Sourcing

Rocks On: What Keeps Peridot Popular

SourcingMay 24, 2016

Rocks On: What Keeps Peridot Popular

While the larger, finer pieces of peridot are becoming more expensive, the price for this yellow-green gemstone remains relatively stable overall, helping spur demand.

20160519_Peridot-Article.jpg
While the larger, finer pieces of peridot are becoming more expensive, the price for this yellow-green gemstone remains relatively stable overall. (Photo credit: Gem 2000)

New York--Peridot has come to be something of a staple gem. Its popularity started with mining in ancient times and continues today as the birthstone for August. Add to this a historically strong supply and generally stable pricing and it creates a gem that’s positioned to be around for the long haul.

These days, there is peridot rough coming from Afghanistan and Pakistan, but also Burma, China, Africa and Arizona.

Peridot also can have an extraterrestrial source, albeit rarely, according to the Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Encyclopedia, which notes that some meteorites that have fallen to Earth contain peridot.

Supply
One of the few challenges that come up when talking about peridot’s supply side is a shortage of larger pieces.

Malak Atut, the designer behind the Zaiken jewelry brand, said she has noticed that larger material is a bit harder to find, and “it’s certainly at a higher price point.” Despite the possibility of increasing cost, she expects demand for the larger stones to continue as collectors and connoisseurs always are looking for rare gems.

Kimberly Collins, of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems, echoed the sentiment about larger, finer goods being hard to find; she said she used to see a lot of material from Burma and Pakistan on the market but that supply has diminished significantly.

When it comes to peridot rough from Arizona, supply always has been an issue, according to Rich Barker of Barker & Co.

“The inability to get blasting and the spotty availability of heavy equipment slow down production,” he told National Jeweler. “Additionally, the extreme summer heat and the number of diggers who do wildland firefighting during the summer really deplete the labor pool.”

Supply increased in the first quarter of 2016, he said, but noted that it likely will slow down again soon as the temperatures in the desert state start creeping toward 100 degrees.

Demand
With its ancient beginnings and modern positioning as a birthstone, peridot has perpetually been a sought-after gemstone. Demand for faceted Arizona peridot always has been strong, Barker noted, with its beautiful green color and despite its inclusions.

The demand for Arizona rough, however, is a different story; buying for that has been “dead” for the last three to four years. Before that, sales to India were quite strong, and Barker and Co. was able to sell all the material it could produce, he said.

However, within

the past six months, demand for the material has started to pick up again.

“Production is the only limiting factor in how much we have been able to sell,” he said, which is due to the factors noted above: weather, labor and equipment.
“There are several of us who have been saying ‘There’s no such thing as semi-precious,’ which is typically where peridot would be. With the rise in awareness and variety of the stone, I foresee that more people will dive into the peridot cool green, and the trend of mixing various non-traditional types of material together also bodes well for the inclusion of peridot in higher-end jewelry.”--Malak Atut, Zaiken
From a designer’s perspective, Atut said there are people who are “hardcore peridot lovers” who really enjoy the stone and want multiple pieces featuring it. “I think that it’s a beautiful hue that emits great light, especially once set in yellow gold,” Atut said. “It’s very flattering.”

She added that the rise of the social media channels that offer visual appeal, such as Instagram and Pinterest, have opened people’s eyes and imaginations to stones that they might not have considered before, as they see more examples of the stones set in modern jewelry.

Atut said it’s common for her to hear from someone that they never imagined a particular colored gemstone--not even just peridot--could be so beautiful and varied when they see it in its finest form.

“I think that has a lot to do with the ease of search and discovery through the visual (social) platforms,” today, she said.

Pricing
Barker said prices for rough peridot have been stable, lending to the constant demand for the stone, as have prices for faceted stones, particularly medium and calibrated sizes.

Large AA-grade faceted stones, meanwhile, have increased in price “rather dramatically,” he said, as they are very rare and demand has increased greatly.

Atut agreed that overall, when taking into account all sizes, peridot prices have remained fairly stable overall.

This is a real boon for the yellow-green gemstone, providing stability in a market that often can be unpredictable.

“You get a lot of bang for the buck,” Collins said, who added that peridot is a constant seller for her.

“Peridot has a long history; I do not see that changing.”



Industry trends
One of the trends that Barker sees driving the demand for Arizona peridot is the increasing desirability and demand for gems mined in America.

“We have had lots of inquiries for American goods, which we really welcome,” he said.

He said if anything, he expects peridot demand and pricing to remain stable, if not increase a bit, in the future. As a birthstone with a historically strong availability, it likely will remain a top performer.

What’s more, the same online visual discovery that’s bringing consumers to love peridot in a new way could also be giving designers a chance to see the stone in a new light, Atut said.

“There are several of us who have been saying ‘There’s no such thing as semi-precious,’ which is typically where peridot would be,” she said. “With the rise in awareness and variety of the stone, I foresee that more people will dive into the peridot cool green, and the trend of mixing various non-traditional types of material together also bodes well for the inclusion of peridot in higher- end jewelry.”

She added that the trend of mixing multiple shades of one color will continue, which positions peridot perfectly to pair with gemstones such as emeralds as well as demantoid and tsavorite garnets.

A few trends that peridot also lends itself well to, Collins said, are big dangle earrings and cocktail rings, as the stone can provide a very large look and color without the price of emeralds or tsavorite garnet of the same size.

And yet, peridot has gotten something of bad rap, she said. “There is a lot of commercial-grade peridot out there and a lot of August babies don’t like it because it looks like pea soup.”

As a designer, Collins focuses on the vivid, bright pieces of peridot, and said when retailers buy the best the stone has to offer and put it in their showcases, “peridot sells itself.”
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Dana J. Lorberg
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its Board

Dana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.

FBI robbery surveillance photo
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing Robbers

The suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.

Models wearing Black Sand Pebble ring and Surf bracelet
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into Diamonds

The new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute watch
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-Long

The Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.

Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gunderson’s Jewelers in Omaha, Nebraska
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Nebraska

The new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.

Sydney Evan x Wicked “Spell Book” coin charm
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’

Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq Delisting

The retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional Selling

Whether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.

Annie E. Doresca, Grant Mobley, Alexis Padis, Terry Chandler
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ Gala

The gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”

Instore show 2025
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago Area

The trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

Constance Polamalu
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.

Gem Awards New York City
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award

The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

Peggy Grosz
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is Sold

Grosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.

CD Peacock Love and Celebration Rings
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection

“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.

Hands pushing a shopping cart
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in October

A more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.

Mejuri store
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design Students

The funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Jewelers’ Security Alliance President Jennifer Mulvihill
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security Alliance

Jennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.

20241030_NYCJW.jpg
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry Week

This year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.

Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2M

The GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.

Pandora ambassadors Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, and Pamela Anderson
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and Love

The ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.

Monica Rich Kosann
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years

The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.

Jewelers for Children Rock the Costume Showdown graphic
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest Rocks

Participants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.

Katy Briscoe carved indicolite Persian cat ring
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style File

These 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.

Executives at the Bulgari Ritz Carlton ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a Yacht

Starboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.

Mourning Jewelry Pendant
CollectionsOct 25, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Haunting Piece of Mourning Jewelry

The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy