David’s gemstone notebook · New Orleans

Lively green, warm gold and details with character. Discover peridot rings, earrings and bracelet designs, with styling ideas and practical advice for choosing an August birthstone.

Choosing a piece is easier when you know what to notice and which questions to ask. Use this guide as a starting point, then ask us about the specific item that catches your eye.

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Peridot, at a glance.

The color

Green, with a golden note.

Peridot’s palette runs through yellowish green, green and brownish green.

The family

Gem-quality olivine.

Peridot belongs to the olivine mineral group.

Scratch hardness

About 6.5 to 7.

Wear with care and protect it from scratches, hard knocks and rapid temperature changes.

The birthstone

An August favorite.

Peridot is one of August’s birthstones, with a bright character of its own.

Choose with the whole piece in mind.

Choose your green.

See how the stone looks against the metal and in everyday light.

Look at the setting.

A ring’s height and protection matter for a gem that benefits from careful wear.

Read the whole description.

A mixed-gem bracelet may include peridot alongside other stones. Confirm the materials in the exact piece.

Check the fit.

Ask about ring size, earring backs, bracelet length and any suitable adjustment options.

Identity, treatment and documentation.

Peridot is not routinely treated, but identification and condition still matter. Ask what is known about the particular stone, any companion materials, and any available documentation. A mixed-gem design needs care suited to its most delicate component.

Ask what is known, what remains unconfirmed, and whether the information is supported by documentation. An independent gemological report can help address identification and detectable treatments. It is different from an appraisal and does not promise a resale value.

Bring these questions to the conversation.

  1. What is known about the material, its origin as natural or laboratory-grown where applicable, and any treatments?
  2. What are the exact dimensions, and does any stated weight describe one stone or the total?
  3. What is the metal, and what is known about the age and condition of the piece?
  4. Can I see additional photos or a video in ordinary lighting?
  5. What fit, fastening, stringing or resizing details should I consider?
  6. What documentation is available for this exact item, and which purchase policies apply?

Include the item number when you contact us. Details from one piece should not be assumed to apply to another.

Care for the entire piece.

Lukewarm water and mild soap are the preferred starting point when suitable for the whole piece. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaning, hard knocks, acids and sudden changes in temperature. Remove peridot rings for rough work.

The most delicate material, treatment or construction detail may determine the right method. A gemstone’s scratch hardness does not mean the setting is safe from damage. Check clasps, stringing and prongs regularly, and stop wearing a piece if a stone is loose or a fastening is unreliable.

Make it part of your own style.

Set green beside cream.

Peridot earrings or a ring can bring fresh color to linen, a simple tee or an ivory knit.

Let warm gold frame it.

Yellow gold can emphasize peridot’s golden-green character without a complicated outfit.

Keep a bracelet easy.

Give a mixed-gem bracelet room to move and avoid stacking it against rough or harder pieces.

August’s birthstone. A fresh kind of gift.

Choose peridot for an August birthday, a summer memory or someone whose favorite color is green. A small collection can still hold the piece that feels exactly right.

The meanings associated with gemstones belong to cultural traditions and personal interpretation. They are not established medical benefits or guarantees of protection, luck or financial results.

Make a plan for the piece you love.

David’s offers layaway with a 20% non-refundable deposit, no interest and up to 12 months to pay. Read the full layaway policy and watch the video for payment, clearance and inactivity conditions before starting.

Your next discovery awaits.

Browse online or visit David’s Antiques & Jewelry at 322 Royal Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. For a question about a piece, text David’s with its item number.

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General guidance only; identity, condition, treatment history and care needs depend on the individual item.

— David’s Antiques & Jewelry