Peridot, August Birthstone

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that exists in only one color: a distinctive signature lime green. In ancient times it was believed that Peridot was a gift of Mother Nature to celebrate the annual creation of a new world.

When presented as a gift, Peridot is said to bring the wearer magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares. It is also said, Peridot may to instill power, and influence through the wearing of the gemstone. Today, most Peridot comes from Arizona, but it is also found in China, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Peridot is available in several colors ranging from yellowish green to brown, but the bright lime greens and olive greens are the most desired. If you prefer citrus tones or earth tones, you may find that Peridot belongs in your jewelry collection. Peridot gemstones smaller than three carats are very common; gemstones over five carats are rare, and therefore have a higher value. Peridot in 10 to 15 carats are even more rare; but then again, they deliver a big and bold look for an affordable price.

Mesopotamian Bracelets

Among the earliest bracelets were those that belonged to the Sumerians of Southern Mesopotamia dating back to about 2,500 B.C. The ‘good student’ knows that even more ancient is the archaeological evidence of Ancient Egyptians adorning themselves with bracelets from at least as early as 5,000 B.C. However, an obsidian bracelet found in Turkey at the exceptional site of Asikli Höyük in 1995 significantly beats these estimates as it has been dated to about 7,500 B.C.

It is the earliest evidence of obsidian in working, which only reached its peak in the seventh and sixth millennia B.C. with the production of all kinds of ornamental objects, including mirrors and vessels. The obsidian bracelet studied by the researchers is unique. It has a complex shape and a remarkable central ridge, and is 10 cm in diameter and 3.3 cm wide. It was discovered in 1995 at the exceptional site of Asıklı Höyük in Turkey and displayed ever since at the Aksaray Archeological Museum.

Black Obsidian is a powerful gemstone for eliminating all the negative and harmful energy in the body and in the environment around it. It acts sort of like an “energetic vacuum cleaner,” cleansing the personal energy field of disharmony, negative attachments; and even, the anger, greed, fear or resentment. Wearing obsidian jewelry and bracelets is extremely grounding, as it stimulates the root chakra, deepening on personal connection to the Earth. People say, wearing an obsidian bracelet with other grounding gemstones, such as smoky quartz and hematite, will magnify its grounding power, balancing and cleansing the ‘root chakra.’

 

Among the ancient jewelry found in Queen Puabi’s tomb at Ur in Sumar, dated from third millennium B.C., were wrist and arm bracelets.

 

Researchers are amazed at the craftsmanship, which in the chronological rank, perhaps indicates that it probably wasn’t the first of its kind to be crafted by these early people.