Pallasite is a fascinating material, composed of the mineral Ovaline suspended in an Iron-Nickel matrix this rare and delicate material is formed as a result of meteorites crashing into the earth in eons past!
This beautiful custom necklace made for a client from their provided sample of Pallasite is made from a frame of 18k gold, hung on a gold box chain.
There is enough going on, why not space aliens? But let me explain…
August is the month of heat, and last hurrah’s, lions, dried grass, earlier evenings, and the stone that sums it all up – peridot. I say “pear-ih-doh”, but some people say “pear-ih-dot”, and google translate agrees with them.
There are only 2 green birthstones. One is Emerald, which is famous, and has ties to other stones in its Beryl family, like Aquamarine. The other is peridot, sometimes called “the evening emerald” because it keeps its glowy green essence in low lighting, like an… alien? No, not yet. Stay with me.
Peridot gets its green from its iron content, which is unique in stones. It comes in many shades, but no other colour, and is linked to no other gems. It is a loner, a maverick, an outsider. The world used to get its peridot from the Red Sea, but now peridot is mined from Pakistan to Arizona. It is not made in a lab, as most other gems can be. The closest we’ve come is to make a quartz crystal in a similar tone. It is generally inexpensive in the gemstone world, so the idea that anyone would bother making it in a lab at all is… alien? Nope, that’s not it either.
Amongst those who collect gems for metaphysical properties, Peridot is known to balance heart and mind, give wisdom in relationships, and help with restful sleep. Peridot brings you love. peridot brings you peace. Just like the episode of the Simpsons from 1997, when Mr Burns went through a series of medical testing that left him glowing green, bestowing loveliness on everyone, and accidently convincing residents he was an alien. Almost there.
In museums all over the world, there are very impressive gems displayed loose or in elaborate jewellery pieces. The Smithsonian’s Hope Diamond has received 100 million visitors since 1958, and I know two of those people, one being me. They have many other specimens that are gorgeous, and priceless. I mentioned before that peridot is relatively inexpensive, but there is one population of peridots that is extremely rare, expensive and coveted – the alien peridots. That is correct. It is very rare, but gem quality peridot aliens have been known to travel to earth via meteorites such as the very large Brenham meteorite. They don’t usually end up in jewellery, they tend to stay in museums.
All of this means that peridot is the gorgeous green alien birthstone from space (sometimes) that brings us peace and love, which makes August an amazing month to celebrate to the end.
Have you spotted our small stash of gemstones and minerals available for custom pieces? Just ask! This lovely Smithsonite was recently spotted in our showcase and I created it into a lovely pendant by drilling into the gem and affixing a sterling silver finding into place.
We love unusual and unique gemstones and minerals and anything we don’t have for sale we love to track down!
One of the things summer makes me think about is weddings! With Covid-19 things have been very different, some people have put off planning, others have opted to have much smaller affairs than they might have otherwise chosen. One thing is for sure, though, love is never out of fashion!
A small selection of sample wedding bands made by members of the studio. Whether you want matchy-matchy, something plainer, or something wildly unique, the sky’s the limit, and we love designing bands to help you celebrate your commitment!
I think wedding bands are definitely a good place to consider investing a bit more money, as you’re going to wear them (fingers crossed!) for a long time. Whatever style you want, we either have something suitable already, or we can design something extra-special with you. All consultations and quotations for custom work are free of charge.
Hope you’re enjoying the fine summer Saturday, and we hope to see you soon at the Blue House.
–Robin
