What is Imperial Topaz?
In general, Topaz is a large gem family most known for yellow gems, or treated blue gems. The terms “imperial topaz” and “precious topaz” are often used to distinguish between true topaz and the more common or treated alternatives. The Imperial Topaz is recognized as being a “golden orange to pink, or fiery red” hue – this is the rarest of all Topaz, and some of the rarest of all gems.
You may be wondering where the term ‘imperial Topaz’ came from. Legend has it that the first Topaz mines, which produced pink Topaz, were in the Ural Mountains of Russia. It is said the the Imperial Russian family fell in love with the gem and used them in gifts to loyal servants and other European Royals. 100 years later, Spanish and Portuguese settlers in South America discovered imperial Topaz in a new mine in Brazil. These rough gems were probably mixed in with fabulous Tourmaline and Emeralds, the likes of which had never been seen before even in the finest jewelry collections. When the Queen of Portugal saw them, it is said that she fell in love with the rich sherry and peachy pink colored Topaz she saw, and decided to wear them herself. From then on all of the finest Topaz was reserved for royalty, or for her to use as gifts. Thus the term Imperial Topaz began in Russian ballrooms, and was carried on to Portugal. Now the name has stuck!
Most of our gems come from Ouro Preto (Minas Gerais), Brazil. Many gemstone collectors recognize Ouro Preto as the only legitimate origin for Imperial Topaz which makes them the most valuable out of all the imperial topaz gems.
Shop our store for beautiful imperial topaz jewelry.