November’s birthstone, Topaz, is a fascinating gemstone that offers a world of possibilities for those who appreciate its diverse colours and characteristics. In this blog, we’ll explore the types of Topaz and why it’s an excellent choice for crafting unique pieces.
What is the Best Colour of Topaz?
While Topaz can be found in a kaleidoscope of colours, it predominantly occurs as colourless. In the market, though, there is an abundance of blue hues that we commonly associate with the stunning Topaz. But there are prized colours, such as the Imperial Topaz, that are highly desired and quite rare.
Let’s take a look at some of the exciting types of colours of Topaz:
- Blue Topaz: Blue Topaz comes in various shades, from pale sky blue to vibrant London blue and deep Swiss blue. Blue Topaz is extremely scarce in nature, so gemstone dealers in the 1970s embraced treatments to bring beautiful blues to the market. The colours are usually achieved through irradiation techniques and heat treatment.
- Imperial Topaz: Imperial Topaz is named for its association with Russian royalty and is highly valued for its reddish-orange to orange-red colour. The Imperial Topaz displays a rich body colour of yellow/orange with a royal red tone to the gemstone’s facets. This variety is considered one of the most precious forms of topaz.
- Red Topaz: Red topaz is also quite rare and is prized for its fiery red hue. It’s often confused with imperial topaz due to the similarity in their reddish tones, but it is, in fact, rarer. It accounts for less than 1% of gem-quality cut Topaz in the market.
- White Topaz: While technically colourless, white Topaz is an excellent alternative to more expensive gemstones like diamonds. It’s known for its antique applications and crystal-clear clarity.
- Yellow Topaz: Yellow Topaz is often considered the most traditional and classic colour of Topaz. It varies from a pale, sunny yellow to a rich golden hue, resembling the colour of the other beloved November birthstone, citrine.
- Pink Topaz: Pink Topaz ranges from soft, delicate pinks to intense, vibrant shades. It is typically an unusual and sought-after colour, often used in high-end jewellery pieces.
- Mystic Topaz: Mystic Topaz is a treated topaz that displays a stunning rainbow effect. The treatment involves a thin film bonded on the surface to create an iridescent effect.
Why Create Customised Jewellery with Topaz?
Working with Topaz is a journey that combines both creativity and technical expertise. Custom jewellers love working with topaz because it can be cut into various shapes, from classic rounds and ovals to unique, personalised cuts. This gemstone’s adaptability allows for highly customised designs that cater to the client’s vision.
How to Care for Topaz Jewellery?
As a custom jeweller, we often advise clients to care for their Topaz jewellery by:
- Avoiding Harsh Chemicals: Keep Topaz away from harsh chemicals, which can damage the gem’s brilliance. Clean Topaz jewellery with a soft cloth and mild soapy water to maintain its sparkle.
- Moderate Temperatures: Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, so it is suitable for daily wear, but abrupt changes in temperature can affect the gemstone. It is best to remove your Topaz jewellery before hot showers or doing the dishes.
- Safe Storage: Store Topaz jewellery in a separate pouch or box to prevent scratching and damage.
Craft Meaning with November's Birthstone
Topaz, with its rich colours and versatility, continues to shine brightly in the world of custom jewellery. It’s a gemstone that captures the essence of November, celebrating bespoke beauty and elegance that make each piece unique. If you are a November baby and like to create a Topaz piece, reach out to our team of gemologists and designers to get started.
