November:
Topaz
Topaz, November's primary birthstone, has one of the most
confusing histories of any popular gem. Though topaz has
been known since antiquity, it has suffered from considerable
misidentification since ancient times, most often being
confused with citrine, the alternative November birthstone.
Both topaz and citrine were found on an island in the Mediterranean
called Topazios in ancient times. Since the two gems were
alike in color, though not in size or form, they were often
mixed up. The most common topaz colors are brown, yellow,
yellow-gold, and orange, all very similar to the shades
of citrine.
The finest reddish orange topaz, called Imperial topaz,
can resemble exceptional Padparadscha sapphire. Orange,
reds and pinks are the rarest topaz colors, and the light
green, purple-red, and colorless varieties of topaz are
easily mistaken for other gemstones.
Even with this confusion, topaz accumulated an impressive
body of alleged healing properties. Topaz is reputed to
increase understanding, strengthen breathing, prevent colds,
enhance creativity, bring relaxation, control angry passions,
restore energy, and aid in tissue regeneration.
Topaz was often used to promote wisdom in its wearer, which
may explain the medieval custom of giving topaz rings to
heads of state, diplomats, and royalty. The gems in Hans
Holbein's portrait of Henry VIII are most certainly golden
brown topazes, as no other gem in that color was considered
suitable for royalty at the time.
Blue topaz is the fourth anniversary gemstone, and Imperial
topaz is the gemstone for 23rd wedding anniversaries. Topaz
is the zodiacal stone for Sagittarius.
Nature rarely produces a blue topaz. However, in the 20th
century, due to the advent of safe enhancement technology,
blue topaz has become available and a popular gemstone for
jewelry. Most blue topaz is colorless topaz that has been
irradiated and heat treated to produce its blue color. The
blue color created by this treatment process is permanent
and stable under normal care conditions.
Blue topaz comes in light to deep blues, which are valued
and priced according to the beauty of their color. The more
saturated the color, the higher the price.
Topaz can be delicate and requires special care to avoid
breaking under rough wear. Look for jewelry with mountings
that protect the topaz, so that it's less likely to break
if dropped or hit. Earrings, pins, bangle bracelets and
pendants are safer for daily wear than rings or flexible
bracelets. Warm, soapy water is the best way to clean topaz
jewelry.
With its new beauty and affordable prices, topaz is a gem
that any wise buyer can enjoy.
Styles
