Buying Guide

The Gemstone Guide to Imperial Topaz

Loved for
Symbolising the sun, topaz has been revered for thousands of years as a symbol of opulence and luxury.

About Imperial Topaz
The term “Imperial Topaz“ originated in 19th century Russia, where the Ural Mountains were topaz’s leading source. The rare pink gemstones discovered there were named to honor the Russian Czar, and ownership of these stones was restricted to the royal family.

The name topaz is believed to stem from the word topazos, meaning “to seek“ which was applied to a whole family of gems discovered on the Topazios Islands in the Red Sea. Other experts trace the origin of the name back to Sanskrit, India’s ancient language, where topas or tapaz means “fire“.

Colour
Gemologists generally use the term for topaz in pinkish gold to golden yellow-orange hues, the most valuable forms. True Imperial Topaz is always untreated, and material where the colour has been intensified using heat treatment is not regarded as genuine Imperial Topaz.

Where it's found
Brazil, Pakistan, US, Russia, Germany, Mexico, Myanmar, and Australia.

Moh hardness
8 (1 soft to 10 hard)

Birthstone
For November

Anniversaries
23rd wedding anniversary