Jewelry Brand Uniform Object is Making Peridot, August’s Birthstone, Cool Again

At the Couture Show this year, I was delighted to talk to jewelry designer David Farrugia, founder of new fine jewelry brand Uniform Object. Seeing the collection online, I’d been an admirer of its anti-dainty aesthetics, defined by big, gorgeous, curving planes of high-gloss gold.

While poring over the brand’s latest pieces in real life, I was charmed by Farrugia’s generous and creative use of peridot—August’s vivid green birthstone. It’s not a gem you often see showcased in fine fashion jewelry collections. But it’s seriously chic in the Uniform Object styles, which include peridot earrings, necklaces, and a showstopping ring featuring a pair of elongated pear-shaped peridots.

“I love peridot because of its incredible color,” Farrugia tells The Zing Report. “And it’s relatively abundant, which allows me to find high-quality stones in a variety of shapes. Although I often recut my stones to the exact shape I like—lately, this super-extended pear shape—I can still find peridot gems that are close to the shape I want, so it’s less wasteful.”

The designer seeks out “bright lime-green” peridot so electric-hued it’s nearly neon, which adds pop to his jewelry designs, but also gently announces that these pieces aren’t for everyone (and the prices are high—Uniform Object’s signature Cuff rings range from $4,000-$7,000).

When asked why he thinks peridot isn’t as popular as other colored gems such as amethyst, opal, and citrine, Farrugia says, “I think it sometimes has a bad reputation because of the quality of jewelry that it’s normally set in.” But, he adds, “Peridot is definitely under-loved.”

All photos courtesy of Uniform Object

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