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Topaz is a highly popular gemstone among jewellery retailers, particularly in its blue shades, due to its excellent faceting properties and impressive hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale.
Commercially, blue topaz is categorised by shade and sold under names such as London Blue (deep, inky blue), Swiss Blue (vibrant medium blue), and Sky Blue (pale, light blue).
In ancient times, the term “topaz” was broadly applied to any yellow or golden gemstone. The origin of the name is debated: some sources trace it to the Sanskrit word “tapaz,” meaning “fire,” while others link it to Topazos Island (the ancient name for Zabargad Island in the Red Sea), historically known as a source of peridot (which the ancients mistakenly called topaz).
Topaz is a silicate mineral composed of aluminium and fluorine. Although blue topaz dominates the jewellery market, the gem occurs most commonly in a colourless state and is naturally available in a wide array of colours. As with many coloured gemstones, rarity drives value—certain varieties command higher prices. The most prized are known as “precious topaz”: Imperial Topaz and Sherry Topaz, the only varieties officially recognised with distinct trade names.
Imperial topaz is considered the most valuable and expensive variety, prized for its natural pink to pinkish-orange (or reddish-orange) hue. According to the GIA, it was first discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains during the 19th century and reserved for the Russian imperial family, earning its name in honour of the tsars.
Sherry topaz is another rare naturally occurring variety, named for its resemblance to the warm, golden-brown colour of sherry wine. It typically displays light brownish-yellow to medium orange-brown tones.
Topaz holds multiple roles in modern gemstone symbolism:
Topaz is an affordable, durable, and visually striking gemstone ideal for everyday jewellery. As with most coloured gems, colour is the primary factor in determining quality and value. The vast majority of blue topaz on the market is produced by heat-treating (and sometimes irradiating) naturally colourless or pale topaz—these treatments are standard, permanent, and stable, with no risk of fading. For budget-conscious buyers seeking vibrant blue hues, treated stones offer excellent beauty and value without compromising durability.
Founded in 1991, EJI is a Hong Kong-based fine jewellery manufacturer specialising in high-quality designs for global brands and private labels. Certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), we combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to create bespoke and trend-setting jewellery. From gold and diamond pieces to vibrant gemstone collections, EJI delivers excellence to markets in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond.
Precious topaz is the birthstone for November (along with citrine), blue topaz is the birthstone for December, Imperial topaz is the gemstone for the 4th anniversary, and the latter (blue) is the gemstone for the 23rd anniversary.
The most valuable varieties are Imperial Topaz (pink to pinkish orange hue, first found in the Ural Mountains in Russia in the 19th century) and Sherry Topaz (light brown/dark yellow hue, named after sherry wine), together known as precious topaz.
