Peridot is an electric gem that I feel doesn’t get enough love—it’s rare that a jewelry design knocks the wind out of you (in a good way) and happens to feature that stone.
Those designs do exist. Just not in the abundance of, say, opal or tourmaline. Most chartreuse pieces (a color I’ve really been digging lately), turn out to be tsavorite, chrysoberyl, or even prehnite, a semi-new-to-me gemstone, but one that I feel I’ve been seeing more of lately.
The pieces that do contain peridot and knock your socks off, those are special. I love when peridot gets pampered and all dressed up in a fine jewelry design. Speaking of which, according to an article on GIA, some historians believe that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection wasn’t really emerald at all, but peridot—so perhaps it really was getting the royal treatment!
The ring shown here from Santo by Zani is a delightful example. It features a number of different elements that put it far beyond a traditional gemstone ring, with a peridot center at the forefront of its eye-catching design. From the brand’s line of Shield rings, this version features a special-cut peridot in a setting of white enamel, all in 14k gold. The gemstone serves as the door that opens to reveal an interior of white enamel, mirroring the shape of the shield, and set with a single diamond at its center, the precious treasure tucked away inside.
The shield element of this piece is timely and evocative of the brilliance of womanhood—a superhero vibe for women to wear as a reminder of their power. There is an assortment of color combinations to please every hero’s palate, too, which can be found on the brand’s website. This peridot iteration, though, honors August’s birthstone beautifully, and I couldn’t think of a better commemoration of a birthday (or an unbirthday!).
Top and above: Ring in 14k gold with white enamel, peridot, and diamond, $2,142
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
