Topaz: Gemstone, Swiss Blue Topaz & London Blue in the Guide

Topaz is a gemstone with a rare variety of colors — from colorless crystal and golden yellow to the vivid blue known as Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, and London Blue Topaz. With a Mohs hardness of 8, topaz is one of the harder gemstones, is considered a symbol of clarity and joie de vivre, and is the traditional birthstone for November.

Topaz is a fluorine aluminum silicate with the formula Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂ and belongs mineralogically to the group of nesosilicates. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and reaches a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale — making it harder than quartz and suitable for everyday wear. The old classification into “precious” and “semiprecious” stones is now considered outdated; experts uniformly refer to gemstones or jewelry stones. In its pure form, topaz is colorless: its colors are created by trace elements and are the reason for its popularity.

There is one special characteristic you should know: topaz has perfect cleavage. Despite its high hardness, a hard, well-aimed blow can split the stone. Topaz is well suited to rings and pieces worn every day, but it should be protected from impacts.

Few gemstones display such a broad color palette as topaz. Here is an overview of the most important varieties:

• Blue topaz: the most sought-after color in jewelry, available in three shades — delicate Sky Blue, vivid Swiss Blue, and deep, slightly greenish London Blue Topaz.
• Gold topaz & Imperial topaz: warm gold, honey, and orange-pink tones — the rarest and most valuable variety.
• Colorless topaz: clear and brilliant, visually similar to diamond.
• Mystic topaz: colorless topaz with an ultra-thin titanium coating that creates shimmering rainbow colors in the light.

Some topazes are pleochroic — they show slightly different hues depending on the viewing angle. A beautiful effect that makes every piece appear lively.

Stories about topaz have been told for centuries. In many cultures, it is considered a stone of clarity, truth, and joie de vivre; blue topaz has traditionally been associated with calm, open communication, and inner balance. These associations should be understood as cultural and symbolic — they do not refer to scientifically proven or medical effects.

Historically, topaz was repeatedly mistaken for diamond: the famous “Braganza” in the Portuguese crown was long thought to be a diamond, but was actually a large topaz. Stories like these continue to make the stone a symbol with a distinctive presence.

Topaz is the traditional birthstone for November, alongside citrine. Those born in November will find a personal yet timelessly beautiful gift in a blue or golden topaz. Topaz is also often associated with Sagittarius and Aquarius as a zodiac stone.

When buying topaz jewelry, it is worth looking at the treatment — the market is often lacking in transparency in this regard. Important to know:

• Blue topaz is almost always treated. Sky, Swiss, and London Blue Topaz are generally created by irradiating and subsequently heat-treating colorless topaz. This is common, stable practice — the color remains permanently.
• Mystic topaz is coated. The rainbow colors come from a fine coating, not from the stone itself. This layer is more delicate and requires special care.
• “Smoky topaz” and “Madeira topaz” are not genuine topaz. They are trade names for smoky quartz and citrine, respectively — these terms should not appear with genuine topaz jewelry.

A reputable provider clearly identifies the variety and is transparent about treatments. At Splendido Jewelry, Italian goldsmiths set genuine topaz in nickel-free 585 gold and solid, rhodium-plated 925 silver.

Topaz is one of the comparatively affordable gemstones — which is precisely what makes it so popular for expressive colored stones. The price is determined by four factors: color, clarity, cut, and size. Among blue topaz, vivid London Blue usually commands the highest prices, while delicate Sky Blue remains more affordable. The rare golden-orange Imperial shades are significantly more expensive.

What to look for when buying topaz jewelry:

• Clear color description: Sky, Swiss, or London Blue — the variety should be clearly identified.
• Secure setting: The stone should sit firmly, the prongs should be even, and the precious metal should be hallmarked (585 or 925).
• Good cut: A lively sparkle shows that the stone reflects light optimally.
• Transparency: Treatments such as irradiation should be openly disclosed.

Whether worn as a solitaire or combined with diamonds, topaz looks beautiful in rings, necklaces, and stud earrings. Our 585 yellow-gold ring with London Blue Topaz and diamonds creates a deep-blue look, as does the necklace with London Blue Topaz stations. If you prefer silver, the 925 silver necklace with a blue topaz solitaire offers a radiant highlight. Discover more pieces in our selection of topaz jewelry, as well as our gold gemstone necklaces and gold gemstone rings.

Topaz is easy to care for but does require some attention: clean it with lukewarm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as well as significant changes in temperature — both can damage the stone. Since some topaz colors can fade slightly with prolonged, intense exposure to sunlight, store your topaz jewelry in a dry place protected from light. This way, its blue color will accompany you for many years. With Splendido Jewelry, you enjoy free shipping and returns, as well as a 30-day return policy.

Frequently Asked Questions