude of casual and fine-jewelry settings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Reputable dealer
• Appraisal
• Documentation of authenticity

Pick a Set or Loose Peridot Birthstone

1. View loose peridot birthstone gems at rock and mineral shows or through jewelry dealers. This will give you an idea of the full potential of these stones in color and clarity.
2. Ask about the gem's origin, and compare the visual properties of peridot from various mines. The mineral is found in Arizona, Australia, Brazil, Burma, the Congo and Norway.
3. View peridot in a variety of birthstone settings. Because peridot is a relatively soft gem, it is most commonly used in earrings, brooches and necklaces. Bracelets and rings containing peridot are more prone to abrasion.
4. Consider peridot in combination with other colored gemstones. The brilliant yellow-green complements or contrasts well with other bright colors.
5. Pick your favorite peridot piece from a respected dealer. Find one through a local rock club or one listed as a member on the American Gem Trade Association website (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Pronounce it "pay-ra-DOT" (Americanized) or "pay-ra-DOE" (original French).
• Peridot is officially designated to honor a sixteenth or twentieth wedding anniversary.
• An alternate birthstone for August is the far less colorful, yet intriguing sardonyx, a type of quartz.
• An "inclusion" is a natural fracture in a gemstone. While it can impede facet reflection, it is also a clue to the authenticity of the piece. In peridot, minimal visible inclusions are allowable in the highest quality stones.
• Peridot is not as hard as other common ring gemstones, such as emeralds or amethysts. If you pick a peridot in a ring setting, take extra care to protect it from accidental impact or abrasion.
• Beware of synthetic peridot by requesting a gem's history and any documentation before you buy it. Because peridot is often set in combination with other gemstones of greater or lesser value, however, a history for component stones is not always available.
• Inclusions, as well as gem documentation, can be synthesized! The advice of a certified appraiser will tell you if your included stone is natural and genuine.