Gemstone Chain Earrings

Glittering, light green peridot--often called the evening emerald--is a gemstone often associated with spirituality and self expression. The word "peridot" can be pronounced "PAIR-uh-doe" or "PAIR-uh-dot." Both pronunciations are found in the dictionary; peridot's original word of origin is from the French peritôt, meaning uncertain because of the numerous cracks and internal fractures found in peridot beads. Chrysolite (an older German word) was once used to describe peridot before it became known as the gemstone it is today.  Labradorite was first discovered in Labrador, a Canadian province, and named for the location. The Inuits believed it was a "fire stone" and used its powdered form for medicinal purposes. Legend has it, one warrior released the Northern Lights from within the rocks by striking them with his spear. The Moravian missionaries of the late 1700s first described the stone to Europeans, boosting its popularity. Not just exclusive to Canada, labradorite can be found in places like Mexico, Russia and Finland. Highly sought-after for jewelry, it's also used in glass production, road construction and ceramic making.