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Pearls, Peridot, Pietersite, Prehnite, Pyrite

Pearls

Pearls are products of bivalve mollusks (mainly oysters and mussels). They are built up of nacre, which is mainly calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite crystals.   It is a good idea to take off pearl jewellery first and put them on last when dressing, so that these precious gems are not sprayed with perfume or hairspray. If pearls are worn as bracelets or rings, they should be limited to occasional wear, to minimize scratches. Gently wipe them with a soft cloth after they are removed. This will preserve the lustre of your pearls, which can be dulled by perspiration. To clean your pearls, use a mild soap and mineral water or distilled water.
Pearls, river or sea  Black or white..  Several of our favourite designers use pearls to great effect in their silver and gold jewellery, including Paula Bolton and Sally Ratcliffe..

Peridot

 Also known as Olivine, peridot was brought to Europe by the Crusaders (not Candy Staton's band!) from St. John's Island (Zabargad) in the Red Sea where it has been mined for three and a half thousand years.  The finest quality peridot comes from Mogok in Burma, Pakistani peridot is now highly regarded as well. There are other very important deposits found in Arizona, China and Vietnam.   Peridot belongs to the forsterite-fayalite mineral series. It is an idiochromatic gem, meaning its color comes from the basic chemical composition of the mineral itself, rather than impurities.  Peridot has been discovered in fallen meteors, Mars and the moon in olivine form.

Pietersite

Discovered by Sid Pieters in 1962 while he was prospecting some farmland in Namibia, Africa.  Blue and brown varieties.  Pietersite is a breccia aggregate of hawk's eye and tiger's eye, with swirling colors of blue, rusty red, gold and brown.

Pyrite

Iron Pyrite, "fool's gold", most recognisable in druzy form and also commonly found striated in Lapis Lazuli.

Prehnite

Named after Colonel von Prehn, the Scottish variety of stone is green.  Other forms include a dark brownish variety in Australia and aggregate crystal forms in France.  Prehnite, a form of calcium aluminum silicate, has a vitreous mother-of-pearl luster. Affordably priced for its size, prehnite makes distinctive and interesting jewellery.