August is for PERIDOT!

[ChargerGrrl]

Hello Colored-gem folks!

I've had a hankering for a peridot RHR. Not sure of the cut/shape, but perhaps a cushion or oval (a bit different than my princess e-ring). I'm thinking around 2ct.

After browsing a couple of jewelry sites, I've come to the conclusion that it would be so much more FUN to create my own instead of purchasing a ready-made piece.

So where do i start? i've checked out a couple of loose gem sites that y'all recommended on LaurenTP's post, but have no clue on how to select an "ideal" peridot. Is there such a thing?

And as far as settings go, who has a good selection? And would they also set the stone? Sorry that I'm sooo clueless.

THANKS in advance for your help!

 

[beaujolais]

Hi Charger:

I''m a peridot fan, also. While I don''t think it is popular as some other colored gems, it really looks great when worn. I was not a peridot lover till I tried some on. It''s a nice summer color and a peaceful color. It looks great with blonde or blonde/brown hair, also.

I don''t know that much, although I''ve been wanting to research peridot myself. I prefer the med. apple green with a small amount of yellow in it. I believe the most common shades are apple green w. some yellow, apple green and olive. I also prefer it set in yellow gold (usually).

Take a look at peridotlovers.com for some good information and nice stones.

Best,
Sonoma

 

[naderon]

Top quality peridot from Pakistan or Burma are both really nice. If you''re really lucky, you might be able to find a stone with a bluish tone to it. Basically, the more lively a green it is (with less olive tones preferably), the more valuable it is. They often contain "lilypad" inclusions, but they aren''t always super noticeable in the stone, especially if well-cut. It can often give the stone some character

I was in the same predicament that you currently find yourself in, since so much of peridot is boring commercial-quality. I was able to find a peridot that I fell in love with, a flawless Pakistani precision-cut by Technofacet. It''s not huge at 2.5 cts, but I''m a sucker for a nice cushion! Still haven''t gotten around to setting it...

If you''re looking for a good setter, check out Wink Jones. There are quite a few other good ones out there, that perhaps more connected forum members can recommend

If you have tons of money lying around, and want something ugly but incredibly rare and literally out of this world, then perhaps an Esquel peridot would be more fitting

 

[ChargerGrrl]

sonoma & naderon- many THANKS for the info! I''ll check it out.

 

[Selkie]

Well, since I have Richard Homer on the brain after IrishGrrl's post, have you seen these? All bigger than 2 cts, though:
Concavegems.com.

ETA: And Wink would be the perfect person to set it...

 

[Pandora II]

I love peridot - handy being an August birthday.

It is quite fragile, I have broken more than one of my set stones. You also mustn''t put it in an ultrasonic.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 8/13/2008 5:08:36 AM
Author: Pandora II
I love peridot - handy being an August birthday.

It is quite fragile, I have broken more than one of my set stones. You also mustn''t put it in an ultrasonic.

Good to know!

 

[cushioncutnut]

I have never loved peridot, although it is my birthstone. After seeing that last peridot, I think I can change my mind..

 

[trillionaire]

I am an Aug b-day too, and just warming up to peri...

 

[geckodani]

Date: 8/13/2008 11:40:16 AM
Author: trillionaire
I am an Aug b-day too, and just warming up to peri...

Aug baby... still not on board with the peridot, LOL.

 

[trillionaire]

Date: 8/13/2008 11:45:59 AM
Author: geckodani

Date: 8/13/2008 11:40:16 AM

Author: trillionaire

I am an Aug b-day too, and just warming up to peri...

Aug baby... still not on board with the peridot, LOL.

I am beginning to like them in YG with halos... otherwise, not so much. Maybe a funky EC would be nice, and it would have to be big!

 

[vita*dolce]

naderon -- that peridot is Gorgeous!!

that would be beautiful in a halo!!

 

[ChargerGrrl]

OMG, Selkie. Those gems are fabulous! Is Mr. Homer the God of Colored stones?

THANKS for the eye-candy. they may be a bit over my budget and wee bit big... I think. Perhaps i need to go see gems IRL to get a sense of the ct weights. The 2ct number may be too small perhaps?? OK, that''s step one- Go on a look-see!

I think it''s interesting about the love/hate relationship with Peridots. i admit that i wasn''t too keen on them until recently. They''ve kinda grown on me.

 

[ChargerGrrl]

hi again!

i''ve done a bit of searching, and there''s a WIDE range of costs for peridots. They run the gamut from $50-ish to well over $1k (in the 2-3ct range i''m interested in). It''s kinda mind-boggling, but i guess like most things, you get what you pay for. RIGHT?

I''m really leaning towards this stone: http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/4662

comments & suggestions would be much appreciated. THANKS in advance!

 

[Selkie]

It looks great! I''d like to see it from other angles though. My only hesitation is that it looks a bit elongated, and isn''t a calibrated size, but if you''re happy going custom for the setting it should work out.

As for setting it, I''d be tempted to go with Green Lake Jewelers. That color green seems very "organic" to me, and GLJW is darn good at settings with an organic feel to them.

 

[White Orchid]

I just bought a peridot claddagh ring. I didn''t even realize at the time it was August''s stone. I feel even better about the purchase knowing that now since August is my anniversary month! I love peridots, what a gorgeous colour!

 

[loriken214]

I''m an August baby and love that peridot!!!

Lori