At The Bench Jewellery Co., where every piece is crafted to reflect personal stories, we celebrate the uniqueness of gemstones. This month, we turn our focus to Topaz, one of November’s two birthstones. Known for its captivating golden hues and versatility, topaz is a gem that shines brightly in various shades, bringing warmth and brilliance to custom jewellery designs.
For those born in November, topaz is a gem full of historical significance and enchanting qualities. In this series, we’re exploring the characteristics, lore, and beauty of each birthstone, helping you choose meaningful pieces tailored to your birth month. If you missed last month’s exploration of October’s pink tourmaline, or if you’re curious about citrine, November’s other birthstone, check out our recent articles.
The Alluring Hues of Topaz
The topaz birthstone that we commonly associate with November is known for its yellow or golden tones, evoking warmth and autumnal beauty. However, topaz occurs in a variety of colours, including blue, pink, and even colourless. While topaz can naturally display a spectrum of hues, it is the golden and yellow shades that have become synonymous with the November birthstone, often symbolizing prosperity, warmth, and friendship.
At The Bench, we respect the natural beauty of each gemstone and carefully select topaz that complements your unique design. When creating custom jewellery, whether a ring, pendant, or bracelet, topaz can bring a subtle elegance or a bold statement, depending on the cut and style chosen.
Topaz in History and Folklore
Topaz has a long history of being revered across cultures. Ancient Egyptians believed topaz was coloured by the golden glow of the sun god Ra, while in ancient Rome, it was thought to provide protection and strength. Throughout history, this gemstone has been treasured for its beauty and mystical properties. Although we focus on creating custom jewellery here and now, each piece tells a story that carries forward centuries of appreciation and symbolism.
Topaz was historically associated with the ancient island of Topazios (now known as St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea, but it’s believed that the stone there was actually peridot, not true topaz. The first confirmed topaz deposits were likely found in Germany in the Schneckenstein region, a location known for its gemstone-quality stones in ancient times. Other early sources included deposits in Russia, particularly in the Ural Mountains, where high-quality golden and pink topaz was discovered.
Primary Sources of Topaz Today
Today, Brazil is the largest and most significant source of high-quality topaz, especially in the state of Minas Gerais. Brazilian mines produce a variety of colours, including the rare and prized “imperial” topaz, which ranges from golden yellow to pink and even reddish hues.
Other notable topaz sources around the world include:
- Pakistan: Known for producing light blue and colourless topaz, especially from the Katlang area.
- Russia: The Ural Mountains continue to be a source of topaz, especially in golden tones, although the volume is lower than that of Brazil.
- Sri Lanka: Primarily produces colourless, blue, and pale yellow varieties.
- Nigeria: Known for blue and colourless topaz.
- United States: Small deposits exist, particularly in Utah (the famous Topaz Mountain) and Texas, though these are not significant on a commercial scale.
Brazil’s Minas Gerais state remains the dominant source for gem-quality topaz, especially for the striking imperial topaz that is sought after for jewellery.
Customizing Topaz Jewellery at The Bench
One of the beautiful things about Topaz is its adaptability in jewellery design. Its wide range of colours means it can be the perfect gem for a personal statement or a heartfelt gift. While the golden tones are timeless and popular, other colours, such as blue and pink, offer unique alternatives that can complement various metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum.
In our design process, we consider the wearer’s preferences and style, and we welcome you to share any ideas or inspirations. Whether you’re looking for a classic piece or something with a modern twist, our team in Kamloops, Kelowna, and Chilliwack is here to bring your vision to life.
Interesting Facts About Topaz
- Largest Topaz: One of the largest cut topaz stones, known as the “El-Dorado Topaz,” weighs approximately 31,000 carats and is part of a collection in the Museum of Natural History in Vienna.
- Pleochroic Nature: Topaz is pleochroic, meaning it can display different colours when viewed from different angles. This makes the stone particularly interesting for cutters who want to highlight its varied hues.
- Used by Roman Emperors: In ancient Rome, topaz was highly valued for its supposed protective properties. Roman emperors often wore topaz as a talisman of protection and strength.
- Topaz in Portuguese Crown Jewels: The Braganza diamond, one of the largest gems in the Portuguese crown jewels, was initially thought to be a diamond. It was later discovered to be a massive topaz.
- Ancient Greek Beliefs: Ancient Greeks believed topaz could make a person invisible in emergencies, which is one reason it was often carried by travelers for protection and safety on long journeys.
- Historic Misidentification: Many historical topaz stones were often mistaken for other gemstones, particularly citrine and smoky quartz. This mix-up was common before modern gemological methods could accurately identify stones based on their unique properties.
Care and Longevity of Topaz
Topaz is a durable gemstone, but it should be treated with care. To maintain its brilliance and protect its surface, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or abrasives, which may dull its finish. With the right care, your topaz jewellery will remain radiant for years, allowing you to enjoy its beauty through generations.
Choosing Between Citrine and Topaz
As November’s two birthstones, topaz and citrine share a warm colour palette, but each brings its own unique energy and appeal. While citrine is celebrated for its vibrant, sunny hue and association with positivity, topaz in its classic golden shade symbolizes warmth, love, and friendship. Each birthstone has its own story, so choosing between them—or even incorporating both into a single piece—can make your November-born jewellery all the more meaningful.
For more insight, take a look at our dedicated citrine article to better understand how both birthstones shine in their own right. Together, topaz and citrine offer November-borns a choice of stones that celebrate their individuality with warmth and elegance.
Your Birthstone, Your Story
Each custom jewellery piece at The Bench is a collaborative journey, and we take pride in designing pieces that reflect your personality and the significance behind each gemstone. November’s topaz is a beautiful reminder of life’s warmth and a perfect way to celebrate a November birthday. For questions or consultations, reach out to our team at The Bench Jewellery Co., where every design is as unique as you are.