Peridot is the birthstone for August. Its name comes from the Arabic word faridat, which means gem. Up to the 18^th century, peridot was called topaz. As early as 1500 B.C. the Egyptians used peridot as a gem. It was considered the "gem of the sun." To develop its full powers, the peridot had to be set in gold.

Gemstone-quality peridots are open-pit mined on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Scottsdale, Arizona. Tribal miners still use sledge-hammers, shovels, and their hands to break the basal rock into fragments that can be transported out of the mines. Working in temperatures above 100 degrees, the rock is almost too hot to touch with one's bare hands.

Sorting the material into quality grades is done back in the air-conditioned office. Then, they are sent to a cutting factory in China. After about a month, the pieces are sent back to the US for repackaging and distribution.

When you buy your peridot, perhaps you'll want to think about its personal worldwide history. At Achikian Goldsmiths, we have gemstone quality peridots in clear, apple-green colors, fashioned into today's most interesting, wearable designs.