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HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAYS FROM VARDY'S!
August's birthstone is the Peridot. Did you know peridot (from the Arabic word "faridat" which means "gem") is a member of the olivine mineral group—so named because of its unusual olive green color? Found in iron and magnesium rich volcanic rocks called basalts, peridots formed deep inside the earth and were forced to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Interestingly, peridot is not as light dependent as blue and red gemstones, meaning that it stays the same color in all lighting conditions—a rare occurrence in colored gems. Ancient Romans referred to peridot as the “evening emerald“ because its bright green color was still visible at night. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” and it has been theorized that Cleopatra's famous emerald collection was actually mostly comprised of peridots. In fact, throughout much of recorded history peridots have often been mistaken for emeralds.
Peridots are found in Myanmar (formerly Burma), the Himalayas in Pakistan, Vietnam, China and the United States (Arizona). The most renowned specimens--exhibiting a rich, grass green color unadulterated by either yellow or brown--typically come from Myanmar and Pakistan. When choosing peridots, it's important to know how factors such as color and clarity affect the price. With this in mind, each month our experts will offer helpful tips for choosing birthstone jewelry (see below).
FUN FACTS:
- Peridot has been found in pallasite meteorites which are most likely between 4-5 billion years old (dating back to the origins of our solar system). In 2005, peridot was found in comet dust brought back from the Stardust robotic space probe.
- Peridot exhibits extremely high double refraction, i.e., when you look closely through the gemstone, you will see two of each pavilion facet.
- Peridot is the traditional gift for a 15th wedding anniversary.
- The fabulous 200-ct. gemstones adorning the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral are peridots although they had been commonly assumed to be emeralds.
- Peridot is thought to increase prosperity, growth and openness as well as strengthen life.
YOUR SATISFACTION IS IMPORTANT TO US
We hope you find our regular emails informative and helpful as you look for unique and special jewelry to enhance your life. We are always interested in your feedback in order to provide you with Silicon Valley's best customer service experience along with content that is meaningful!
Stayed tuned for an exciting announcement in the next few weeks ...SOMETHING SPECIAL is coming in September is all I can say—hold the morning of September 8th for us and stop by the store this month to get on the list!
Warm regards,
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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A BRAND AMBASSADOR?
As a family-run business, we mean it when we say we put our entire family to work! Vardy's granddaughters, pictured above, have been serving as our models on social media since late last year but we'd LOVE to feature some of our real customers as informal brand ambassadors. What's in it for you? Why jewelry, of course! And the chance to sit for our professional photographer (with hair and make-up to get you camera-ready).
If you are interested, please let us know (fanya@vardys.com). We hope to see YOU adorned with Vardy's jewelry in a future Instagram or Facebook post!
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BUYER'S GUIDE: PERIDOT
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: COLOR AND CLARITY
COLOR
Peridot is an "idiochromatic" gemstone, meaning that its color comes from the basic chemical composition of the mineral itself (iron and magnesium) not from minor impurities thus peridot will only be found in shades of green. A richly saturated grass green is the most prized hue of peridot; however, this is usually only found in gems of 10-carats or larger. Smaller peridots are more of a yellowish-green or greenish-yellow color. Brown undertones are less desirable as they lower the peridot's value.
CLARITY
Inclusion-free peridots are practically nonexistent. As such, their value depends on how visible the inclusions are. The best peridots exhibit what is commonly referred to as “eye clean clarity“ where tiny black spots—minute crystals—are visible only under magnification. Other inclusions common in peridots are reflective, disk-shaped inclusions called “lily pads” (so named because they resemble lily pads found in nature).
CUT
Peridot may be cut in a wide variety of styles, including ovals, emerald cuts, and cushions.
CARAT WEIGHT
Peridot's colors tend to be at their finest (intense grass green) in gemstones weighing 10 carats and above. Below 10 carats, it is rare to find anything other than yellowish-green or greenish yellow specimens.
PERIDOT CARE
Since peridot is a relatively soft gemstone, be sure to handle it with care. Peridot should be cleaned once every 6 months.
If you'd like to do it at home, simply mix lukewarm water with a little mild soap, and use a soft bristle brush to clean the stone. After cleaning, dry with a soft cloth and then store it in a cotton box. Do not place chemicals, cosmetics, or sharp objects near your gemstone. Also, make sure that your peridot isn’t exposed to any sudden large temperature swings. Excessive heat can fade its color.
Source: GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
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BROWSE OUR AUGUST FAVORITES
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[AUGUST BIRTHDAY COUPON: $50]
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If you are celebrating a birthday this month, bring this coupon into the store to receive $50 off your purchase [$100 minimum purchase required]. Offer valid for in-store merchandise only.
Limit one per customer.
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| Expires 08/31/2018 |
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Vardy's Jewelers
10227 So DeAnza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
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CELEBRATIONS: WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS
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Congratulations to one of our recently engaged couples, Lorrine Babauta and Gary Patterson! Lorrine's stunning Hearts on Fire engagement ring perfectly suits her and their recent engagement photos make us so happy! Best wishes to the future Mr. and Mrs. Patterson from all of us at Vardy's Jewelers!
Got an engagement or wedding photo for Vardy's Wedding Wall and the Celebrations section of our client emails? Please send them our way! You and your beloved could be featured right here!
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@VARDYSJEWELERS ON INSTAGRAM
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Store Hours
Tuesday - Wednesday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday - Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Vardy’s Jewelers has been creating unique, handcrafted jewelry in Cupertino since 1981. Vardy’s is proud to offer distinctive pieces with timeless style. Old World European craftsmanship meets contemporary technology resulting in an extraordinary offering of custom and artistic designs of heirloom quality, designed and created on the premises. |
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