Celebrity Life

There's an entire world of rare, valuable gemstones outside the big four of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

In celebration of August's gorgeous green birthstone, the gem of the sun, Peridot.

If there ever was an underdog of gemstones, peridot -- pronounced pear-a-dot (or doe if you want to sound French) -- would be it. Overshadowed by more famous gemstones in recent years, the August birthstone has a remarkable history and formation process. Typically coloured lemony-green, its value depends on its intensity and size. The peridot boasts a rich history that harks back to ancient Egypt, and was once highly celebrated for its many mystical virtues.

Peridot Background

As Egypt's national gem, the peridot is steeped in the country's legends. It's said that Pharaoh Tutankhamen wore a pendant of the gemstone while many historians believe that Cleopatra's emeralds were actually peridots. The peridot is also prominent in Christianity and is repeatedly mentioned as "chrysolite" in the Bible; scholars theorise that Aaron, brother of Moses, wore a peridot on his breastplate. Also, it's been confirmed that it's actually 200-ct peridots, and not emeralds, which decorate the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral.

The peridot is also well-known for its healing properties. People consumed medicine from peridot goblets, believing that doing so would boost its potency. It's also seen as the feel-good crystal with extraordinary powers. Many see it as an antidepressant that shields its wearers from negative energy and acts as a tonic for heartaches; others see it as a "study stone" that blesses its wearers with mental focus. Popularly, it's believed to give its wearers the strength and vision to achieve one's deepest desires.

Precious Peridots

The peridot is one of only two gems — the other being the diamond — that's not created in the earth crust. Most are formed deep in the earth's mantle and brought to its surface through earthquakes and tectonic activity. Dubbed the "gem of the sun", peridots have an extraterrestrial edge: Some of the oldest of its kind have been found in palasite meteorites, derived billions of years ago during the formation of the solar system.

The August birthstone is also one of the few gemstones that only exists in a single colour. What gives it its rich green colour is fine traces of iron. The more iron exists in the stone, the deeper the shade and the higher the value of a peridot. Peridot is typically sold in three to 5ct while those between 10 to 15ct are rare. The largest peridot in the world currently weighs at 310ct and sits at the Smithsonian museum.

Check the gallery below for our favourite four pieces of jewellery featuring the August birthstone, which don't just make big and bold accents for your jewellery collection, but act as fantastic conversation starters.

[gallery ids="209278,209276,209277,209279"]

This story first appeared on Prestige Online Singapore

The post Celebrating the Birthstone for August: Peridot appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Coravin, the wine lover's dream device that lets you pour wine without uncorking, is back with brand new models.

As fans of the smart wine preservation system, we have observed Coravin for some time and seen the brand expand with new technology every year. Now, they have extended their product lineup with the launch of new systems -- Models Three and Six. What's more, all new and existing models have been equipped with SmartClamps™, which, prior to the launch, was only available on Model Eleven. The new easy-on and easy-off clamps are designed to go over the neck of the bottle and push down firmly on the handle in one fluid motion, making the system even easier to use.

Coravin's wine access technology is all down to the hollow needle that is inserted through the cork, before the system pressurises the bottle with Argon (an inert, colourless and odourless) gas, to pour the wine out. Once poured, and the Coravin is taken off the bottle, the cork reseals naturally -- allowing wine to stay fresh for months on end, and years if needed.

The new systems also comes with a Coravin Screw Cap which allows users to enjoy new world wine (with screw caps) the same way as old world wine (cork) bottles, preserving them for up to three months.

So, with four Coravin Models in total, Model Three, Five, Six and Eleven, which model is the right one for you? Well, let's find out shall we.

Coravin Model Three

Details: Model Three is an upgraded version of Coravin's Model One and features a clean and simple, user-friendly and functional design in matte texture.
Perfect for: the everyday wine drinker.
Price: HK$2,080

Coravin Model Five

Details: Model Five is not available for retail as it has been made specifically for trade. The design is simply elegant but durable.
Perfect for: those in the industry who favour classic design with metallic accents.
Price: email for trade price

Coravin Model Six

Details: Model Six is the upgraded version of the popular Model Two Elite edition, it also features vibrant colours with chrome accents.
Perfect for: luxury style and fashion lovers.
Price: HK$3,580

Coravin Model Eleven

Details: Model Eleven is the smartest device of the Coravin family. It is the first bluetooth connected and fully automatic system. It comes with LED display, glass pour optimisation, and connection to the Coravin Moments app, which tracks system statistics and advises on wine pairings with food, music and more.
Perfect for: technology and gadget enthusiasts who love a varied wine experience.
Price: HK$6,880

The post Lotus Gemology’s Billie Hughes on Family, Rare Finds and a Career in Gems appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

10 Most Expensive Gemstones Welcome amateur geologists and Minecraft enthusiasts, today, we’ll be taking a look at ten of the rarest gems and jewels found [...]

The post 10 Most Expensive Gemstones appeared first on Most Expensive Thing.

Main supplier of pink diamonds to close in 2020, spelling rise in prices for the investment-worthy gem.

The post Rare pink diamonds to get even more scarce, with Argyle supply drying up appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Main supplier of pink diamonds to close in 2020, spelling rise in prices for the investment-worthy gem.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

Lapis lazuli sits alongside diamonds on Cartier's new "Magnitude" collection.

The post High jewellery has embraced semi-precious stones appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Lapis lazuli sits alongside diamonds on Cartier's new "Magnitude" collection.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

Attain nirvana with a leather yoga mat embedded with gemstones.

The post Object of Desire: Chakracarma Yoga Mat appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Attain nirvana with a leather yoga mat embedded with gemstones.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.