Gems do not have nor understand the concept of parental love. It is a concept that Home World Gems know nothing about. The Crystal gems on the other hand only know a remote concept of parental love due to the maternal nature of Rose Quatz.Gems are made for specific task in a caste based society. Steven’s nature is a reflection of the nature of Rose and Greg; two characters whose natures are based upon love. This is why Peridot and other Home World Gems like Lapis are drawn to Steven since he exemplifies love. This is the very same reason why the Crystal Gems were drawn to Rose since her love allowed them to be more than what their caste and social structure dictated. Through love they were no longer tools for a cause, they became people.

Y'know, she's been scared of rain since she came to earth… This was probably a huge revelation to her. Something she's been scared of for months turned out to be harmless.
YET ANOTHER SOUL HAS BEEN CAPTIVATED BY THE PERFECT CINNAMON ROLL