Peridot Glow – The August Birthstone
August has arrived and with it comes the fab August birthstone of Peridot. With it’s brilliant lime green glow, these iron rich gemstones were first discovered and adorned by the Ancient Egyptains 2000BC. Found on a small volcanic island off the Red Sea called Topazios, and recently, to my amazement it’s been discovered in meteorites. Peridot is the ultimate space rock to glam up your summer attire!
Above are a pair of elegant bespoke peridot drop earrings which I designed and made last August for a client in recycled 9ct yellow gold wire. It’s always a pleasure working to commission, especially as these beauties were to compliment a necklace that I had made a couple of years earlier.
Green and gold is such a lush zinging combination, especially when the gold is green!
I just couldn’t resist the fairly sourced US Green Amethyst Quartz below when busy hand picking through a wonderful selection of fairly sourced gemstones on a recent course with Nineteen48… And I just knew it had to be set using Fairtrade 18ct yellow gold from Somtrami, Peru.
Meeting Stuart and Gary of Nineteen48 was like a breath of fresh air. As jewellery designer makers it is fantastic that we are now able to purchase gemstones from a small supply company with big heart who can offer full traceability on all of their gems. It was also fascinating to learn about small scale artisanal mining practices in Sri Lanka. One day I hope to visit their sapphire mines and report back.
This ‘one of a kind’ Fairtrade Green Amethyst Nest Ring is currently available from one of my Stockists Clifton Rocks, along with other bespoke items. I’m also excited and honoured to be exhibiting at the first ever Fair Luxury Exhibition next month at The Goldsmiths Centre, London
Many thanks to you my followers for asking for Fairtrade. Without you, Fairtrade standards across the mining sector would not have been possible. If it’s your special day this month, I’d like you wish you a very Happy Peridot Birthstone Birthday.