F A C E T - N A T I O N

An island in the Red Sea, known in antiquity as Topazion, probably the modern island of Zeberget, gave Topaz it's name. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who also was their god of the sun. The Egyptians said that topaz was colored with the golden glow of the mighty sun god Ra. This made topaz a very powerful amulet that protected the faithful against harm.

The old traditions hold that topaz bestowed many benefits upon its wearer. It would relieve bad dreams, dispel cowardice, calm the temper, cure madness and plague, and sharpen the wit. It was thought to aid in sleep and eliminate nightmares, as well as cure rheumatism and soreness in the joints. Topaz was also credited with being effective against bleeding and heart disease. The gem was said to instantly lose its color to indicate that poison was present, thus protecting its owner. Topaz was also thought to bring fidelity and friendship if constantly worn without being set aside. It was also believed to be an effective talisman against accident and fire, and to bring increased intuition and long life.

To Christians, topaz has been known as a symbol of uprightness and virtue. Hindus believe that worn as a pendant, this gemstone will relieve thirst, sharpen intelligence and lengthen one's life. It is thought to be the ideal stone for travelers, protecting them from accidents and homesickness. The ancient Romans credited topaz with preventing sickness of the chest and abdominal tract. If you wish to be clear-sighted wear topaz because legend has it that it helps to improve eyesight! The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Its mystical curative powers waxed and waned with the phases of the moon.

The term Imperial Topaz refers to stones with a fine peachy to reddish orange color. It should not be confused with Citrine or Smoky Quartz, both of which are sometimes erroneously called topaz. Today we also have Blue Topaz, which has a pale to dark blue permanent color created by irradiation. Topaz which is enhanced to become blue is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China.

The golden glow of late afternoon, the reddish orange of sunset and the pink of dawn's first light, these are the colors of topaz, a gem with the warm tones of the sun. Like the sun, topaz is flattering to the skin, lighting up your face with a golden glow that enhances every color in your wardrobe.

True topaz is found in shades of colorless to yellow, orange, red or brown. Topaz sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach and all the beautiful warm browns and oranges in between. The major sources for topaz are Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, Burma, Mexico and PSU! Brown, yellow, orange, sherry, and red. Pink topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia. In North America, Mexico has been an important topaz source and California, Colorado, Utah, Maine, and New Hampshire have also produced topaz. 

Perhaps the most famous topaz is a giant specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, the Braganza, which was first thought to be a diamond. There is also a beautiful topaz in the Green Vault in Dresden, one of the world's important gem collections.

Topaz is a very hard gemstone but it can be split with a single blow, a trait it shares with diamond. As a result it should be protected from hard knocks. Precious topaz is most often found in a scissors cut, a rectangular gem cut with curved sides that has triangular facets. Ovals, cushions, and emerald cuts are also available.