choose a stone…

choose a setting…

choose a metal…

choose a finish…

…choose ring

21 Meeting House Lane
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1HB

01273 773 544

choose a stone…

choose a setting…

choose a metal…

choose a finish…

…choose ring

21 Meeting House Lane
Brighton East Sussex
BN1 1HB
1273 773 544

21 Meeting House Lane
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1HB

01273 773 544

Q. What is the birthstone for November? A. Topaz

What is Topaz? 

Topaz is a stunning gem that has been sought for thousands of years. The word topaz has been traced to the ancient Sanskrit word for “fire”, and the ancient Greeks believed this stone gave them strength. Red topaz, named Imperial topaz in honour of the Russian Czar, has been the rarest and most desired form of this stone for centuries.

While yellow topaz was common throughout history, the last fifty years have allowed vivid blue shades to come into popularity. Topaz is perfect for jewellery due to its hardness and range of beautiful colours. It’s durability and clarity make it ideal to showcase brilliant cuts and capture dazzling light. 

Where do we Find Topaz? 

Many locations in the world can be mined for topaz including Russia, Brazil, Pakistan, and the United States. While most of the world’s jewellery quality topaz comes from Brazil, its prevalence in Utah, prompted the state to make topaz its official gemstone. 

Topaz is found in ingenious rock, which is formed during the cooling of magma. It is seen in both crystalline forms and small pebbles depending on its location and exposure to the elements.Its official chemical composition is known to scientists as Al2SiO4(F,OH)2.


Why Should You Wear Topaz?

Topaz can be found in most jewellery stores today. It is a good alternative to softer stones like aquamarines and quartz varieties which are prone to scratching and damage with frequent wear. 

Topaz scores an impressive 8 on the Mohs scale. This scale measures the hardness of a gem from 1 to 10. The closer a number scores to 10, the more durable it will be over its lifetime. Diamond for example scores a 10, while pearls only achieve a 2.5. Because of this durability, topaz is ideal for rings, pendants, and earrings, which will be worn daily. 

The perfect topaz piece can be found in a variety of price points. Naturally coloured stones, especially those that are pink, purple, blue or Imperial red, will always be very expensive when shopping for topaz. However, this does not mean that a reasonably priced coloured stone is out of the question for anyone. 

Most of the topaz on the market today undergoes heat treatments to replicate those vibrant colours that are rarely found in nature. This ensures a wide range of colours are available to all customers at an affordable price. You can find the perfect topaz that will last for years to come today! 

Did you know?

  • The most valued colours of topaz are orange-red to red.
  • One topaz crystal can be cut into numerous small gems. 
  • Topaz is pleochroic, which means distinct crystal directions can display different colours.
  • Precious topaz, which is a warm golden hue, is one of the birthstones for the month of November.
  • Topaz is a birthstone for November.
  • Topaz symbolises loyalty, faithfulness, and friendship. It is believed that someone who wears topaz will encounter good health and good fortune. 
  • Topaz crystals are usually columnar when found, but jewellers cut these crystals into the common oval and pear shapes we see today.
  • Topaz is sold in an assortment of colours including: brown, blue, green, pink, purple, yellow, red, orange, and colourless.

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