Peridot - Adored Then and Still Popular Today

The Texas heat of summer has kicked in full force this week, so we were looking for something cool and refreshing to share with you.  Peridot is one of the less well known gemstones, but its lime green color is the perfect complement to any summer wardrobe.  It is the birthstone for August, and Peridot is also given to celebrate the 16^th year of marriage.  

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that only come in one color.   All Peridot is a rich, green color with a slight tinge of golden hues.  Peridot comes from the French word Peritot which means gold because it has minerals that can make it have a golden color.  The gold tones in Peridot are caused by very fine traces of iron.  The intensity of the color of Peridot is dependent on how much iron is actually present in this gemstone, the deeper the green, the smaller the amount of iron present.  Peridot color can vary from shades of yellowish green and olive to even brownish green, but the lime green coloration is by far favorited by most.  Peridot is a relatively soft stone, with a rating of 6.5 to 7 on the hardness scale, but it is easy to care for and definitely a wearable gemstone. 

 

In old times, Peridot was known as Chrysolite, but that term was used because we did not have the ability to accurately identify stones like we do today.  The term “Chrysolite” was also used for some topaz until we were better able to differentiate the stones.   Peridot’s brilliant green glow under artificial light has caused many people to refer to this gemstone as the “Evening Emerald.”  Quality Peridots of two to three carats are expensive, and a fine quality Peridot of eight carats or more is extremely rare.   Larger pieces of Peridot are sought after by collectors and museums. 

Peridot was first discovered on an Egyptian island.  Ancient Egyptians adored this gemstone and called it “the gem of the sun.” Some historians believe that the Pharaoh’s treasured this vivid green gemstone so much that they enslaved the people living on the island and forced them to mine these stones. Today, peridot is recognized as the national gem of Egypt.

Everything changed in the 1990’s when a large deposit of some of the finest peridot ever found was discovered in a pass at 4000 meters in Pakistan.  Due to the extreme location of this deposit, it could only be mined in the summer months.  Even with the complexity of mining this stone in Pakistan, it was worthwhile because the pass contained some of the finest peridot ever seen and the demand for the beautiful gemstone grew.  Peridot from this region is now referred to as “Kashmire Peridot” to distinguish it from lessor stones.

The most fascinatingly beautiful peridot comes from Pakistan and along its border with Afghanistan.   However, this brilliant green stone can also be found in Myahmar, China, the United States, Africa, and Australia.  Peridot was beloved by many during ancient times and is still sought after in our modern world.   Its properties and beautiful cool shades of lime green make it ideal for fashion jewelry of today.

Rhodium Plating

Have you ever heard of the term "rhodium plating" and wondered if it was right for you?  Here are few FAQ about rhodium plating.

What is Rhodium Plating?

•        Rhodium is a rare, silver-white hard metal in the platinum family. Plating with rhodium is a process that coats a fine layer of rhodium over white gold jewelry. This will increase the shine and luster of your piece.

How often do I need to have my jewelry rhodium plated?

•   This all depends on how your wear your jewelry. If you are a person who leaves your jewelry  on for every activity that you do, we normally suggest rhodium plating twice a year. If you are a person who removes your jewelry when you get home each day we recommend rhodium plating every one to two years.

Does the rhodium plating get on my diamonds?

• No it does not. The process requires a current to run through the metal which binds the elements causing the plating to take affect. Diamonds and gemstones do not conduct electricity, they will be safe from the plating.

Does the rhodium plating wear off?

• While rhodium plating increases the shine and lust of your piece of jewelry, it still just a plating that does wear off after time.

Spring is finally here!

Spring is in the air and JH Faske Jewelers is springing forward. We have new merchandise with the perfect POP of color. If you are looking for that one of a kind piece or that key addition to pulling together any outfit, come on by.

We have added the beautiful Michou collection. Each piece is hand crafted and we have many pieces that are ONE OF A KIND. Michou is the "Art to Wear" jewelry and is perfect for every occasion.

A Time to Give - Adam's Angels Ministry

In March, thanks to our customers, we were able to donate $1440.00 to Adam's Angels Ministry

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During the month of March, we will be donating ALL watch battery sales to Adam's Angels Ministry.

Cancer is never a word you want to hear. In 2004, Donna and Tim Culliver founded Adam's Angels Ministry after losing their four-year-old son, Adam, to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.  When Adam's Angels learn the needs of the child and family, their ANGELS jump into action. They provide Prayer, care and comfort through physical, emotional, financial and spiritual support. No child or family should have to go through the burden of battling cancer alone.  

Angels is not just a word but their mission.

                                                       A - Awareness in the community

                                                       N - Needs of the stricken families

                                                       G - Giving from the heart

                                                       E - Encouragement for others to help

                                                       L - Love for the children

                                                       S - Serving with faith and hope

All you need is Love

Love is in the air! In case you forgot, Valentine's Day is just around the corner and what more would a woman want than something to make her feel beautiful.

Close to the Heart

       We have a beautiful Gabriel Sterling Silver

    Heart Pendant with White Sapphires just for her.

Colors of Love

    


         Shower her with the color of love with this
      beautiful Pear Shaped Rhodolite Garnet Necklace.

Bound Together

         Nothing is stronger than the bond with

      your special someone. Give her this Lady's

      14 Karat White Gold Two Stone Fashion Ring

         to show her the bond will never break.

Timeless

     

         Love is timeless and what better gift to give

           than a pair of Beautiful Diamond Studs.

A Time To Give - Faith Mission

In January, thanks to our customers, we were able to donate $1328.00 to Faith Mission.

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Faith Mission is a Christian based non-profit organization created to assist to the homeless and working poor in Washington County. Faith Mission supports individuals in crisis, as well as helping individuals achieve educational, vocational, and employment/career opportunities. Their goal is to see their clients reach their highest potential, and achieve self-sufficiency.

Faith Mission's services and programs include: Homeless Shelter, Family & Individual Counseling, Food, Clothing, Furniture, Medical Care, Medicine, Vocational Training, Financial Assistance, Education, and Employment Opportunities.

Faith Mission also provides a Summer SMART Program for the children. The children learn how to do basic chores, clean up after themselves, and learn table etiquette and manners. Leaders will encourage the children to become people of excellent character, stay in school, and also give back to their community.

Here I Am Orphan Ministries

In December, thanks to our customers, we were able to donate $1,750 to Here I Am Orphan Ministries

Here I Am Orphan Ministries is a Christian, nonprofit ministry dedicated to reaching orphaned children domestically and abroad. To serve the children who will never know an earthly father or their Heavenly Father without the loving dedication of a Christian Orphan Ministry.

HIOAM cares for orphans through prayer, missions, education, advocacy and adoption awareness. They are able to meet these needs by sending teams on annual mission trips that partner with other churches in that country, providing medical care and surgery for children in need, and sending practical supplies necessary for daily living.