Longing to buy London Blue Topaz? Here is a complete guide for you
Blue topaz gleams against the sky’s gorgeous azure hue. This pastel blue diamond is as gorgeous as it is inexpensive. Its cool blue colour and stunning clarity are as soothing as a swimming pool on a hot summer day.
Topaz is said to be able to dispel enchantment. Topaz was thought by the ancient Greeks to have the ability to strengthen strength and make the wearer invisible in times of danger.
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What is London Blue Topaz?
London Blue Topaz is a type of topaz that has a unique medium blue colour. It’s darker than aquamarine or Swiss Blue Topaz, but lighter than the blue sapphires we usually look for. Topaz is a fluorinated aluminum silicate with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. This is the reason Blue Topaz is harder than Quartz but not as hard as Corundum (such as sapphire or ruby) or diamonds. Quartz crystals are prone to this.
Also Read:-How Are Diamonds Made? Natural and Lab Grown Diamonds
History of Blue Topez
Yellow stones were referred to as topaz in ancient times. This name was eventually used for the mineral topaz in particular. Yellow topaz, golden topaz, smoky brown topaz, sherry red imperial topaz, and a few pure pink topaz gemstones are all examples of topaz. Imperial and pink topaz are extremely rare and expensive in good quality.
Blue topaz was formerly the rarest colour, but thanks to a reliable colour enhancement method developed in the 1970s, it is now the most prevalent. As a result, almost every blue topaz on the market today has been treated for colour.
The story of blue topaz is an alchemical tale. Natural radiation in the ground provides the colour in numerous crystals, including zircon and green diamonds, according to scientists studying how colour occurs in minerals. Experiments with topaz revealed that by irradiating and then heating colourless or white topaz, a stable blue colour could be generated.
The freshly treated gem was quickly released onto the market. It was initially prohibitively expensive because of its rarity. However, when the process was refined, and output increased over time, it became shockingly economical.
Colorless topaz is mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China for this technique. Before they are treated, the gems are usually sliced.
National rules govern the release of diamonds and other materials from irradiation facilities around the world to guarantee that they meet safety requirements. The standard for the release and import of blue topaz in the United States is 0.4 nanoCuries per gram for a variety of isotopes, roughly equivalent to 14.8 Bq/gram. It is 74 Bq/gram in the EU and most other nations, a minuscule proportion of the background radiation that everyone is exposed to on a daily basis.
Natural blue topaz does occur, but it is extremely rare and has a very light tint. The majority of natural blue topaz gemstones are found in Brazil. However, a handful has been discovered in Texas in the United States. Texas’ state gem is presently blue topaz.
Color and Treatment of London Blue Topaz
Although blue topaz can be found in nature, it is quite rare. When blue topaz occurs naturally, it is pale in colour. London Blue Topaz is made up of brown or colourless material that has been irradiated and then heats treated to achieve the dark blue colour that does not occur naturally. Fortunately, the colour change is permanent, so you won’t have to worry about it fading over time. Most coloured gemstones marketed today are heat treated rather than irradiated. Heating improves the purity of the stone in addition to assisting in the production of the blue hue. While synthetic London Blue Topaz is available, we only sell mined topaz that has been treated at With Clarity.
Before being set into London Blue Topaz jewellery, a completed gemstone is given a clarity rating once it has been cut. This means that heat-treated and/or irradiation topaz often has a higher clarity rating on the London Blue Topaz clarity scale, hence enhancing its value. Most topaz, on the other hand, is already eye clean, making it a “type 1” gemstone, according to the GIA.
Natural topaz comes in four quality grades: AAAA, AAA, AA, and B. AAAA grade topaz, according to the most widely used scale, has a brilliant natural colour with inclusions that are so small that they are difficult to discern under magnification if they exist at all.
However, London Blue Topaz is an enhanced colour, not a natural colour. AAA is the highest grade of London blue topaz, denoting either improved colour or a less strong hue than AAAA. Under magnification, inclusions may also be easier to see. The lowest quality employed by independent jewellers is AA or possibly B, and this material has muted hues and impurities that can be seen under magnification. Our London Blue Topaz engagement rings are set with AAA-grade stones at With Clarity.
Does Cut Influences Clarity
Any gemstone must be cut and polished before it can be put in jewellery. While the size of a gemstone affects its selling price, clarity is more significant for most gemstones. Rough topaz is cut in such a way that most of the inclusions are removed from the completed product to maximise its place on the London Blue Topaz clarity scale.
This can be done effectively without wasting too much of the rough stone if the gem cutter is experienced. Remember that the topaz clarity evaluation is done on the polished gem, not the rough version. When cutting a gem from the rough, gem cutters aim for a specific shape or style of cut in addition to removing impurities.
The following are some of the most common cuts seen in London Blue Topaz:
1. BRILLIANT CUTS
These are so named because they feature a lot of facets that help a gem shine brighter. These facets allow light to bounce back to the person looking at the stone, and they can be arranged in a curved pattern. The majority of the facets are triangles or kites. The round cut is by far the most popular dazzling cut. Consider a round London Blue Topaz engagement ring if that’s your style. Oval, marquise (pointed oval), pear, princess (square), and heart are some of the other spectacular shapes.
2. STEP CUTS
These are the cuts with the most rectangular and square facets. The facets are aligned parallel to one other, creating the illusion of a “hall of mirrors.” There isn’t much glitter in step cuts, and inclusions are more difficult to hide. The facets, on the other hand, enhance the beautiful colour of London Blue Topaz. The emerald cut is the most popular of the step cuts. This rectangular-shaped stone shines brightly in a rose gold London Blue Topaz Ring. The Asscher cut (square) and baguette are two further examples (thin rectangle).
3. CABOCHONS
London Blue Topaz with inclusions and a rich blue tint is the most common choice. Cabochons are usually round or oval stones with a smooth, polished top, and they are the oldest style of gem cutting. Because the deep blue colour masks many of the inclusions, this typically results in a magnificent jewel.
Is London blue topaz expensive?
London Blue topaz is currently the most popular gemstone in the market. This has raised its price slightly over that of conventional blue topaz, but not by a substantial amount in terms of value.
How can you tell if a London blue topaz is real?
There are a few simple techniques to distinguish genuine topaz from quartz. The hardness factor is the first thing to bear in mind. The original topaz will scratch the glass, however quartz will not. Furthermore, a genuine topaz is chilly to the touch and easily electrifies.
What is the best cut for London blue topaz?
The round cut is by far the most popular dazzling cut. Consider a round London Blue Topaz engagement ring if that’s your style. Oval, marquise (pointed oval), pear, princess (square), and heart are some of the other spectacular shapes.
