Experts tend to disagree over the origins of the word ‘topaz’. Some argue that it is derived from the old Greek word Topazios, which was the name given a small island in the Red Sea, now called Zabargad, where a host of gemstones could be found. Others believe its origins lie in the Sanskrit word ‘topas’ or ‘tapaz’, which means ‘fire’. Either way, this beautiful gemstone has been associated with warmth, fortification, and strength for centuries, which makes it the perfect birthstone for bringing light and joy to the chilly month of November.
At one point, topaz was thought to be an exclusively yellow stone, but it can actually be found in a variety of shades, from an icy crystalline hue to pure sky blue, via pink, orange, and even deep cognac.
It’s also a jewel famously connected to royalty: rare, sunset-hued ‘Imperial’ topaz was mined in the Ural Mountains of Russia during the 19th century and reserved exclusively for the royal family. A century beforehand, a huge 1,680-carat colourless topaz was discovered in Brazil and mistaken for an enormous rough diamond. It was dispatched to Lisbon, where it entered the palace of Queen Maria Isabella of Portugal and named the Braganza Diamond, in honour of her family.
These days, royal topaz wearers include the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex, who both favour the gemstone in powder-blue hues, and Queen Silvia of Sweden, who has sported a spectacular parure of rosy-pink topaz to official royal functions.
Whichever shade of topaz takes your fancy, it’s guaranteed to bring welcome warmth and sparkle to any jewellery collection. Here, our edit of the finest topaz pieces worthy of celebrating a November birthday this year.
Tasaki’s sparkling ‘Ore’ earrings are a sculptural interpretation of volcanic lakes, with one vibrant blue topaz and a honey-coloured citrine (November’s other birthstone) framed by climbing rows of lustrous South Sea Pearls.
Bulgari’s ‘Prodigious Colour’ necklace is just that – an evocation of Italian joy and glamour, wrought in an astonishing rainbow of precious gems.
The deep denim tones of the central London blue topaz in this modern cocktail ring are echoed in the sparkling sapphires and aquamarine in its spectacular surround.
With a spectacular imperial topaz weighing over 24 carats, this high jewellery necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels’ starry Sous Les Étoiles high jewellery collection is truly out of this world.
A favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge, this pretty topaz and diamond pendant would make the perfect birthday gift this month.
In a nod to the designer Paloma Picasso’s love of colourful gemstones, this ring, from Tiffany & Co’s classic ‘Paloma’s Studio’ collection, combines a custom-cut hexagon topaz with warm yellow gold for a modern statement piece.
A beautiful deep London blue topaz shimmers at the heart of this contemporary design, flanked by two twinkling white diamonds. Modern mermaids will adore this modern alternative to a classic diamond engagement ring.
Wrought in delicate platinum studded with shimmering blue gemstones, including over five carats of blue topaz, this beautiful bangle evokes the dancing trails of a dragonfly in flight.
Two emerald-cut gold topaz stones, set against trapeze slivers of black onyx, are a graphic interpretation of the stripes of a tiger’s pelt.
Part of Alessandro Michele’s latest high jewellery collection for Gucci, this sunshine-hued topaz ring was inspired by the wonders of the natural world.
