The Maison's blog
Giving meaning to our creations
The Peridot, the birthstone for the month of August
Gemstones are at the heart of Surya Mathew’s creations. Surya Mathew selects them with particular attention to their origin, their brilliance, their energy, and their symbolism.
A stone of fire and sun, peridot has shone since the dawn of civilization. Venerated by the Egyptians as a sacred gem, it was called the sunstone, an earthly light born from the heart of volcanoes. Also known as olivine or chrysolite, it was discovered around 1500 B.C. on the island of Topazios, now Zabargad, an isolated jewel in the Red Sea.
Over the centuries, this gem has passed through kingdoms and empires. Mentioned in the Bible, peridot is one of the twelve sacred stones adorning the breastplate of the high priest Aaron and is said to be one of the foundation stones of Jerusalem. Brought back from the East by the Crusaders, peridot was set in the royal treasures of Europe. With its olive, lime, or apple-green hue, it already captivated the fascinated gaze of the Romans, who nicknamed it “the evening emerald” due to its mysterious glow in the torchlight. The great peridot of Cologne Cathedral, long mistaken for an emerald, stands alone as a testament to the nobility of its brilliance.
In fine jewelry, peridot captivates with its natural modernity. Its palette of greens pairs beautifully with yellow gold, the finesse of platinum, or the softness of mother-of-pearl. It illuminates both the boldest and most classic designs, giving each piece a personal signature.
A Word from the Creator
“Peridot, also known as the stone of light or the sunstone, was revered in ancient Egypt as a sacred symbol of the god Ra. Its soft light soothes tensions, strengthens the bonds of the heart, and inspires serenity. Its beauty is particularly revealed in an oval cut, which highlights its natural sparkle. In India, peridot is associated with the harmonization of the chakras, particularly the heart chakra, the center of love, compassion, and healing. Paired with blue sapphire or other warm-toned stones, it creates color harmonies that celebrate life and the energy of the natural world.”
You can incorporate this gem into a custom-made piece of Haute Joaillerie or personalize a piece from one of our Talisman collections. A unique piece of jewelry that reflects your individuality and enhances your birthstone.
Gemstones are at the heart of Surya Mathew’s creations. Surya Mathew selects them with particular attention to their origin, their brilliance, their energy, and their symbolism.
Gemstones are at the heart of Surya Mathew’s creations. Surya Mathew selects them with particular attention to their origin, their brilliance, their energy, and their symbolism.