Topaz: November’s Birthstone

Were you born in November? Or is your partner a November baby? You can select between two fabulous birthstones, Citrine or the well-known Topaz gemstone.

You can find the Topaz gemstone in a kaleidoscope of colours, ranging from bright yellow to blue and pink, making Topaz highly sought after amongst jewellery lovers. Traditionally, blue topaz is given for a fourth wedding anniversary, while imperial topaz is gifted to couples celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary.

Shining Diamonds’ guide takes a look at Topaz, November’s birthstone.

A Brief History of November’s Birthstone

Topaz’s history goes back many millennia, but the gemstone was named after a small island in the Red Sea called Topazios (now known as Zabargad). 

November’s birthstone has been associated with several cultures as a stone that has various healing properties. Ancient Greeks believed that Topaz gave you strength and could be used to heal eye and sight ailments which led to the belief that if Topaz could heal the eyes, it could make a person invisible during times of emergency or danger.

During the Renaissance, it was thought that topaz could break magic spells or curses and dispel feelings of anger. Indians believed wearing a Topaz gemstone by their heart would help them live a long healthy life meant living a long life, alongside the wearer possessing intelligence and beauty for many centuries.

Where is November’s Birthstone Found?

Most of the world’s Topaz deposits are found in Brazil and Russia. The Brazilian state of Minas Gerais in Southeast Brazil is where almost all Imperial Topaz is mined worldwide. Historically, the Ural Mountains in Russia produced a lot of Imperial Topaz in the 19th century. While Blue Topaz can be found in many countries, including the United States, China, Mexico and Madagascar to name but a few.

What Colour is Topaz?

Typically, you can find Topaz in the following colours:

• Blue
• Pink
• Yellow
• Orange
• Purple

Where is Topaz Rated on the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Topaz is rated 8 on the Mohs Hardness scale. However, Topaz is vulnerable to cracking, chipping and extreme temperature changes. These factors can cause discolouration or damage, so storing your Topaz jewellery in separate pouches or boxes is essential. This prevents the gem from being scratched by harder materials or harder-wearing gemstones, like sapphires or diamonds.

Our Tips for Caring for Topaz Diamond Jewellery

Knowing how to care for your Topaz diamond jewellery is crucial to maintaining its signature blue hue. When it comes to caring for your Topaz ring or pendant, you should:

• Avoid exposing the stone to extreme heat or sunlight.
• Store your Topaz jewellery in a cool, dark place, away from direct light.
• Don’t wear your Topaz pendant or ring for household chores or physical activities.
• Get your Topaz jewellery cleaned by a professional jeweller once a year.

Buy Your Topaz Jewellery from Shining Diamonds

Treat yourself to mesmerising topaz diamond jewellery from Shining Diamonds. Our diamond experts are here to help you find a topaz pendant or diamond ring you want to wear for any occasion. 

Take the first step to buying your November birthstone jewellery by booking an appointment at our Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, Hatton Garden or Brighton Lanes showrooms today.