Peridot is a bright green gemstone with a lively glow and a long history of use in jewellery. Its fresh, summery colour and double refraction give it a characteristic sparkle, making it an eye-catching feature in antique and vintage rings. Unlike many green gems, peridot always displays green tones—typically ranging from olive to lime—without blue or yellow dominating.

What Is Peridot?

Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, formed deep within the Earth’s mantle and occasionally found in meteorites. It has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years, admired by the ancient Egyptians and popular in Georgian and Victorian jewellery. Its vibrant green hue is caused by iron content and is unique among gems for being limited to a single colour range.

Gemstone Characteristics

• Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale
• Toughness: Fair (can be brittle under impact)
• Lustre: Vitreous
• Colour: Olive green to lime green
• Crystal System: Orthorhombic

Common Cutting Styles

Peridot is typically cut into ovals, rounds, and step cuts, including emerald shapes and antique-style facets. These styles enhance its natural brightness and clean colour. In antique jewellery, peridots are often found in closed-back or foil-backed settings that deepen their green tones.

Use in Antique and Vintage Jewellery

Peridot was highly favoured in Georgian and Victorian jewellery. It was often set in yellow gold, sometimes surrounded by seed pearls or diamonds for contrast. In Edwardian and early Art Deco jewellery, peridot appears less frequently but still finds its way into elegant, nature-inspired designs. Its vibrant green makes it especially well-suited to summer-themed or sentimental pieces.

Symbolism and Lore

Peridot has long been associated with protection, prosperity, and peace. In ancient times, it was believed to ward off nightmares and dispel negative energy. It was called the “evening emerald” for its ability to glow softly in low light. Today, peridot is the birthstone for August and a traditional gift for 16th anniversaries.

Is Peridot Suitable for Daily Wear?

Peridot has reasonable hardness but only fair toughness, meaning it can chip or cleave under pressure. It's best worn with care in rings and other high-contact jewellery, and ideally set in protective mountings. Store it separately from harder stones to prevent surface scratches.