Knowledge
Seen in an array of colours, topaz is a versatile and sought after gemstone that has decorated jewellery for centuries.
Gemstones
Myths and Legends
It was believed by many, including the Roman natural historian, Pliny, that the gem was named for the island of Topazos, the ancient name for Zabargad Island in the Red Sea. This was in actual fact a source of peridot, once thought to be Topaz prior to modern mineralogy. Other scholars believe that the name comes from the ancient Sanskrit ‘topas’ or ‘tapaz’ meaning ‘fire’.
Topaz is mentioned in the Bible and other ancient texts, some dating back two thousand years. Over this expanse of time it has been reputed to possess magical qualities, including the power to dispel sadness, anger, nightmares, and also to render the wearer more attractive, intelligent, fertile and happy.
For centuries, many people have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty, and intelligence.
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Origins and characteristics
Topaz can be found on every continent except Antarctica, though historically most gem quality stones have been mined in Germany, Russia and Brazil.
The coveted Imperial topaz occurs only in the Ouro Preto region of Minas Gerais, Brazil and its discovery in 1768 was celebrated by the Portuguese royal family. A similar coloured topaz has also been found in the Urals Mountains of Russia.
Topaz can be found in very large crystals, with the largest being weighed in kilos, rather than carats.
The Many Colours of Topaz
Topaz has an exceptionally wide colour range that includes various tones and saturations of blue, brown, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. In the Georgian and Victorian eras, pink and yellow topaz were a particularly favoured choice for jewellery.
Colourless topaz is also abundant and is often treated to give it a blue colour - the most common colour of all, yet one which very rarely occurs naturally. Brown topaz is also common and can sometimes be mistaken for smokey quartz.
Imperial Topaz is the most sought after of all natural topaz. Its rich golden hue with reddish and orange overtones is generally not enhanced by any kind of treatment.
Topaz is also pleochroic, meaning that the gem can show different colours in different crystal directions.
A Famous Topaz Gem
The biggest faceted gem ever recorded is a topaz in the collection of the United States Smithsonian Institution. Named the ‘American Golden’ it is a light yellow stone that weighs an incredible 22,982 carats (4.60 kg or 10.14 lb.).
If you are seeking a beautiful topaz gem, look no further and visit our showroom in the heart of Hatton Garden. At Berganza our selection of antique and vintage topaz rings would make a wonderful addition to your collection. We are also lucky to have acquired an incredible Imperial topaz ring that epitomises the very finest colouration of this gemstone.
Antique topaz jewels from the 18th and 19th century - the golden age of this gem’s use in jewellery - can also be found in our collection in shades of pinks and golden orange.
Whether you are looking for a topaz necklace, brooch, or engagement ring, visit Berganza today.
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£25,000
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Citrine
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Zambian Emeralds
Aquamarines
Pearls
Typically, topaz is a relatively affordable gemstone, especially blue topaz which is the most prevalent. However some topaz is very valuable. Imperial topaz, with its desired golden hue is highly sought after and commands a much higher price.
Topaz is a hard gemstone, measuring an 8 on the Mohs scale. This makes both topaz engagement rings and other jewellery a very good choice for daily wear.
The best way to clean your topaz jewellery is either with a bowl of warm water and soft toothbrush, or if you are lucky to own a piece of early topaz jewellery in a closed back setting, a soft dry cloth would suffice as these pieces shouldn’t be submerged in water.
