Stones

Peridot

A silicate of magnesium and iron, peridot is a gem variety of forsterite. It has a distinctive green color with a yellow undertone. Shades range from green with a hint of yellow to olive green. The Maison selects a bright, even green. Peridot may contain inclusions called chromites, which take the form of small black dots. Expert gemologists are careful to select specimens that are flawless to the naked eye. The Maison places great emphasis on the quality of the cut. It must be precise and symmetrical to guarantee optimal light reflection.

Gemmology work, pairing.

Gemmology work, pairing

Gemmology work, pairing.
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Gemmology work, pairing

Jewelry work, assembling.
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Jewelry work, assembling

Final polishing work.
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Final polishing work

Peridot creations are mentioned in Van Cleef & Arpels archives from the 1910s onwards. A Bouquet clip from 1953 combined this gem with garnets, topazes, tourmalines and diamonds to form a shimmering composition. Other pieces inspired by nature appeared in the following decade. These combined peridots and diamonds on a yellow gold setting.

Bouquet clip, 1953. Yellow gold, garnets, peridots, topazes, tourmalines, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Bouquet clip, 1953

Yellow gold, garnets, peridots, topazes, tourmalines, diamonds

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Bracelet, 1965. Yellow gold, white gold, peridots, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Bracelet, 1965

Yellow gold, white gold, peridots, diamonds

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Earrings, 1967 Detachable pendants. Yellow gold, white gold, peridots, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Earrings, 1967

Detachable pendants

Yellow gold, white gold, peridots, diamonds

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Today, peridot is a stone that traditionally adorns High Jewelry creations, such as the Arbre aux songes ring illuminated by a 75.44-carat cushion-cut peridot. In the Antelopes clip (L'Arche de Noé racontée par Van Cleef & Arpels collection, 2016), the pair of animals gallops above a 21.59-carat oval stone. In 2025, peridot is one of the five gemstone varieties in the Fleurs d'Hawaï collection.

Antilopes clip. 18K white gold, 18K yellow gold, one oval-cut peridot of 21.59 carats, yellow sapphires, spessartite garnets, tsavorite garnets, black spinels, diamonds. L'Arche de Noé racontée par Van Cleef & Arpels collection, 2016
Arbre aux Songes ring. Platinum, round diamonds, one cushion-cut peridot of 75.44 cts.

Peridot can be sensitive to acidity and shock. The Maison recommends that you remove your creation before any sporting activity, and store it in a fabric-lined case away from other jewelry. It's also best to avoid contact with perfumes, lotions and hand sanitizers. You can clean your peridot with lukewarm water and mild soap, then dry it with a soft cloth.

Materials
Stones

Citrine