Antique and later peridot pendants and lockets

Peridot is a gemstone that is a form of the mineral olivine. It is a yellow-green to green gemstone that is typically transparent, although some specimens may be opaque. The colour is due to the presence of iron in the crystal structure of the stone.

It is found in several locations around the world, including Egypt, Myanmar, Pakistan, and the United States. It has been used in jewellery for thousands of years, and was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians, who believed it had protective powers.

Peridot is a relatively hard gemstone, with a rating of 6.5-7 more... on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is suitable for use in all types of jewellery, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The gemstone is often cut in faceted shapes to enhance its sparkle and colour, but it is also used in cabochon form. less...

A locket is an item of jewellery, usually a pendant worn on a chain around the neck, that is hinged and opens to reveal a space, sometimes called a "keepsake compartment", used for storing a a personal memento, such as a miniature, a photograph or strands of hair.

Other styles of lockets are worn as a brooch or bracelet.

They have been around in various forms since the 15th century, but reached the peak of their popularity in the 19th century, when sentimentality was part of the national psyche.

They are most commonly made of gold or silver, often decorated more... with precious or semi-precious stones and come in many shapes including ovals, hearts and circles. less...