May 2020 Newsletter: Rare Imperial Topaz

Topaz is a gem with excellent hardness -- 8.0 on the Mohs scale -- but most topaz found in nature is an uninspiring color, either colorless or an insipid yellow or brown. Some of this common topaz can be irradiated and heated to produce the cheap blue topaz that is ubiquitous in commercial jewelry.

 

The only topaz that has real value in the gems world is precious topaz, known in the trade as Imperial Topaz. Imperial Topaz is golden to golden-orange to orange, pink, pinkish-red or violet in color. It is a rare stone that is suitable for all kinds of jewelery.

 

The Ouro Prêto area in Minas Gerais is the main source of natural Imperial Topaz. The two large-scale mines of Capão and Vermelhão produce most of the Imperial Topaz on the market today but there are also several small-scale mines operated by independent miners

 

It is essential that the color of Imperial Topaz be completely natural. Some of the imperial topaz colors can be simulated by irradiating colorless or weakly colored topaz. You will see these treated stones selling for a few dollars a carat from auction sites. Unfortunately the color tends to fade quickly when exposed to sunlight, so the fake imperial topaz is a poor value even at its modest price.

 

High quality topaz is typically very clean, so the main grading distinctions for imperial topaz are by color (and, to some degree, by cut).

 

The least expensive Imperial Topaz color is the bronze or golden hue. The golden-orange tends to be more expensive, while the golden-orange with red dichroism enters the realm of the rare and expensive. If your Imperial Topaz displays a red flash, then you know you have a valuable stone.

 

Any Imperial Topaz with a pinkish hue -- even a pinkish secondary -- is especially valuable, and an orange-pink or reddish-pink is extremely rare. A true pink-red or red topaz is the ultimate rarity.

 

We have a substantial collection of imperial topaz in all grades. In this month's notable gems we feature a recent addition to our collection -- a rare pink-orange with red flash. This is a very fine specimen for the Imperial Topaz collector or for a special piece of jewelry.

 

 

Notable Gems from the AJS Collection

This month we feature a range of fine Imperial Topaz from our collection. Click on any gem for details.

6.54 ct Imperial Topaz from Brazil   A very special Imperial Topaz in a very rare pink orange. This extraordinary gem shows flashes of red and orange as it is turned in the light. Completely clean and precision cut, this amazing stone show full fire and brilliance. A treasure for the topaz connoisseur, this rare stone will make a stunning ring. Guaranteed natural and untreated.   See the video

4.72 ct Imperial Topaz Matched Pair from Brazil  [SOLD]   An exquisite matched pair of rare imperial topaz from Ouro Preto, Brazil. These elegant pears for earrings display a rich sherry color. These are beautifully matched gems, exceptionally clean and well cut. Guaranteed natural and untreated.

6.88 ct Imperial Topaz from Brazil This is an excellent example of fine Imperial Topaz in the golden orange hue. Precision cut for maximum brilliance, this beautiful gem has an elegant shape and wonderful fire and will make an impressive ring or pendant. Guaranteed natural and untreated. See the video

5.58 ct Imperial Topaz from Brazil An elegant pear-shaped Imperial Topaz in a rich golden-orange, over 24 mm! Perfectly clean and well-cut, this fine gem will make a gorgeous pendant. Guaranteed natural and untreated. See the video

2.55 ct Pink Imperial Topaz Matched Pair from Brazil A rare matched pair of Pink Imperial Topaz from Brazil! Perfectly sized for earrings, these elegant pears have wonderful fire. Pink is a rare and unusual color in Imperial Topaz and these are very clean and completely untreated. Guaranteed natural and untreated.

2.72 ct Bi-Color Imperial Topaz from Brazil A very unique and beautiful bi-color topaz from Brazil. A truly one-of-a-kind gem displaying lovely gradients of saturated pink, orange and gold. Exceptionally clean and well cut. A true collector's gem, guaranteed natural and untreated. See the video

 

News from AJS and the Gems World

25% off on all the Gems in our Collection !

We have extended our 25% discount on all the gems in our collection until May 31st. Take advantage of this terrific offer to buy the gem you've always wanted!

Use this discount code at checkout:  YOUR25

 

Important Shipping Notice

Due to postal disruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic, we are now shipping orders only by UPS Express, with delivery in 3-4 business days. Though there are occasional delays, UPS is providing excellent service and they have been successful in delivering order to most places in the world.

Please check our home page for any updated information.

 

 

Ask the Gem Experts

Each month we answer questions from our customers. We welcome your questions and you can submit a question from our contact page.

 

How is the coronavirus situation affecting the gem and jewellery industry? Are you still making custom jewellery? GM, UK

These are challenging times for all businesses and many retail jewelry stores around the world have had to close. Fortunately we have been able to continue our operations as usual and the situation in Thailand is slowly returning to normal. We are still making jewelry, and with our current 25% promotion now is the perfect time to have us set a gem in your custom design.

 

 

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All the best in gems,

Ron, May & and Rung