Topaz is a birthstone for November, Star sign of Sagittarius, and is used for all kinds of celebrations for the anniversary of four years.
Give jewellery with gemstones of birthstone provides luck and good protection for the user. Birthstones symbolize the birth month of the Gregorian calendar.
If you're not an expert, buying Topaz Jewellery can be a very daunting task. To help you out, I have put together this little guide, which will hopefully help you make the right choice for your needs. When buying your Topaz or Topaz Jewellery you should first consider the combination of the Topaz's type, size, brilliance, colour and pattern. As with any gems, there are trade-offs that have to be made, and once you choose the type and quality of Topaz, it usually comes down to simply choosing a colour of Topaz that you find attractive and that meets your budget.
Topaz History, Legend and Lore
Topaz is a gem in itself that is romantic, and is often characterized in the titles of romance and honeymoon destinations. Topaz is also believed to make you invisible in times of danger, to relieve asthma and improve vision.
Topaz should only be used if you want to be clear: the legend also says that dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well! The ancient Greeks believed that they had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in dangerous times. Topaz is also said to change colour in the presence of contaminated food or drink. The mystical powers of healing fluctuated with the phases of the moon is said to cure insomnia, asthma and hemorrhages.
Perhaps the most famous topaz is a giant specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, the Braganza, which was first thought to be a diamond. There is also a beautiful topaz set in the Green Vault in Dresden, one of the world's important gem collections.
What is Topaz?
Technical material ......, Topaz is a silicate of aluminum and fluorine with the chemical formula Al2SiO4 (F, OH) 2 topaz crystallizes orthorhombic prismatic systems and with crystals that are mostly pyramidal and other faces.
Topaz is a common gemstone that has been used for centuries in jewellery. Its golden brown to yellow colour is classic but is confused with the less valuable citrine, which is sold under the name topaz. The blue topaz that is often confused with aquamarine is rarely natural and is produced by irradiating and then heating clear crystals.
The structure of Topaz is a string associated with an irregular octahedron structure. This structure is that when aluminum is surrounded by four oxygen atoms. Above and below the aluminum hydroxide or fluoride ions. Calculation chains held together by special silicate tetrahedron, octahedron, but the chains that give the crystalline form of topaz. Topaz is the hardest mineral silicate and one of the hardest minerals in nature. However, it is the perfect division that is perpendicular to the chain and is caused by planes that break the weaker Al-S, Al-OH and Al-F bonds. The more Si-O bonds can not cross these planes.
Topaz crystals can reach an incredible size of several hundred pounds. Topaz examples in mineral deposits can be very attractive due to its high brightness, with beautiful colours, well formed crystals, and versatile.
Topaz Colour
* Blue Topaz is a shade of light/medium blue due to radiation. Natural blue topaz is rare. Usually, a colourless substance, light gray or yellow and blue, heat treated and irradiated to produce the "Sky" Blue Topaz and often a darker blue, which is the most desirable (and sometimes more expensive) , sometimes called London "Blue Topaz" or "Swiss Blue Topaz," according to the depth of colour. In early 1998 a new type of topaz made its appearance on the surface to improve the topaz, with colours described as blue to blue-green or emerald green. Blue Topaz is a gem of Texas.
*Pure topaz is colourless and transparent but is usually tinted by impurities; typical topaz is wine, yellow, pale gray or reddish-orange, blue brown. It can also be made white, pale green, blue, gold, pink (rare), reddish-yellow or opaque to transparent/translucent. Orange topaz known as precious topaz, the symbol of friendship, and the state gemstone for the US State of Utah.
* Yellow and pink topaz (Topaz) is usually pink, yellow (as the name suggests), or orange-brown, and is very rare and expensive if you are naturally. Imperial Topaz from Brazil can often have bright golden yellow colour, sometimes purple. Topaz many or brown, to be treated with a bright yellow, gold, pink or purple. Some topaz stones may fade when exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period.
* Mystic Topaz has a transparent coating that has been artificially given to show the rainbow effect you want.
Topaz bright and clear
Topaz luster is usually classified as being adamantine to vitreous, with the clarity being transparent to translucent.
Where does Topaz come from?
Some clear topaz crystals from Brazilian pegmatites can reach the massive size and weigh several hundred pounds. Crystals of this size can be seen in museum collections. Topaz Aurangzeb, observed by Jean Baptiste Tavernier measured 157.75 carats.
In general: - brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink topaz is located from Brazil and Sri Lanka. While Pink topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia.
Shapes of Topaz
Cutting and polishing gems of Topaz, as with all other precious stones is an art and a good cutter can significantly increase the value of a topaz. Topaz can be divided into a wide range of popular multi-faceted forms, such as round brilliant, oval, checkerboard, cushion, square princess, emerald, oval, triangular facets, pear, among others. Whatever the form chosen, a stone of quality will always be a good relationship between the width and height, allowing the maximum amount of light scattered in the stone, and provide shine and sparkle.
Topaz Size
Topaz gemstones are to be found in all popular sizes and can be indeed purchased in very large sizes. Usually when all other factors are held constant, the larger the Topaz the more valuable it is. As with other gems such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires, Topaz stones are weighed in carats.
All types of Topaz are often calibrated to the sizes of specific format, so the stones can easily adapt to the type of jewellery molds already available. The most popular calibrations are in millimeters (mm) measurements.
Topaz Settings
Regarding nature "hard" topaz, this gem can be set in any style: bevel, claws, tension bars, channel, just to name a few. Surrounds can be very simple or very ornate, and Topaz can be traditionally set on their own, or with diamonds, or a combination of precious and semiprecious stones. They are very popular for large jewellery selections, and sometimes for spectacular jewels, like the rings 'right hand finger', or "cocktail" rings, with many Victorian and Edwardian-inspired designs.
Counterfeiting and Topaz Simulate
A very large determiner of the value of a topaz is whether and how it has been treated. There is increasing debate and controversy. Topaz with certain treatments have even been banned by governments for being unsafe. It is important to understand topaz treatments, as well as possible imitations before buying one
Topaz is a gem that is very hard (Mohs scale 8), but may be split in one sharp blow. Characterized and shared commonly with a diamond. As a result, it should be protected from hard knocks, but it is still an excellent selection of jewellery for everyday use.
Treatments
Topaz gems seem to come with the widest range of treatments to affect the colour of the gem. Treatments listed here are considered acceptable by industry.
* Heating: Topaz is heat treated to improve colour for decades, even centuries. For example, almost all pink topaz is created by heating yellow topaz.
* Radiation: Decades ago, a technique introduced by irradiation of colourless topaz to produce attractive blue topaz tones. Almost all blue topaz on the market today have been dealt in this direction. "sky" Blue, "London" and "Swiss" blue are usually created by using this treatment. In Europe, this treatment is controversial, and possibly on its way to being banned because of the potential residual radioactive jewellery left.
* Distribution: In recent decades, another way to improve the colour of topaz has been developed. colourless topaz gems are coated with a special chemical and heated quickly. Only the top layer of the gem is coloured and the center is still colourless (visible only if it is cut in half). This treatment is quite robust.
* Coating: Some stones of topaz is treated with a very thin film of mineral or metallic materials and then placed in a vacuum. This process creates a wide range of iridescent topaz colours and very eye-catching. They are called "Mystic Topaz" with the invention of new valid words and phrases every week.
Synthetic Topaz
Synthetic topaz is not very prevalent on the market because natural topaz is so available. In fact, synthetic topaz can be found at the same price if not more expensive than natural topaz. Most jewelers will specify whether it is synthetic.
Imitation Topaz
Topaz is imitated by citrine quartz and glass. It differs from them by a scratch test because Topaz is harder than these two materials. If you rub a piece of quartz topaz, quartz will scratch, but topaz will not.
How to Take care of your Topaz.
To clean topaz and topaz jewellery, it is best to gently rub with a cloth or a piece of silk. I recommend a solution of warm soapy water and a soft brush when used for "deep" cleaning, as with most other jewellery. Ultrasonic cleaners available today are also suitable, but use with caution due to the fact that many of the topaz stones were treated chemically or by irradiation, and its original colour can "disappear" over time if it is used in excess.
My last words ...
I strongly suggest you buy your Topaz Jewellery carefully. Expect to pay more for larger size gems and remember; at the end of the day, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder'". So choose the stones you want, not what you are led to believe you want! Whichever colour, size or shape of Topaz you choose, be sure to wear it and ENJOY IT!
Thank you for reading my article - I hope that helps somehow.
Give jewellery with gemstones of birthstone provides luck and good protection for the user. Birthstones symbolize the birth month of the Gregorian calendar.
If you're not an expert, buying Topaz Jewellery can be a very daunting task. To help you out, I have put together this little guide, which will hopefully help you make the right choice for your needs. When buying your Topaz or Topaz Jewellery you should first consider the combination of the Topaz's type, size, brilliance, colour and pattern. As with any gems, there are trade-offs that have to be made, and once you choose the type and quality of Topaz, it usually comes down to simply choosing a colour of Topaz that you find attractive and that meets your budget.
Topaz History, Legend and Lore
Topaz is a gem in itself that is romantic, and is often characterized in the titles of romance and honeymoon destinations. Topaz is also believed to make you invisible in times of danger, to relieve asthma and improve vision.
Topaz should only be used if you want to be clear: the legend also says that dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well! The ancient Greeks believed that they had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in dangerous times. Topaz is also said to change colour in the presence of contaminated food or drink. The mystical powers of healing fluctuated with the phases of the moon is said to cure insomnia, asthma and hemorrhages.
Perhaps the most famous topaz is a giant specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, the Braganza, which was first thought to be a diamond. There is also a beautiful topaz set in the Green Vault in Dresden, one of the world's important gem collections.
What is Topaz?
Technical material ......, Topaz is a silicate of aluminum and fluorine with the chemical formula Al2SiO4 (F, OH) 2 topaz crystallizes orthorhombic prismatic systems and with crystals that are mostly pyramidal and other faces.
Topaz is a common gemstone that has been used for centuries in jewellery. Its golden brown to yellow colour is classic but is confused with the less valuable citrine, which is sold under the name topaz. The blue topaz that is often confused with aquamarine is rarely natural and is produced by irradiating and then heating clear crystals.
The structure of Topaz is a string associated with an irregular octahedron structure. This structure is that when aluminum is surrounded by four oxygen atoms. Above and below the aluminum hydroxide or fluoride ions. Calculation chains held together by special silicate tetrahedron, octahedron, but the chains that give the crystalline form of topaz. Topaz is the hardest mineral silicate and one of the hardest minerals in nature. However, it is the perfect division that is perpendicular to the chain and is caused by planes that break the weaker Al-S, Al-OH and Al-F bonds. The more Si-O bonds can not cross these planes.
Topaz crystals can reach an incredible size of several hundred pounds. Topaz examples in mineral deposits can be very attractive due to its high brightness, with beautiful colours, well formed crystals, and versatile.
Topaz Colour
* Blue Topaz is a shade of light/medium blue due to radiation. Natural blue topaz is rare. Usually, a colourless substance, light gray or yellow and blue, heat treated and irradiated to produce the "Sky" Blue Topaz and often a darker blue, which is the most desirable (and sometimes more expensive) , sometimes called London "Blue Topaz" or "Swiss Blue Topaz," according to the depth of colour. In early 1998 a new type of topaz made its appearance on the surface to improve the topaz, with colours described as blue to blue-green or emerald green. Blue Topaz is a gem of Texas.
*Pure topaz is colourless and transparent but is usually tinted by impurities; typical topaz is wine, yellow, pale gray or reddish-orange, blue brown. It can also be made white, pale green, blue, gold, pink (rare), reddish-yellow or opaque to transparent/translucent. Orange topaz known as precious topaz, the symbol of friendship, and the state gemstone for the US State of Utah.
* Yellow and pink topaz (Topaz) is usually pink, yellow (as the name suggests), or orange-brown, and is very rare and expensive if you are naturally. Imperial Topaz from Brazil can often have bright golden yellow colour, sometimes purple. Topaz many or brown, to be treated with a bright yellow, gold, pink or purple. Some topaz stones may fade when exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period.
* Mystic Topaz has a transparent coating that has been artificially given to show the rainbow effect you want.
Topaz bright and clear
Topaz luster is usually classified as being adamantine to vitreous, with the clarity being transparent to translucent.
Where does Topaz come from?
Some clear topaz crystals from Brazilian pegmatites can reach the massive size and weigh several hundred pounds. Crystals of this size can be seen in museum collections. Topaz Aurangzeb, observed by Jean Baptiste Tavernier measured 157.75 carats.
In general: - brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink topaz is located from Brazil and Sri Lanka. While Pink topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia.
Shapes of Topaz
Cutting and polishing gems of Topaz, as with all other precious stones is an art and a good cutter can significantly increase the value of a topaz. Topaz can be divided into a wide range of popular multi-faceted forms, such as round brilliant, oval, checkerboard, cushion, square princess, emerald, oval, triangular facets, pear, among others. Whatever the form chosen, a stone of quality will always be a good relationship between the width and height, allowing the maximum amount of light scattered in the stone, and provide shine and sparkle.
Topaz Size
Topaz gemstones are to be found in all popular sizes and can be indeed purchased in very large sizes. Usually when all other factors are held constant, the larger the Topaz the more valuable it is. As with other gems such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires, Topaz stones are weighed in carats.
All types of Topaz are often calibrated to the sizes of specific format, so the stones can easily adapt to the type of jewellery molds already available. The most popular calibrations are in millimeters (mm) measurements.
Topaz Settings
Regarding nature "hard" topaz, this gem can be set in any style: bevel, claws, tension bars, channel, just to name a few. Surrounds can be very simple or very ornate, and Topaz can be traditionally set on their own, or with diamonds, or a combination of precious and semiprecious stones. They are very popular for large jewellery selections, and sometimes for spectacular jewels, like the rings 'right hand finger', or "cocktail" rings, with many Victorian and Edwardian-inspired designs.
Counterfeiting and Topaz Simulate
A very large determiner of the value of a topaz is whether and how it has been treated. There is increasing debate and controversy. Topaz with certain treatments have even been banned by governments for being unsafe. It is important to understand topaz treatments, as well as possible imitations before buying one
Topaz is a gem that is very hard (Mohs scale 8), but may be split in one sharp blow. Characterized and shared commonly with a diamond. As a result, it should be protected from hard knocks, but it is still an excellent selection of jewellery for everyday use.
Treatments
Topaz gems seem to come with the widest range of treatments to affect the colour of the gem. Treatments listed here are considered acceptable by industry.
* Heating: Topaz is heat treated to improve colour for decades, even centuries. For example, almost all pink topaz is created by heating yellow topaz.
* Radiation: Decades ago, a technique introduced by irradiation of colourless topaz to produce attractive blue topaz tones. Almost all blue topaz on the market today have been dealt in this direction. "sky" Blue, "London" and "Swiss" blue are usually created by using this treatment. In Europe, this treatment is controversial, and possibly on its way to being banned because of the potential residual radioactive jewellery left.
* Distribution: In recent decades, another way to improve the colour of topaz has been developed. colourless topaz gems are coated with a special chemical and heated quickly. Only the top layer of the gem is coloured and the center is still colourless (visible only if it is cut in half). This treatment is quite robust.
* Coating: Some stones of topaz is treated with a very thin film of mineral or metallic materials and then placed in a vacuum. This process creates a wide range of iridescent topaz colours and very eye-catching. They are called "Mystic Topaz" with the invention of new valid words and phrases every week.
Synthetic Topaz
Synthetic topaz is not very prevalent on the market because natural topaz is so available. In fact, synthetic topaz can be found at the same price if not more expensive than natural topaz. Most jewelers will specify whether it is synthetic.
Imitation Topaz
Topaz is imitated by citrine quartz and glass. It differs from them by a scratch test because Topaz is harder than these two materials. If you rub a piece of quartz topaz, quartz will scratch, but topaz will not.
How to Take care of your Topaz.
To clean topaz and topaz jewellery, it is best to gently rub with a cloth or a piece of silk. I recommend a solution of warm soapy water and a soft brush when used for "deep" cleaning, as with most other jewellery. Ultrasonic cleaners available today are also suitable, but use with caution due to the fact that many of the topaz stones were treated chemically or by irradiation, and its original colour can "disappear" over time if it is used in excess.
My last words ...
I strongly suggest you buy your Topaz Jewellery carefully. Expect to pay more for larger size gems and remember; at the end of the day, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder'". So choose the stones you want, not what you are led to believe you want! Whichever colour, size or shape of Topaz you choose, be sure to wear it and ENJOY IT!
Thank you for reading my article - I hope that helps somehow.
About the Author:
If you are looking for a great range of Fantastic Topaz Jewellery? I can definitely recommend you to go to www.GlobeJewellery.co.uk where there is a exciting catalogue range of Beautiful Topaz Rings, Topaz Earrings, Topaz Pendants, and other great jewellery.