Topaz Gemstone

_{Blue Topaz Claddagh Ring}

Topaz is a part of the silicate family of gemstones, and thus is a relatively more abundant variant in the world of gemstones. Topaz is not likely to be the first gemstone to come to mind when thinking of high-value gems. However, despite their greater abundance, topaz gemstones are known for a number of distinct qualities, qualities that ‘borrow’ from other more popular gemstones, but then combine into a unique blend. 

Topaz gemstones trace their origins to the Ural mountains of Russia, a location noted for its gem rich regions, such as its emerald sources, including the location of the world’s first alexandrite deposits. Topaz today is sourced from a number of different regions, given its wider availability, a number of top gemstones producing nations such as Ceylon, countries in South America, in addition to other less renowned gemstone producing nations in Central Europe.

Given their wider availability, there are a number of questions that arise when it comes to picking gemstone quality topaz. Which is a valid concern. Since one of the primary determinants of gem-quality is its rarity, in the topaz family this comes to the specific type or kind of topaz. Before we get there a quick overview of the mineral character of topaz is needed.

A Short History of Topaz Stones

The use of topaz gems goes back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations as far apart as the Greeks and Egyptians recognised them for their beauty and mystical value. The word topaz is derived from the Greek word for the island Topazios, now known as Zabargad Island in the Red Sea. The name resulted from the early confusion of the gem Peridot for topaz. In ancient cultures like Egypt, the yellow or orange topaz was believed to symbolize the power of their Sun God Ra. There was an uptick in the usage of topaz during the Renaissance centuries when this gemstone was associated with the ability to liberate wearers from omens. The wider adoption of topaz properly took off only in the 19^th century, with the adoption of the gold or imperial variant in the stone by the Russian Royal family. Which at the time was closely engaged in the sourcing of rare types of the gemstone.

Topaz Characteristics

Topaz, as noted is a silicate mineral, the birthstone of the month of November, that is found in a variety of colours: the most notable being pink, orange, yellow, light red, blue and even white, to even rarer shades like amber. Topaz is an allochromatic mineral, which means it receives its colour from the presence of external factors, like trace elements like chromium. In addition to silicate, topaz contains fluorine and aluminium Here is a list of its main characteristics:

Top Topaz Variants

Topaz in its natural form is a colourless gemstone, that features a common hardness level. With variants in this family differ with respect to their colour, clarity and carat. Given their relative abundance in relation to other gemstones topaz distinguish themselves via the varied colours in which they are found. With certain topaz hues being extremely rare, when paired with their high durability makes them an interesting gemstone option. Here a number of topaz variants have risen in popularity and some have attained greater recognition in terms of their distinct colour.

London Blue Topaz

Natural blue topaz is among the rarest varieties in this gemstone group. The orange and lighter yellow versions, with many variants of pink, tend to dominate the gems in this family. Blue variants are universally valued for their greater rarity. However, the greater supply of this gemstone meant that the market value for this blue topaz variant began to drop. In time this led to the search for rare blue topaz variants with distinct shades that were not only different from conventional topaz blue hues but those which are not common in the world of blue gemstones. Since blue is a dominant hue in the world gemstones, with sapphires leading the way, in addition to other blue gemstone types, like aquamarines.

Enter the London Blue Topaz. This gemstone showcases a rare blue hue, that also combines various shades of green into a single stone. London blue topaz can be considered a colour cross between a bright green emerald and blue topaz, that higher clarity levels when matched with a solid cut, stands out as a distinct gemstone that is almost unique in the industry. Understandably, this variant in the topaz family does not come easily or as cheap. London blue topaz is sourced only from a few topaz mining recognition, with Brazil leading the way.

Imperial Topaz

If what sets the London blue topaz apart is its distinct combination of green and blue hues, that is a rarer variant in the topaz family. When it comes to imperial topaz what we have is a gem that combines a number of distinct but related hues into a single gemstone. Enter the imperial topaz, which is also sometimes known as ‘precious topaz’ that features a rich array of hues: orange, gold, and a slight tinge of pink that together produce a novel hue. Known as the imperial topaz owing to its first adoption during the imperial time of Russia. And it was associated with its character, which when combined with the relative rarity of this type of topaz gemstone makes it a value proposition. Today the top imperial topaz gemstones are sourced from the Ouro Preto, in Brazil. Gemstones in this range feature slight colour variations that bring the hues of certain stones closer to those of peach sapphire, but with richer golden colours.

Key Strengths of Topaz Gemstones

There are a number of advantages when going for a topaz gemstone. In terms of colour, topaz comes in a variety of hues, with blue hues dominating, but topaz gemstones are also found in rare hues like green. In other words, if you are looking for a gemstone that features a wide variety of hues, with rich colours, with the added benefit of affordability then topaz is the choice for you. Added to it, these gems have the benefit of being high durability, with a score of 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness being just behind sapphires.

If you are in the mood for a high-quality gemstone, with distinct hues, then there is always the London blue topaz, and Imperial topaz gemstones to choose from. In addition, the topaz family has seen the entry of new colour variants which feature distinct hues. Notable here is the Swiss blue topaz that brings with it the light, but vibrant sky blue hue, and there is also the white topaz. The latter functions as an excellent side stone, that can work as a side or accent stone, which given its durability and in the case of coloured topaz stones, with its pleochroic character can produce a novel visual experience.

Topaz gemstones today hold a middle ground in the world of jewellery. In the fine jewellery market, the gemstone range is dominated by diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and amethysts. Each of these stones is known for a distinct hue; with topaz stones, you find a gem that features colours that range across the board. From green to blue, red to purple and white or colourless. Topaz are an affordable and versatile gemstone.

Topaz Rings

Historically topaz gemstones have been reserved for the world of jewellery gifts and their adoption in the fine jewellery market of wedding rings and engagement rings is less so. However with the rise in demand for coloured stones, and increasing interest in more exotic gemstone types that go beyond the more popular ones. Topaz gemstones particularly the rare colour variants: London Blue, Swiss Blue and Imperial yellow, gold pink types are making ground. These stones make excellent options for topaz rings, especially for those who would like to opt for a more premium gemstone option for their precious ring.

When it comes to fine jewellery like engagement rings, it is important to consider other factors that affect gemstone quality like the stone carat, cut, and clarity, in addition to the sourcing and origins. In the market today there is a growing number of artificial and treated topaz stones. In terms of market value and perception, these are fewer variants than the rest, and customers must ideally seek out the natural, untreated topaz stone with genuine colour.

When it comes to engagement rings, a key factor is the ring design and how it can complement the type and character of the stone. When picking a topaz stone, it is advisable to opt for a larger gemstone, which tends to be more affordable, is the way to go. In addition, one can also opt for a diamond centre stone in a solitaire engagement ring, with a topaz side stone, which can be of your favourite colour.