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Topaz has captivated jewellery lovers for centuries with its dazzling clarity and range of colours — from warm honey tones to rich golden amber and icy blues. Though often associated with November as its birthstone, topaz has long been loved for its brilliance and versatility, making it a favourite among antique jewellers.

During the Georgian and Victorian eras, topaz was highly prized and often used in intricate brooches, necklaces, and rings. The most sought-after variety was the rich orange-pink “Imperial Topaz,” mined in Brazil and favoured by European aristocracy. Its fiery colour symbolised strength and affection, making it a popular choice for sentimental jewellery such as love tokens and mourning pieces. Blue topaz, now probably the one you are used to seeing due to modern treatments, was once extremely rare in nature, and early antique pieces featuring it are particularly valuable.

The piece you can see in the picture is a stunning Victorian quatrefoil pendant featuring four pear-cut aquamarines surrounding a central orange topaz, accented by two pink topaz and two peridot stones. It’s fitted with both a brooch pin and roller catch, as well as a pendant loop for versatile wear and showcases classic Victorian colour and craftsmanship.

One of the most famous examples of topaz in historic jewellery is the Braganza Diamond—a massive gem housed in the Portuguese Crown Jewels that was long believed to be a diamond but is now thought to be a colourless topaz. Similarly, the Russian royal collection included exquisite Imperial Topaz jewels gifted to the Tsars from the mines of Ouro Preto.

Topaz continues to sparkle as a symbol of warmth, luxury, and enduring beauty through the ages as well as appealing to contemporary jewellery lovers.

Article originally published in the Purbeck Gazette on 24th November 2025