All About Topaz: The Birthstone for November

What is Topaz?

Topaz is a hard, translucent and sparkling gemstone, which is consistently popular in jewellery design for its colour and radiance. The stone is most commonly colourless, but also found in blue, green, brown or orange. The most popular colour is blue, which in itself is available in a range of tones from pale sky blue through to deep ocean-blue. We use both white topaz and blue topaz in our jewellery designs at Azendi.

Where is Topaz Found?

So where do these colourful gemstones come from? Topaz has been found all over the world, with large deposits mined in Germany, Norway and Sweden, Central & East Asia, and most notably in Brazil.

Most topaz found in nature is clear or colourless. Natural blue topaz is extremely rare, so nearly all blue topaz jewellery features topaz gems that have been heat-treated to achieve the vivid blue of the gems. This treatment is the widely accepted technique used to achieve consistently high quality blue topaz gems, and results in wonderful blue tones that will not fade or discolour.

Topaz Through History

Topaz was mined by the Egyptians and Romans over two millennia ago on the Island of Topazios in the Red Sea. The gemstone was worshipped in ancient Egypt, where it was said to hold mystical powers given by the sun god Ra.

During the 18th century, Brazilian topaz became extremely popular amongst European aristocracy. The famous Braganza topaz was set in the Portuguese Royal crown, and the Parure necklace, belonging to the Swedish royal family, is made with Brazilian topaz.

The Birthstone for November

The topaz is the traditional birthstone for November. We have used blue topaz in our November birthstone jewellery. 

Our sterling silver November birthstone pendant displays the gemstone in a simple polished surround. Matching blue topaz stud earrings are also available to complete the set, or to wear separately as classic everyday earrings.

You can find the November Blue Topaz Birthstone here: Topaz Pendant and the matching earrings here: Topaz Earrings

Topaz Jewellery