White Gold Pendant with Peridot

Considered one of the world’s oldest gems, peridot was discovered as early as 1500 B.C. Records indicate that the first stones were found on Topazo Island (now known as St. John’s) in the Egyptian Red Sea. According to legend, island inhabitants were forced to collect the stones for Pharaoh’s treasury. Supposedly, the islanders were forced to mine for the gem both day and night, and they were able to spot the green gemstone during nighttime purely because of the stone’s beautiful glow. Because of this, Ancient Egyptians referred to the stone as “the gem of the sun.” Today, peridot is the national gem of Egypt.