“A gem of eternal love and loyalty.”
The Legend of Topaz
During the middle ages, topaz was believed to heal both physical injuries and mental disorders and even prevent death. The ancient Greeks believed wearing the topaz could enhance strength and help you through challenges and hardships, including the power of invisibility!
The Egyptians also treasured the topaz where the gem was believed to carry mystical powers given by the sun god of Ra and worn as an amulet to protect them from injury.
The Colourful Gem
Topaz’s name of origin has various fascinating theories. Topaz is regarded to have been discovered by the Romans over two millennia ago in a small island located in the Red Sea called “Topazos” where the name was derived from. Many scholars also trace the origin back to Sanskrit (an ancient language of India), meaning “fire”.
The colours of Topaz are commonly found in brown. However, Topaz includes various tones and saturations of blue, clear, green, yellow, orange, pink and purple. Topaz is also pleochroic, resulting in the gems ability to show different colors in different crystal directions!
Lasts an Eternity
Topaz is a durable gem and is relatively resistant to any scratching, registering 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes it an ideal choice of jewelry to wear daily to sustain the commotions of everyday life!
Royal Russian Connection: The Imperial Topaz
The Imperial Topaz with reddish-orange and pinkish-orange hue are the most valuable varieties of this gemstone. Less than 1% of topaz comes in this form! It was used in the jewellery of the 18th and 19th Century Russian Czarinas and was strictly reserved for the exclusive use by the Czar family and those who were gifted, hence the name.
The Colourless Topaz: Sisters of Diamond
The most famous topaz is a colorless topaz that was originally believed to be a diamond. The 1680 carat stone known as the “Braganza Diamond” set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels was originally thought to be the biggest diamond in the world. The gem remains with the Portuguese crown jewels.
This makes clear topaz a popular diamond simulant/ substitute, often seen as superior to the synthetic Cubic Zirconia (CZ) as clear/white topaz is 100% natural!
Birthstone and Anniversary
Topaz is the birthstone for November and the gem for 16th wedding anniversaries.
Blue Topaz: A gem of Love and Loyalty
Blue topaz is the more prominently known birthstone for December and displays a beautiful glacier blue shade, similar to that of a crisp, December sky. Blue topaz is known to be the gem of the 4th anniversary and Imperial topaz is the gem of the 23rd anniversary.
Blue Topaz represents love and loyalty where it is believed to strengthen and magnify the connection between lovers. The blue treasure is heavily associated with intelligence, strength, loyalty, and friendship. This makes Blue Topaz perfect for a romantic gift as well as a wonderful present for a close friend especially born in the month of December!
Topaz Styling and Fashion
Topaz commonly comes in big crystals making it popular in cocktail rings and other large items of jewellery. Blue Topaz is often seen worn by celebrities (such as Kate Middleton, Kate Blanchett) and looks dashing when worn with marching blue items of clothing and accessories. Clear Topaz is also often worn by celebrities to achieve the same luxury style and effect as diamonds!
Written By: Lilia Soeda
