Topaz from Brazil, Pakistan:

Gem No.

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Clarity Grade

Carat Weight

Price per Carat

Total Price

171B

VVS

1.71

$95

$162.45
Sold

184B

VVS

4.71

$120

$565.20
Sold

553

VS

5.06

$55

$279.40
Sold

747

IF

8.45

$17.50

$147.88
Sold

Imperial Topaz from Ouro Preto, Brazil

No. 171B: Pear Cut, VVS, 1.71 ct., 9.2 x 5.5 x 4.5 mm, faceted by: native cutter, $162.45 Sold

Imperial topaz is a term used in the gem trade to refer to a variety of precious topaz mined in the region of Ouro Preto, Brazil. Imperial topaz ranges in color from a golden yellow, to an orangish-yellow, to a deep pinkish-orange. Unlike yellowish-brown topaz from Mexico and other locations, Imperial topaz will not fade upon prolonged exposure to light. Most Imperial topaz is cut in local Brazilian cutting shops. The Native Cut stones often leave much to be desired in terms of overall proportion and symmetry of facet shape. Shown above is a pink imperial topaz of relatively good cut (It's almost impossible to find expertly crafted imperial topaz that has been cut in Brazil. Very little gem rough imperial topaz is exported). The polish on this stone is very good. The overall shape is suitable for setting in jewelry. Light pink imperial topaz, the most highly prized variety, results from heat treating the pinkish-orange topaz. The orange color is driven off and a pure pink remains. Natural pink imperial topaz does ocassionally occur, but it is very rare and costly. The above pink topaz probably is the result of heat treatment. This gem would look great in a custom white gold or platinum mount in a pendant, pin, or ring.

Imperial Topaz from Ouro Preto, Brazil

No. 184B: Pear Cut, VVS, 4.71 ct., 13.2 x 8.5 x 6.1 mm, faceted by: native cutter, $565.20 Sold

Imperial topaz is a term used in the gem trade to refer to a variety of precious topaz mined in the region of Ouro Preto, Brazil. Imperial topaz ranges in color from a golden yellow, to an orangish-yellow, to a deep pinkish-orange. Unlike yellowish-brown topaz from Mexico and other locations, Imperial topaz will not fade upon prolonged exposure to light. The price of Imperial topaz increases with depth of color. Most Imperial topaz is cut in local Brazilian cutting shops

Although many Brazilian cut gemstones often leave much to be desired, the above gem is well finished. The overall shape is quite attractive. The clarity of the gem is excellent, and the overall proportions, facet shapes, polish and light return are also good. This imperial topaz would make a beautiful centerpiece in a custom designed pendant, pin or ring.

Topaz from Pakistan

No. 553: Ember Cut, VS, 5.08 ct., 10.7 x 8.7 x 7.3 mm, faceted by R. Drummond, $279.40 Sold

Most topaz on the commercial market is some variety of blue; the result of irradiation and heat treatment. Topaz also comes in a variety of other colors including orangish-yellows (Imperial Topaz) and pink. The topaz shown above is a natural very very light pink topaz from Pakistan. The color will not fade upon prolonged exposure to sunlight. The Ember Cut is unusual in that it is a cut-corner rectangular shape with a pointed pavilion. Unlike emerald or step cuts, this gem design results in a rectangular shape with excellent light return and scintillation. This gemstone would make a beautiful centerpiece in a pendant, pin, or ring.

Topaz from Brazil

No. 747: Balanced Oval Brilliant Cut, IF, 8.45 ct., 14.5 x 10.7 x 7.8 mm, faceted by R. Drummond, $147.88 Sold

Topaz occurs in a variety of colors including many shades or blue, orangish-yellows (Imperial Topaz) and pink. Most topaz on the commercial market is some shade of blue; commonly the result of irradiation and heat treatment. The topaz shown above is a pleasing light (sky) blue. This expertly crafted gem displays excellent scintillation and light return. Although the Gemological Institute of America's highest clarity grade for colored gemstones other than diamond is VVS, this stone is actually internally flawless (IF). Search the web and you will readily find blue topaz gemstones of this color selling for as little a $2 per carat. The higher per carat price of this gemstones reflects the hours of labor required to obtain a percision cut delivering fine optical performance. This gemstone would make a beautiful centerpiece in a pendant, pin, or large ring.

This color of blue topaz is commoly the result of enhancement.