Topaz, the birthstone for November

A bespoke imperial topaz and diamond ringActually, it’s not entirely accurate to call topaz the birthstone for November, as there are in fact two birthstones for this chilly, damp month – topaz and citrine.  In which case we ought perhaps to say topaz is a birthstone for November.  Both are golden sunny stones of course, but both have different histories and different meanings.

If you want to learn more about the citrine, we wrote about this fabulous golden gemstone once before and you can read it here.

In this post we’re going to talk about the topaz.

Topaz and citrine look remarkably similar, but aren’t related at all.  Unlike citrine, topaz is actually available in many colours, from smokey grey to blush pink, although over the millennia pretty much every yellow gemstone was called a topaz, until the progress of science allowed us to understand that different gemstones have different structures and indeed that not all topaz’s are yellow!

Fei Liu Shooting Star long pendant with blue topazIn fact, pure topaz is without any colour, but it can become stained by impurities to take on any colour of the rainbow.  The colour that is most prized is known as Imperial topaz, which has a rich orange hue with pink or red undertones.  It is thought that the name of this shade of topaz originated with the Russian royal family’s insistence on keeping the finest colours of stones mined in their own Ural Mountains exclusively for their own use.  Blue topaz is also highly prized but is rare in its natural form, meaning that most blue topaz you will find has been heat treated to achieve the desired colour.

The power of topaz

As with all gemstones known from ancient times, this birthstone for November has many powers attributed to it.  The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength. During the late middle ages it was thought to be able to prevent magic spells and dispel anger.  The November birthstone was also believed to have curative powers; used to treat weak eyesight.  Hmmm, well, I guess the proof of its efficacy would be easy to see…

If you’re seeking fine jewellery showcasing your own birthstone, then you’ve a fabulous choice when it comes to topaz; you’re not restricted to yellow, of course, but then, that’s not really an issue, surely?  Not when it’s this gorgeous.

The birthstone for November is topaz

Imperial topaz and diamond ringThe birthstone for November is topaz

The birthstone for November is the topaz.  Although best known for its golden brown variant, it actually comes in a range of colours: blue, pale green, varying shades of yellow, pink, red, brown and even black.

The name topaz comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘fire.’  According to ancient Indian lore, it could be used to control heat and was applied as medication to cure fever. It was said to have the power to cool boiling water, as well as fury.  Hmmm – it wouldn’t take but a moment to prove either of those beliefs inaccurate, hey?

Pure topaz itself is actually a colourless stone, the coloured variants occur due to minor element substitutions and defects in the crystal and indeed treated topaz.  Some colours are unstable and can fade away; for example, brown topaz can be bleached by sunlight. In other stones, colour changes can be induced by heating.

This gem, with its lively fire, clarity, beautiful colours and hardness is ideal for jewellery. Pure topaz, when brilliantly cut, can often be mistaken for a diamond.

Because of its rarity, topaz is an expensive gem.  The rarest colour – and therefore the most valuable – is red.  The sherry coloured stones (ranging from amber-yellow through orangey yellow and reddish brown – are known as Imperial topaz are the popular gemstones and so command high prices.

During the Middle Ages, topaz was owned almost exclusively by royalty and churchmen. At the time, it was believed that a topaz engraved with a falcon helped its wearer cultivate the goodwill of kings, princes and lords.  Of course, if you were already a king, prince or lord you were already on to a winner.

We’re not sure about mystical powers – but we do know that this is a stunning gemstone and designing beautiful and unique pieces using stunning gemstones is something we do rather well.

 

A list of birthstones in the UK

star rubyEvery month has its own stone, precious or semi-precious, that by ancient wisdom give an indication of the wearer’s personality.

Our goldsmiths, working from our stores in Cheshire, have created some fabulous bespoke pieces using birthstones and you don’t need to spend a fortune to create something truly unique that will be treasured forever.

Many of the stones listed here actually occur naturally in a dazzling rainbow of different colours, so if your birth month is September, but a blue sapphire just doesn’t appeal – choose one in pink, or orange, or green!

Each stone is also, according to ancient belief, imbued with mystical powers that transfer to its wearer, so, whether or not the Aquamarine is your birthstone, by wearing it you are channelling its ability to boost your happiness and courage.  Load of nonsense?  Bit of fun? Whatever…it’s still a lovely stone.

Whatever your colour preference and whatever your budget, our goldsmiths can design and create the perfect piece of jewellery for you, just ask!

So, what’s your stone?

January: Garnet, faith and loyalty

February: Amethyst, sincerity and wittiness

March: Aquamarine, happiness and courage

April: Diamond or Rock Crystal, eternity and love

May: Emerald or Chrysophase, fidelity and fertility

June: Pearl or Moonstone, purity and nobility

July: Ruby or Carnelian, strength and beauty

August: Peridot or Sardonyx, protection and success

September: Sapphire or Lapis Lazuli, serenity and wisdom

October: Opal, hope and creativity

November:  Topaz or Citrine, friendship and healing

December:  Tanzanite or Turquoise, trust and luck