How Do You Clean Peridot Jewelry?
In Cleopatra’s day, the Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun” for its transparent green beauty. In shades ranging from a light yellow-green to a deeper olive green to brownish-green, peridots are affordable and plentiful in comparison with other gems, says the Gemological Institute of America. Ranking several notches below diamond on the hardness scale, peridot’s resistance to scratching and breaking is only fair to good, making the stone better suited to earrings, brooches and pendants, which don’t get knocked around as much as rings in everyday wear. Peridot’s sensitivity requires careful cleaning. Mix warm water with a squirt of mild soap, such as dishwashing liquid, in a small bowl. Place your jewelry into the bowl and let it soak in the solution for a minute or two. Use a soft brush, if necessary, to get your peridot jewelry completely clean. Brush with a light touch. Give your jewelry a thorough rinsing, then dry it with a soft cloth.
