In continuing with what I love most about gemology, I'd like to tell you a little about the birthstone for September...the sapphire.

  'Sapphire' comes from the Greek word 'Sappheiros' meaning 'blue'.  Starting from the beginning the ancient Persians believed that the actual Earth sat upon a huge sapphire, thus giving the reflection and making the sky blue.  Back then a sapphire was worn to protect harm.  The sapphire would protect the wearer from envy.  It was seen as a symbol of sincerity, truth, and constancy.  Legend has it that if a poisonous snake was placed next to a sapphire, the rays from the gem would kill the snake!  That's why it was believed that the sapphire was an antidote against poison. 

  Sapphire rings have been popular since the Middle Ages.  Clergy men favored sapphires because the color represented heaven.  The British have a long history with the sapphire.  Sapphires adorn the cross on the Imperial Crown and I'm sure you remember the sapphire and diamond ring given to Lady Diana by Prince Charles.

  Sapphire is the official birthstone for the month of September as well as the 5th, 23rd, and 45th wedding anniversaries with a star sapphire given for the 65th anniversary. 

 

Here it is.  Welcome to Roberto Jewelers Blog...Check it out every couple of weeks and see what's new in the jewelry world.

When I first started studying gemology I really liked the way that each stone  I learned about had its own history.  Throughout time gemstones have been used for rituals, healing processes, as well as for personal adornment.  Maybe since I found history so interesting in school, learning about each gemstone and what different cultures associated with them really appealed to me.  

Since we are in August I'd like to tell you a little bit of the gemstone Peridot.  First thing first Peridot is pronounced, 'pear-uh-doe' and not 'pear-uh-dot'.  Peridot is a French word from the Arabic 'faridat' meaning 'gem'.  It ranges in color from an intense bright green to an olive to a yellow-green.  Astrologers say peridot will enhance happiness in marriage, give the power of eloquence in speaking, and freedom from both emotional and physical insecurities.  Legend says the wearer will receive good luck, success, and peace including sleep, health, and protection.  Peridot will calm anger and attract love while it rids of negative emotions and soothes nerves.

Peridot is the official birthstone of August and can also be given as a gem on the 16th wedding anniversary.  As a medical remedy, it was made into a powder to cure asthma.  A peridot under the tongue was supposed to quench the thirst of someone with a fever.

Peridot has biblical references.  The high priest's breastplate, described in the book of Exodus, includes a stone for each of the tribes of Israel, one of which is peridot, refered to as chrysolite.  It is also the jewel worn by King Esekiel.  Peridot is believed to be one of the favorites of Cleopatra whose 'emeralds' were actually peridot.

Nowadays you can find the largest know peridot displayed at the Smithsonian Institute.  It's facted and weighs 310 carats!!

I find it interesting that what's everyday in today's malls and shopping centers can have such a rich background.  I hope you enjoyed this little 'education'.  Thanks for reading!