Topaz Buying Guide – November Birthstone
With the holiday season fast approaching, at Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers we want to share with you one of our favorite gemstones. Topaz jewelry known for its versatility in wear, strength and broad range of colors, is why we love the gem so much! Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers has created a Topaz Buying Guide to explain what to look for.
Topaz Buying Guide
Experts believe the name, topaz, originates from the ancient Greek island in the Red Sea called Zabargad (originally called Topazios). Interestingly enough, gemologist have never found topaz on the island! Ancient societies believed the gem could give them strength, dispel anger and break magic spells (GIA)! Like most of the gemstones and diamonds, the value of the topaz varies based on the 4-Cs.
4-C’s
COLOR: Topaz is actually an allochromatic mineral, which means it is normally clear. However impurities from elements or defects in crystal structure will cause the topaz to take a different color. Topaz can also show different colors in different crystal directions, which is called pleochroic (GIA).
“Red (or imperial) topaz tends to be the most sought-after color and represents less than 0.5% of all facet grade material found” (GIA). Originally found in the Ural Mountains in Russia where the largest source of topaz is found, the imperial topaz was named to honor the Russian czar in the 19th century. Naturally colored topaz can be much more precious and can exist in a broad range of colors!
CLARITY: Topaz used in jewelry are typically free of visible flaws or inclusions. Elemental impurities and defects in the crystal structure can allow the topaz to take on a natural color.
CUT: Naturally occurring topaz crystals grow in an elongated shape, so by default, many designer jewelry cuts are in an oval or pear cut. However, stone cutters will maximize the color using an emerald cut if the natural color of the rough stone is strong enough!
CARAT: Gemologist will occasional measure topaz in carats. However, miners have discovered topaz crystals so large that it is more effective to measure them by the gram or even kilograms! In fact, in Minas Gerais, Brazil, miners discovered a 271-kilogram transparent topaz! While gems are relatively inexpensive in smaller sizes, they can fetch higher prices when above 10x8mm. Imperial topaz’s price will rise more dramatically as carat weight increases compared to other topazes.
Buying Occasions
In fact, People gift topaz in November and December because that is one of the birthstones of those months. Jewelers suggest gifting imperial topaz (a red, orange color) for November birthdays and 23rd wedding anniversaries. We believe topaz jewelry is a great gift for those celebrating a birthday in December or a fourth wedding anniversary.
Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers
Stop by either Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers location to browse our beautiful collection of topaz jewelry. Whether you are looking for jewelry to wear for a casual or elegant occasion, we are sure to have something unique and special for you! Feel free to print out our topaz buying guide!
