Birthstone Rings | What Does Heat Treated Topaz Mean?

What Does Heat Treated Topaz Mean?

“Heat treated topaz” – “may have been treated to improve their appearance” – what do these terms mean when it comes to the topaz?

We all see these statements when we’re perusing jewelry online, but what does it really mean?

Well, blue topaz is the most popular color in the topaz but it is not that common naturally. On the other hand, white or clear topaz is the most commonly found and yet is not very popular in topaz jewelry.

So the white topaz is irradiated and heat treated – and – voila! – we have blue topaz! The most desirable blue is an aquamarine shade.

The price of blue topaz jewelry has reduced over the years because there is now so much blue topaz on the market. Nowadays almost all of the blue topaz you buy – particularly at the bottom end of the market – has been heat treated.

Pink topaz is very rare and valuable and so is sometimes created by heat treating brown topaz.

However, remember that these are still real fair dinkum topaz. It does not mean it is synthetic or lab created unless it also says that. It is a genuine topaz which has had some color embellishment – much as a lady might “help” her hair color or add some lipstick! :)

So your heat treated topaz is still a legitimate contender for the November birthstone and if it brings the color you want down to an affordable level, then that has to be seen as a good thing.

Long live the heat treated topaz!

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One Response to “What Does Heat Treated Topaz Mean?”

  1. Jim D on November 22nd, 2009 5:03 pm

    Birthstone rings are a great gift to give to your wife or mother. Having a ring with a stone that represents the birth of there children is a present they will truely cherish.
    Jim D´s last blog ..Do Follow Blog, Comment Luv Keyword Luv My ComLuv Profile

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