Peridot jewelry has become quite fashionable, though it has
often been dreaded by those born in August since it is the birthstone
of that month. 
Having turned a new leaf, peridot jewelry is available in beautiful
shades of clear, kiwi green to yellow-green. Darker shades of peridot
have even been confused with emeralds, which they were once classified
as before modern science could discern their physical differences.
Today, many who enjoy its bright color and versatility wear peridot
jewelry. Moving away from convention, green gemstones are increasingly
seen in white gold settings and as an accent to Tahitian pearls and
their frequent greenish undertones.
Peridot is actually the gemstone variety of olivine, which is
composed of two different minerals: fayalite and forsterite. The balance of
these two minerals and several others contributes to the best color for
peridot jewelry. In cases where color is not optimal, peridot may be
heat-treated in order to oxidize specific minerals and enhance color. Often
faceted for peridot jewelry, beads and cabochons are also produced. Though
cat's eye and star peridot have been discovered, they are quite rare. Another
rarity is that which comes from iron-nickel meteorites called pallasites. Some
have actually been cut and made into peridot jewelry.
Moh's scale of hardness classifies peridot as 6.5-7. While
this scratch resistance is low and care should be taken with peridot jewelry,
it may be cleaned in gem cleaner. Steam and ultrasonic cleaning of peridot
jewelry, however, is not advised.
