Topaz comes in several shades of blue, but what is London blue topaz, and what makes it so?
London blue topaz is the darkest and most sought-after. It gets its color using heat treatment to expose the beautiful dark blue hues.
Due to its versatility in different types of jewelry, London blue topaz provides a great option for rings, earrings, pendants, or a necklace.
Before we look at the best ways to wear your topaz, you should also explore the best shape and size for your jewelry.
Is London Blue Topaz a real gemstone?
London blue topaz is a stunning gemstone that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This gorgeous gem is a deep, rich blue color that looks absolutely stunning in any piece of jewelry. However, many people are unsure whether London blue topaz is actually a real gemstone.
The answer is a resounding yes!
London blue topaz is a completely natural gemstone that is formed from the mineral topaz.
This beautiful gemstone is mined in a number of locations around the world, with some of the finest specimens coming from Brazil and Sri Lanka. Whether youāre a gemstone enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of fine jewelry, London blue topaz is a stunning choice that is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Is London blue topaz more expensive than blue topaz?
London blue topaz is a stunning gemstone that has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. This beautiful gemstone boasts a deep, rich blue color that stands out in both its vibrancy and elegance.
While some may assume that London blue topaz is more expensive than regular blue topaz due to its name, this is not necessarily the case. The cost of a gemstone is determined by a variety of factors, including its quality, cut, and size, so it ultimately depends on the specific piece of topaz being compared.
Regardless of its price point, London blue topaz makes for a breathtaking addition to any jewelry collection, and its unique shade is sure to catch the eye of anyone who admires it.
What is the difference between London blue topaz and sapphire?
London blue topaz and sapphire may look quite similar at first glance, but upon closer examination, there are distinct differences. One of the most notable differences is their chemical compositions. While sapphire is made of corundum, London blue topaz is a type of topaz that has been treated to produce its striking blue hue.
In terms of color, sapphires tend to have a darker and deeper blue color, while London blue topaz has a brighter, more vivid blue tone.
Additionally, sapphires are considered to be one of the hardest gemstones, ranking a 9 on the Mohs scale, while topaz is only an 8. These differences may seem small, but they can play a big role in determining which gemstone is right for you.
How can you tell if a London blue topaz is real?
As beautiful as London blue topazes are, it can be challenging to distinguish a genuine stone from a fake one. One way to tell if your blue topaz is real is by taking a closer look at its color. Authentic London blue topazes possess a deep, rich blue shade that wonāt appear too vibrant or bright.
Additionally, you can try looking for microscopic inclusions inside the stone. Although these imperfections make the gem appear cloudy, theyāre also a sign that you have a genuine London blue topaz.
Finally, you might want to consider the setting of the stone. Genuine London blue topazes are often set in precious metals such as gold or platinum, whereas their fake counterparts are typically set in cheaper metals.
4 Ways to Wear Your London Blue Topaz
1. London blue topaz ring
The most common way to showcase your London blue topaz is to wear it in a ring. Now the type of ring is up to your choosing and style, however, the best way to wear your blue gemstone in a ring is classically and simply on its own ā a solitaire ring. A stunning gold (either white or yellow gold) ring using claws to clasp the stone is a sure way to impress friends and family.
Ideally, you would want a blue topaz of greater than 5 carats in size (or 10mm v 10mm round) and cut in either round/brilliant, square/cushion, or trillion is especially nice.
You can also choose to wear your blue topaz in a halo ring. Here is an article about the difference between solitaire and halo. Surrounding the blue topaz with a stunning array of accent diamonds will allow your ring to sparkle without taking the attention away from the centre stone.
2. London blue topaz earrings
Another easy way to showcase your London blue topaz is to wear a pair of beautiful earrings with dark blue gemstone. There are two different types of earring styles you could choose for your topaz ā earring backs or dangle earrings.
For earrings backs, you would only need quite small stones and a round or trillion cut would be best to showcase the light through your stunning blue gem. For this purpose, there is a plentiful supply and availability of blue topaz, and many earrings would be readily available to purchase now.
For the larger, dangling earring style, you may need to consider a different shape and larger size. A pear or teardrop shape would be the best for this style of earring.
Similarly to the ring style above, you can surround your topaz with accent diamonds, being sure not to overcrowd or dwarf your centre stone. Just the right amount of accent diamonds will allow your earrings to glimmer beautifully in the sunshine.
3. London blue topaz engagement rings
Perhaps you are looking for a non-traditional engagement ring. You can read about sapphires as an alternative to diamond engagement rings, however, London blue topaz offers a stunning alternative engagement ring as well.
Topaz is hard and durable ā measuring 8 on the Mohās scale, just after sapphires, meaning it is a great choice for everyday wear without the concern of damaging the stone from bumps and scratches. The deep blue royal color offers a great alternative to diamonds and sapphires and you are more likely to be able to showcase a larger stone compared to a diamond or sapphire. It also provides a much cheaper option too.
4. London blue topaz necklace
Another way to wear your London blue topaz is simply to show it off in a necklace or pendant. Similarly to hanging earrings, you will want to choose a larger stone and unique shape such as a pear or teardrop, however, it is up to your choice and style.
Final word
London blue topaz is surely a stunning gemstone and it provides a unique twist on traditional topaz. While it may be pricier in comparison to regular blue topaz, its gorgeous dark hue makes up for the investment.
The big distinction between London blue topaz and sapphire lies in their composition; sapphires are much harder than London blue topaz and thus more resistant to scratches.
To test if your London blue topaz is genuine, consult with a professional who can cross-examine the stone under magnification or through specific chemical tests.
In either case, an expert can give you unbiased advice based on their knowledge of colored stones. For those wanting to get creative with their jewelry look, London blue topaz can make a tasteful addition to any ensemble!