The Myth and Lore of August's Birthstone, Peridot

If you are haunted by vague terrors in the night, those meandering demons, night hags and phantoms that wander bedside, between the arsenic hours of two and four when sleep is as illusive as hems from the moon's yellow skirt, peridot might be just the gem for you.

The sixteenth century writer, Marbod, suggests you string it on a piece of hair from an ass (a donkey's, not your lover's) and attach it securely to your left arm. (Kuntz p. 171) Also, if you happen to be a dabbler in necromancy, it's wise to choose peridot as your talisman.

The etymology of the word, peridot, the birthstone of August, can be traced only back to the French word, peritot. We do not know the original source beyond that.

It's first recorded as mined from St. John's Island, located off the coast of Egypt. Peridot on St. John's Island was so radiant that it could be found at night. Any trespasser caught stealing from these early mines was killed. Peridot was prized by the Pharaohs of Egypt and first referenced in papyri text that goes back to 1500BC. (Kuntz. p.170) Even today, St. John's Island is one of the main sources for Peridot.

Outside of this early lore, not a lot is mentioned about Peridot in European writings over the eons. A tenth century bishop, Andreaus of Caesarea, named the gem one of the foundation stones of the church, and associated it with the apostle Bartholomew, "since he was illustrious for his divine preaching and his store of virtues." (Kunth p. 170)

Some excellent pieces were brought back to the treasuries of the church and presented as emeralds during the crusades - a mis-labeling that exists even today.

To glean some understanding of what this gem might symbolize, we can first consider its actual shape. Peridot has a hexagonal shape which is formed by placing two triangles back to back. The shape represents balance and community. Six is also said to represent mankind's manifestation on earth. Solomon's seal had six points and was said to symbolize a means of arriving at resolution and balance after indecision.
Surely the main meaning of peridot, however, must be understood in references over thousands of years to the sun and to demons. Demons operate in the darkness, in myth and metaphorically as well. Consider the images from dreams which rise up from the underworld, of what today we call the unconscious.

These images are often difficult to understand even when brought to the light of day. It is a mysterious world of metaphor and shifting shapes.

To have a piece of peridot is to be anchored to a different perspective. Peridot is not a gem that guides you down into those dark realms. It has a strong association with the sun and would offer protection from those spirits. In the daylight, physically and metaphorically, you can see the outline and form of what is around you more clearly.

In the light, everything is clear. This in itself can be healing, especially for those who are haunted by their internal demons of the night. No wonder, also, that some early writers also spoke of how the gem brought clear sight.

The lovely green color of the gem is in itself associated with healing. Green is the color of verdant vitality, of the leafy growth of spring. Peridot's direction leads toward the heavens, the path of the sun, which gives the light, allowing everything on earth to thrive. Even today, peridot is viewed by some people as a stone that connects on to the "light" which brings a renewed sense of the self and one's purpose in life.

References: Most of the historical content, myth and lore referenced in this article came from two books, both of which are in print and available on line:

George Frederick Kunz, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, New York; Dover Publications, Inc. 1913, 1971 edition.

Bruce Knuth, Gems In Myth, Legends And Lore; Parachute, Colorado, Jewelers Press, 2007.

Source: http://www.classicarticles.com/Article/The-Myth-and-Lore-of-August-s-Birthstone--Peridot/65756
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Blue Diamond Jewelry

What is Blue Diamond Jewelry?

Blue Diamond Jewelry is a stunning form of "fancy colored diamonds" that is recently gaining in popularity among diamond and jewelry enthusiasts.

Blue diamonds are natural, authentic white diamonds that have been heat and/or pressure treated to obtain their beautiful blue hue. So although blue diamond jewelry is treated, it is nevertheless a genuine diamond.

There are also naturally occuring blue diamonds, however, they are exceptionally rare. Blue diamond jewelry made by purely by nature, can cost as much as several hundred thousand dollars or more.

Treated blue diamonds, however, will cost significantly less and is a fashionable and unique alternative to a regular white diamond -- and they can cost less than white diamonds as well, at approximately half the price, for a quality colored diamond piece.

The reason blue diamond jewelry can cost less is because you do not need to start with a perfectly white diamond since you are going to be treating it anyway to change the color to blue. A fancy colored diamond producer, will start with a yellowish or low color grade diamond and treat it blue, therefore costing less than a high-end white diamond. Where the price differences come into play, however, are in the clarity and inclusion level of that diamond.

A popular form of colored diamonds, blue diamond rings , for example, will often be an I1 or I2 clarity diamond due to the fact that treating the diamond blue will mask most of the inclusions -- so a higher end diamond is often not needed, thereby reducing the cost of a colored fancy diamond in this way also. Some, however, will opt for an SI1-SI2 clarity blue diamond, which is more expensive, but often worth the upgrade, especially if purchasing the diamond for an engagement or wedding ring. Even so, the price will often still be less than a white diamond.

Source: http://www.classicarticles.com/Article/Blue-Diamond-Jewelry/64199
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The History Of Diamond Engagement Rings

Buying that special ring to pop the question to your partner can take much of your time, because you want things to be just perfect for them. The most popular choices in engagement rings are of course diamonds, most obviously a girl's best friend. Many women will not deny that obtaining a nice diamond ring will evoke feelings of oneness and satisfaction. This may seem superficial, but who can argue that a diamond ring for an engagement proposal is not the way to woman's heart?

The First Recorded Rings

Historically marriage and engagement rings have been a symbol of unity for many years and came in the form of a simple iron hoop. Some years later this was followed by gold band rings. The symbol of the ring and its eternal circular shape was the main significance of the engagement ring, corresponding to the unification of a couple for a lifelong period.

It is believed that the ancient Greeks had begun this trend for rings in marriage, as earlier studies have shown that marriages were arranged and drawn up from a contract, known as the dowry. However, whether the ring was used as a symbol of unity or bribe is yet to be proven. The Greeks had used the ring before marriage and was known as a betrothal ring. Nowadays this can be interpreted as a promise ring.

The Celtic culture may have used the hair as a symbol of marital unity, in which the hair was braided together after marriage. However, other historical recordings have discovered that this may have been in the form of hair bracelets braided together. The middle ages saw the creation of the 'gimmel', which were comprised of two or three hoops attached at the base of the ring. When placed together it gave the appearance of just one ring.

The ring did not become a symbol of marriage until the 12th century, by Pope Innocent III order( the same Pope had decreed that weddings be held in churches), who instigated and initiated that wedding rings be incorporated in wedding ceremonies. This followed a widespread trend of using rings in marriages.

The First Diamond Rings

Diamonds were not discovered until around 800BC in India, whereby this precious gem was believed to have possessed magical powers. Societies were more impressed by its strength and hardness; hence its name was derived from the Greek 'adamas' meaning unconquerable. This made it the best choice in engagement rings; however, they were not as widely available back then as they are now.

The first recorded engagement ring to be given to a woman was to Mary of Burgundy by the Archduke of Maximilian of Hamburg in 1477. Prior to this, it was relatively unheard of to give diamond rings as a symbol of engagement. The renaissance era had seen single set diamond rings in its natural form set on gold ring bands. It was not until the eighteenth century of when diamonds had made its way to Brazil, which made it more available.

The diamond ring became a fashion accessory with many of the wealthy elite wearing them in balls and dinners. The Victorian ages saw more widespread of diamond rings, upon the discovering diamond mines in Africa. Rings in the Victorian ages were much more romantic in style, decorated with flowers, birthstones, love letters and multiple diamonds set in rosettes.

The engagement ring very quickly became a subject of fashion, wealth and love. Those who were able to afford the diamond ring were usually regarded as well established upper class individuals. Many of the middle class generation kept to the tradition of using birthstones set on gold rings, diamonds were still a luxury and a privilege for many.

Throughout the years, as the diamond has become available worldwide, they have become larger and creative in style. Many of the contemporary Hollywood celebrities have been famously seen to be sporting 'bling' fest diamond encrusted rings. Most famous of them all is Elizabeth Taylor who is often seen with numerous diamond engagement rings, one of which weighing at nearly 30 carats.

On average, seventy-eight percent of engagement ring purchases are diamond, further proving this a strong and lucrative business even for today.

Source: http://www.classicarticles.com/Article/The-History-Of-Diamond-Engagement-Rings/64004
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