TOPAZ

Topaz has been known to man since biblical times and is one of the gemstones which are believed to form the 12 stones of the Foundation of the New Temple of Jerusalem, as mentioned in Revelations. There is some confusion as to the origin of the name Topaz. Some believe it came from the Sanskrit word ‘Tapas’ which means fire, yet others believe it to be derived from the Greek word ‘topazos’ which means green gemstone. It even has a royal pedigree. One of the largest Topaz gems is called the Braganza which is set in the Portuguese crown jewels. It is magnificent and weighs a whopping 1680cts.

Topaz comes in a variety of colors including blue, yellow, pinkish yellow (also called Imperial Topaz) and rarely pink, green, and bi-color. Blue Topaz is the most widely know of all the colors and has dominated the mass markets in recent years. It is rare in nature, but easily created from clear material by irradiation which is an accepted and permanent treatment. Imperial-topaz is the most prized and is a reddish-orange to a pinkish-orange color. The color is due to the presence of hydroxyl ions, and hence this variety is heat sensitive, so don’t leave it in your car on a hot Arizona day.

In ancient times, a figure of a falcon was carved on a Topaz was thought to help acquire the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates. The Greeks believed it had power to increase strength and to make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink.

We usually don’t see Topaz change color before our eyes but recently we acquired an astonishing gemstone. This gem is a bi-color Topaz that changes from red to orange and is amazing! We have had the pleasure to see only a few other Topaz as rare and beautiful as this in 25 years. Please come by and experience for yourself the remarkable gem, Topaz.