November babies are very fortunate to have one of the most beautiful and versatile birthstones in the year—topaz. Topaz can be found in many different shades and tones to match your personal style and every season. Topaz is also more affordable than many other gems, making it a great addition to any November baby’s jewelry collection.
Topaz
Topaz is typically thought of as a rich golden color that represents the month of November. Topaz can be found in igneous rocks and hydrothermal veins, and it is a hard silicate mineral. While topaz is typically associated with a golden hue, the stone can be found in any color in the rainbow. In the 1960s, scientists discovered a method to turn colorless topaz a gorgeous blue shade, so many topaz pieces on the market are actually blue.
In ancient times, the Greek scholar Pliny referenced topaz, but scholars believe that he was referencing another yellow gemstone instead. In fact, many yellow gemstones throughout history were referred to as topaz until science evolved far enough to tell the difference.
During the Renaissance period in Europe, it was believed that topaz could calm anger and break spells. Topaz was also thought to be sacred, and shamans used it in healing rituals. In India, people wore topaz jewelry above the heart to ensure a long life, encourage beauty and increase intelligence. Some also wore topaz amulets on their left arms to ward off dark magic or hexes. The stone was also very significant in Russia. The Ural Mountains were a major source of topaz in the 19th century, and the pink-orange variety was named Imperial topaz. Only Russian royals could own that variety of topaz for many years.
In the mid-19th century, numerous large topaz deposits were found in Brazil. Thanks to that sudden surplus, topaz was made much more affordable for the average person to own. Today, topaz is also known as the official gemstone of Texas and Utah. The stone is very versatile and can be worn in rings, broaches, earrings or other settings to match your style.
How Much Are Your Gemstones Worth?
Whether you have a topaz necklace that is a treasured family heirloom or you are looking to see the value of another piece in your collection, SAZ Gem & Jewelry Appraisal is here to help. For more information, give us a call at 425-785-1871.