Aug
An Introduction to London Blue Topaz
London blue topaz stands out from other blue topaz gemstones because of its unique shade of blue. It features a deeper, more inky blue compared to regular topaz, yet it is lighter than sapphire.
The value and significance of this gemstone are largely attributed to its color and hardness. Blue gemstones with good hardness and brilliance are rare finds.
London blue topaz enjoys considerable popularity among gemstones. Its rarity, especially in its blue variant, adds to its value. Typically, untreated natural topaz is colorless. Any blue topaz, particularly natural ones, is highly valuable. Most blue topaz available in the market is treated with radiation to achieve its color.
As the birthstone for December, London blue topaz is highly sought after. It symbolizes honesty, clarity of emotions, and emotional attachments.
London Blue Topaz Hardness
London blue topaz scores an 8 on the Mohs scale, indicating its considerable durability, almost comparable to sapphire. It’s suitable for everyday wear, though care should be taken as it can be damaged if struck at certain angles due to its cleavage, similar to how wood splits along its grain.
Given its durability, London blue topaz finds frequent use in various types of jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. However, it is most commonly seen in rings.
Its distinctive shade of blue pairs beautifully with silvers, white gold, and diamonds, making it an excellent choice for engagement rings. It is also a traditional gift for the 4th wedding anniversary.
London Blue Topaz Shapes
London blue topaz can be cut and shaped into almost any desired form, much like other gemstones. Cabochons, the oldest form of cut gems, can be oval, square, rectangular, or round, though they are usually reserved for eye-clean gemstones rather than those with heavy inclusions.
Among the most common cuts for London blue topaz are step cuts, emerald cuts, brilliant cuts, and round cuts. The step cut, with its parallel facets, is particularly popular because it maximizes the gem’s reflective light and brilliance. The downside is that it makes inclusions more visible. If seeking something unique or whimsical, consider oval, heart, or pear-shaped cuts.
London Blue Topaz Sizes
The largest blue topaz recorded is 9,381 carats. They range in size from as small as 0.11 carats to around 9.52 carats on average. London blue topaz gems are available in virtually any size or cut you can imagine. Finding high-quality stones in larger dimensions is relatively easy, although this depends on your definition of “large.”
London Blue Topaz Colors
London blue topaz is renowned for its medium to dark blue color with an inky or steel-like appearance, which can sometimes appear gray or slightly green depending on lighting and angles.
Available in both lighter and darker shades, these are marketed as sky blue topaz and Swiss blue topaz. The most saturated blues command higher prices, making London blue topaz the most valuable. When purchasing, ensure the blues are heavily saturated with a greenish or grayish tint.
London Blue Topaz Clarity
Similar to diamonds, London blue topaz generally has inclusions but appears eye-clean, meaning inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. According to the GIA, most London blue topaz is free of inclusions, though rough crystals yet to be treated may contain them.
The value of London blue topaz can be influenced by its clarity and size, but color and hue intensity are more significant. The rarest and most valuable are those with the deepest blues and pinks, even if they have inclusions.
London Blue Topaz Sourcing
London blue topaz is not widespread globally. Historically, most has been mined in Brazil, though some deposits have also been found recently in the United States, leading blue topaz to become the state gem of Texas. However, these gemstones remain relatively rare.
London Blue Topaz Treatments
Blue topaz is rare in nature, and most, especially London blue topaz, are produced through heat treatment or irradiation.
To verify if blue topaz is entirely natural, examine its color and price. Natural blue topaz is very light and exceptionally rare, commanding higher prices. London blue topaz, which is darker, achieves its hue through irradiation of colorless topaz.
London Blue Topaz Buying Guide
When purchasing a London blue topaz piece, consider your budget first. Although not rare or naturally occurring, ensure the price is sensible for the gemstone and your budget. Next, choose a shape. The gem is available in various shapes and cuts, so personal preference plays a significant role. For daily wear, opt for cuts that do not prominently showcase the facets, as these may be more prone to damage.
Lastly, check the stone and seller’s quality. Ensure the seller provides certifications from the GIA or other reliable sources, especially if the piece includes diamonds. Buying from a well-reviewed online source is advisable.
FAQs
What is the difference between blue topaz and London blue topaz?
The primary difference is that London blue topaz’s color is not natural. It is achieved through irradiation and heat treatment to obtain a darker hue.
Does London blue topaz occur naturally?
No, London blue topaz does not exist in nature.
Are all London blue topaz stones irradiated?
Yes, all London blue topaz stones undergo irradiation to achieve their distinctive hue.
Can you wear London blue topaz every day?
Absolutely, London Blue Topaz is suitable for everyday wear! With a Mohs scale rating of 8 for mineral hardness, it is durable enough for daily use, especially in rings and pendants.
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