November Birthstone Antique Topaz Jewelry
#6028 Georgian necklace with topaz. 
Antique topaz jewelry is no less exciting than the
Alfred Hitchcock thriller, Topaz, about spies and the Cold War. When you delve into the topic, you will find antique topaz
jewelry just as intrigueing. For anyone born in November, this is your birthstone.
#6273 Georgian earrings with topaz. 
Where does topaz come from? Like many gems, it is to be found in many countries, but most famously, Brazil. In ancient times, Sri Lanka was the top source for this gem. Today, it is found in various African countries, China, Pakistan and as far afield as Russia and Myanmar, both known for their high quality and range of gems.
What an array of colors! Really?... Pure topaz has no color and is transparent. Impurities in the crystal tint it to
a wide range of shades. Colorless topaz may be foiled to give the impression of a more desireable color.
Natural pink topaz is very rare and costly;#6303 pink topaz jewelry set.
Imperial topaz (yellow/orange-brown) is considered the most desireable and valuable of topaz tones and it commands commensurate prices;
#7412 Georgian Imperial topaz ring. 
Orange is called Precious Topaz,
#5595 Georgian Iberian ring. 
Blues are regarded as less precious, albeit natural blues are rare. It can also be found in antique Georgian jewelry, in which case it is most likely natural.
#7093 blue topaz earrings.
Smoky topaz is real topaz, but considered somewhat inferior to other forms of topaz. Nevertheless, it is a popular gem used in jewelry and it's relatively low value enables even those with small budgets to buy impressive pieces.
#5212 Great Arts and Crafts ring with smoky topaz. 
Sherry topaz - a lighter variety of Smoky topaz.
Today, much topaz is heat treated for color. (see below) and some topaz is radiated to give a blue color.
Confusion reigns: the name 'topaz' derives from the Red Sea area and the Hebrew word 'tapuz' - orange and Sanskrit word
for fiery. The gems mentioned by the Bible, ancient Egyptians and Greeks are believed to be forms of chrysolite and
not topaz at all. During the Middle Ages, any yellowish gem was referred to as Topaz.
#6495 necklace with pink topaz and aquamarine. Was this believed to be blue topaz? 
While antique topaz jewelry is usually very fine and delicate, enormous topaz weighing as much as 100kg, thousands of
carats, have been found. There are many sources of topaz across the world.
Like many other gems, topaz in ancient times was associated with a host of magical and mystical powers, many based on
sunlike qualities. A cure for everything from insomnia to hemorrhages. Worn as an amulet or, did they actually ingest it?
Along with his famous diamonds, pearls, rubies and sapphires the rich and powerful Mughal Emperor of India had a favorate
gem, the Topaz of Aurangzeb (approximately 158carats) - substantially less than the American Golden Topaz at 22,892.5carats. Glad to hear they got that .5 right.
#6567 Signed Wolfers pink topaz.
Forewarned is forearmed: blue topaz is often the result of radiation and it only became
available in the 20th century. When you see blue stones with pink topaz in Georgian jewelry, they are usually aquamarines.
However, blue spinels have also been confused with topaz.
Questions and comments: Please email antiques@brendaginsberg.com
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