It is no surprise that the Peridot Gemstone is called “an Evening Emerald,” since it glows a brilliant green in artificial light. Peridot is similar to the emerald but softer in intensity. Peridots of two or three carats are expensive, and a fine eight-carat stone is extremely rare. Any stones beyond eight carats are collectors or museum pieces. Two of the finest peridot displays containing some of the largest and best specimens are in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and the Field Museum in Chicago. The Smithsonian Institution in Washington has a peridot that is 310 carats.
Peridot was probably derived from the French “peritot,” meaning gold. Both the Arabs and the Greeks, however, may lay claim to the naming of the gemstone. The Old Arabic name for Zabargad, the island where the stone was first mined, was “Faridat”, and the Greeks have a word that means “giving plenty,” “peridona.”
The peridot has historically been mistaken for an emerald, as is evidenced by the fact that a gemstone at the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne was thought to be an emerald and only recently identified as a peridot. Some historians believe that Cleopatra’s “emeralds” were really peridot. The only smaller peridot stones that have the emerald shade of green are found in Egypt and Myanmaar (Burma). Cleopatra’s gems were from Egypt.
Quite a number of experts believe that peridot was the stone Biblically referred to as the seventh foundation stone for the new Jerusalem. Many authorities also believe that the peridot was the second gemstone in the breastplate of the high priest.
Whatever the case, you’ll find that beautiful peridot gemstone jewelry will make you feel as rich and wonderful as Cleo herself.
Treat yourself to something beautiful today. There is an amazing array of gorgeous gemstone jewelry awaiting you at Peridot Gemstone, Tourmaline Gemstone, and Topaz Gemstone. Come find the perfect gift for yourself — you deserve it!