The beauty of peridot has enthralled many civilisations for thousands of years. Known as the gemstone of the sun and for its brilliant yellowish-green colour, peridot is semi-precious gemstone of the olivine family. Once believed to protect people against evil spirits and often used in healing rituals by the ancient Egyptians, Peridot is a gemstone quite like no other.

Discovered around 1500 BC, peridot was an important gemstone to many ancient civilizations and quickly became a highly sought over jewel. Traded as a valuable form of currency and a particularly popular gemstone for talismans, Peridot gemstones even caught the eye of Cleopatra who made this gemstone the official stone of Egypt. This gemstone has even been found in numerous tombs alongside the mummies of pharaohs.

Historically, peridot was famously mined in the isle of St John in the Red Sea, but in the modern era, its principal source is Arizona in the US. Peridot is also mined in Australia, Brazil, Myanmar and elsewhere today. Nicknamed "evening emeralds" by the Romans, Peridot has held it's spot as one of the most popular semi-pericopes for thousands of years due to it's sparkly nature and vivid appearance - even in low light. Peridot is also very unique in terms of its colours. While there are many gemstones that have a similar appearance and stunning olive colour, peridot is the only gemstone that can be found in exclusively in one colour.

Today, peridot is the official gemstone of August, so jewellery featuring this citrus green gemstone would make an exceptional gift for a Leo person. Peridot is also usually gifted on 16th wedding anniversaries. The vivid greeny-yellow colour of most peridot gemstones led many people to associate this stone with good health and vitality.

Explore our beautiful collection of stunning Vintage and Antique Peridot rings.