If you consider gemstones to be a type of brand, topaz’s reputation has suffered greatly throughout time. Sometimes it’s difficult to recall that topaz is a valuable diamond with a lengthy history, among other things.
The now-famous Imperial topaz earrings by JAR that Ellen Barkin sold at Christie’s in 2006 served as a fresh reminder. In October, they reappeared there and sold once more for almost $700,000.
Most of us grew up seeing cheap citrine or glass jewelry with the designation “topaz” as the birthstone for November. Citrine is softer, less brilliant, and somewhat less expensive than topaz yet shares the same hue. Golden topaz sells for roughly $190-700 per carat, whereas citrine retails for about $20-70 per carat.
The blue topaz is another common and well-liked gemstone. It seemed to lose some of its excitement when it was discovered that radiation was the origin of its blue color. Up until recently, almost every blue topaz sold in jewelry stores was radioactive, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission even discovered certain deeper blues to be so.
All blue topaz must now undergo radiation testing in the United States. Some topaz is additionally colored blue through diffusion, which involves chemical treatment followed by low heat. (For additional information on gem treatments, see Antoinette Matlin’s buying guide for colored stones, 2010).
There are natural blue topazes, and they can be extremely attractive. But treated blue topaz can also be attractive and is significantly less expensive than other blue gems, costing $5 to $20 per carat. Buy it if you like it. The jewelry industry accepts heating and even modest kinds of dispersion as routine treatments for colored stones. However, you might want to get that in writing if you’re paying more for a natural stone.
The Blue Heart Diamond from the Smithsonian Institution served as the inspiration for Judith Ripka’s blue topaz ring, which is a part of the collection that QVC unveiled in September.
The stunning pink variety of topaz, which can sell for more than $2,000 a carat even than superb Imperial topaz, is less well known. These Deco-style danglers (right), created by Los Angeles designer Erica Courtney, are a gorgeous example. They took home the top prize in the bridal category at the 2010 AGTA Spectrum Awards.
As a less expensive alternative to diamonds, white topaz has also gained popularity recently. It appears in the Smithsonian-inspired QVC line as well as the Crown Collection by Scott Mikolay, as seen above on actress Brittany Snow.
In This Article...
The birthstone for November is how much?
Topaz and citrine are the two birthstone possibilities for people born in November. Golden yellow is the hue of the birthstone for November. Although topaz comes in a range of hues, yellow is the birthstone for November’s symbol. Since blue topaz is a more common color for topaz and is more accessible than yellow topaz, some people pick it as an alternative. Golden yellow gemstone known as citrine has hues that vary from light yellow to brownish orange.
Because citrine is a more economical alternative to yellow topaz and because there are two distinct interpretations of the breastplates Aaron wore in the book of Exodus, there are two birthstones for November. Finding a yellow topaz is challenging, especially for a reasonable price. Because of this, citrine is a lovely November birthstone with affordable options like these Blue Nile earrings for about $200 or this pendant for under $300.
Both birthstones make lovely jewelry choices, although citrine is more extensively offered in anything from rings to stud earrings. This birthstone’s vibrant color offers a special, thoughtful gift for a special someone.
Why are there two birthstones for November?
The 12 stones of the High Priest’s breastplate recorded in Exodus are thought to be the origin of the concept of birthstones. Wearing one stone per month of the year was formerly a widespread habit. The Jewelers of America sought to standardize birthstones in 1912. Modern birthstones are chosen primarily on what can be sold in huge quantities the quickest. Thus, there are two birthstones for November. The original birthstone was topaz, but citrine was eventually introduced as a less expensive substitute.
What is the price of topaz?
Like every stone, the quality of topaz affects its price. Nevertheless, a few generalizations are possible. The most popular type of topaz used in jewelry today, blue topaz, has been produced in such large numbers that it is now typically sold for $25 per carat at retail for ring sizes. Larger sizes could cost a little extra. Even though treated blue topaz is widely produced, the price of natural blue topaz has practically decreased to match that of the treated stone.
Blue topaz is created (by irradiation and heat) from colorless topaz, which is offered in sizes up to 100 ct and higher and costs less than $8/ct. Similar prices are paid for brown topaz.
Contrarily, valuable topaz, often known as “imperial” topaz, can sell for more than $1000 per carat (ct) in big (10 ct+) proportions. Richly colored topaz with a pink or red hue is the most expensive; its retail price can approach $3500/ct. Above 5 ct, these are uncommon.
Topaz or citrine, which is more expensive?
If you were born in November, you can choose from the warm golden-yellow birthstones citrine or topaz. Both will support you as you transition into winter in keeping the sunshine in your heart. Here are some fascinating details and myths regarding your unique gemstones.
Topaz is a birthstone for December, however it’s blue topaz, if you look at the list of birthstones. Actually, the golden sort of birthstone is yours. Imperial Topaz, also known as valuable topaz, is the most expensive type of the stone and has a pinkish, gold, or reddish hue. Citrine can be mistaken for topaz, so be sure you know what you’re receiving. Topaz is more expensive than citrine.
Fun facts about topaz
- It has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it generally durable and suitable for pendants and rings.
- The Greeks of antiquity thought that carrying a topaz gave them power.
- A less expensive alternative to diamonds is clear topaz.
- Due to their likeness to sherry wine, deep red topaz gem varieties are known as “sherry.”
- It is relaxing and prevents nightmares among its restorative qualities. It supposedly calms and relieves tension. Additionally, it is claimed to boost your confidence.
Are there two birthstones for November?
Topaz and citrine are two lovely birthstones that can be worn by people born in November. Citrine is appreciated for its lovely yellow and orange tones whereas topaz comes in a variety of colors. Both birthstones for November are thought to provide relaxing qualities that also bring luck and warmth to the bearer. Since high-quality gems like topaz and citrine are not as scarce as for many of their contemporaries, these birthstones are often priced reasonably. As a result, people who were born in November have a wide range of alternatives. Choosing one will be your biggest issue.
November Diamond: What is it?
The citrine, which has been the birthstone for November for almost a century, is actually a variety of quartz that stands out for its warm yellow tone, which makes it different from all other gemstones of its kind.
November is what color?
The yellow color of the November birthstone is derived from the gemstones yellow-orange Topaz, also known as golden Topaz, and yellow Citrine.
The numerous colored variants of topaz are produced by impurities because pure topaz is essentially transparent. Topaz also occurs in gorgeous colors of blue, pastel green, pink, and red in addition to the yellow to orange spectrum. Since processed colorless topaz predominates in the market, natural blue topaz is quite uncommon.
Imperial Topaz, a brand name for natural golden topaz, is relatively uncommon and not frequently used in jewelry. The gorgeous sunset colors of Mystic Topaz, which is frequently found in November jewelry, are typically created by treating transparent Topaz.
Russian and Brazilian topaz are the most expensive kind used in jewelry, although Brazilian topaz is the only source of imperial topaz.
Pink topaz is it rare?
Topaz is a well-liked gem and the traditional birthstone for November. It can be found in a number of colors, including colorless, while commonly being connected with both blue and golden yellow. The most uncommon colors are pure pink, crimson, and beautiful golden orange, occasionally with a pink undertone.
How does a topaz appear?
The fluoro-silicate mineral topaz is made of aluminum and is typically colorless, though it can also be white, yellow, light grey, blue, orange, brown, green, or pink. In contrast to other gem stones, topaz’s color isn’t necessarily a result of crystal imperfections. Topaz crystals have two main color centers that are either caused by a gap or an additional electron in the crystal structure. Aspects of the light shining into the crystal can be absorbed by these aberrations, producing hues of yellow or blue. The centers of green topaz are a combination of yellow and blue. Chromium takes the role of aluminum in the topaz crystal structure, giving the crystal a pink or red appearance. An orange topaz is a crystal with a yellow center and chromium impurities.
Topaz crystals have excellent cleavage, which means that they frequently break perpendicular to the crystal’s long axis along specific plains. Topaz has a hardness of 8, although due to its fragility, it is typically found as pieces rather than entire crystals. Tenacity is the capacity to withstand breakage; hardness is the resistance to being scratched. Topaz is incredibly delicate, making it challenging to cut and set.
Some Brazilian topaz crystals are enormous, weighing kilos and being the size of boulders. A well-known gem is the American Golden Topaz. A 11.8 kilogram stone that was cut into 172 facets over the course of two years resulted in the current 4.6 kg weight. Also from Brazil, the El Dorado Topaz was found in 1984. It weighed about 36 kg but was reduced to 6.2 kg after being faceted and polished into an emerald form (still 31 000 carats). It is the world’s largest faceted stone.
Why is blue topaz priced so low?
The term “topaz” originally referred to yellow stones. This name was eventually used to the mineral topaz in particular. Yellow topaz, golden topaz, brown smoky topaz, sherry red imperial topaz, and a few pure pink topaz gemstones are some of the most popular varieties of topaz. The fine characteristics of imperial and pink topaz are extremely rare and costly.
Due to a reliable color enhancement technique created in the 1970s, blue topaz, which was once the most uncommon color, is now the most popular. Almost majority of the blue topaz on the market today has been colored artificially.
The history of blue topaz is an alchemical tale. Natural radiation in underground rocks produces the color in numerous crystals, including zircon and green diamonds, according to scientists studying how color develops in minerals. Studies using topaz revealed that by irradiating and then heating colorless topaz or white topaz, a stable blue color may be generated.
The newly treated gem was soon made available on the market. Because it was so uncommon at first, it was incredibly pricey. But as the method was refined and manufacturing increased over time, the price dropped significantly.
Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China are among the countries where the process’s colorless topaz is mined. Prior to treatment, the gems are often sliced.
To guarantee that it complies with safety standards, national rules from all over the world regulate the release of diamonds and other materials from irradiation plants. For a variety of isotopes, the standard for the release and import of blue topaz in the United States is 0.4 nanoCuries per gram, or around 14.8 Bq/gram. It is 74 Bq/gram in the EU and the majority of other nations, a negligible portion of the background radiation to which everyone is subjected on a daily basis.
Although it is rare and has a very light tint, natural blue topaz does exist. The majority are found in Brazil, however a small number of blue topaz gemstones in their native state have been found in Texas, USA. Texas’ official gem is now blue topaz.