Loved across generations for its fresh, citrusy hue and calming properties, peridot is perfect for those who love to stand out. Below, a little history behind the gemstone, and 30 stunning jewelry pieces worth bookmarking — especially for those born in August.
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The Victoria & Albert Museum houses more than 3,500 pieces of jewelry – one of the most comprehensive collections in the world. One such treasure there is the Cotes Peridot Suite which has an intriguing royal connection.
Crafted in 1816 by the royal goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, the jewels were commissioned by the then Prince Regent, the future George lV, for the Cote sisters, Charlotte and Lucy, who had been entrusted with the care of his daughter Princess Charlotte. The Prince Regent wanted one of the sisters to wear the peridot set, and the other an amethyst suite, to the wedding of his daughter, Princess Charlotte, to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg (later King of the Belgians) at Carlton House.
The peridot set, in its original red leather case, can be viewed at the museum, alongside a letter written by Princess Elizabeth (the Prince Regent’s sister), asking the Cote sisters to accept the jewels and saying the prince ‘hopes you will wear it at the wedding as proof of his regard’. Sadly, only 18 months later, Charlotte Cotes took part in the funeral procession for Princess Charlotte, the only child of George lV, who died in childbirth.
This is just one of many remarkable stories involving the peridot, the jewel which also stars in the Habsburg Peridot Parure that was passed down through generations of Austrian aristocracy. With its distinctive citrus hue and storied past, it is of little wonder this unusual jewel – August’s birthstone – continues to dazzle. Read on to discover some of the most impeccable peridot jewelry on offer…
Bracelet, Kiki McDonough
Earrings, Bucherer Fine Jewellery
Ring, Sig Ward
Ring, Fabergé
Earrings, Piaget
Earrings, Fernando…
