What is the November Birthstone? All About Topaz

The November birthstone is the topaz, a beautiful gemstone which can be found in a wide array of colours. Traditionally it is the orange variety of topaz which is used as the November birthstone, but blue topaz, imperial topaz, and green, pink or purple varieties can all be found and made into beautiful jewellery. Topaz has been associated with strength, mental wellbeing, beauty and intelligence.

November Birthstone Meaning and History

It can be tricky to pinpoint the exact history of the gem we now know as topaz. This is because in the past the word “topaz” could be used to describe any yellow coloured stone. Nevertheless, the gem possesses a rich and interesting history.

Some believe the word “topaz” comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, which means “heat” or “fire.” Others trace it back to the Greek topazos. This is the ancient name for St John’s Island in the Red Sea, which was notoriously difficult to find and boasted natural deposits of a yellowish gemstone. Ancient Greeks believed that the November birthstone gave them strength.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, a belief was held that topaz worn on the left arm would protect from magic spells. They also believed the gem could help dispel anger, and ward off the evil eye. In England during that era people believed that topaz could enhance their mental powers, and make them smarter! Indeed, the assumed magical properties of the November birthstone didn’t stop there. People also believed that the gem could increase body heat, and therefore prevent them from catching a cold. In India, people believed that topaz worn above the heart would provide the wearer with beauty, enhanced intellect, and a longer life.

Royals have long appreciated the November gemstone. In Russia where a lot of topaz is mined, the Royal family reserved the finest coloured gems for their own use. These were the deep orange gems, which led to the name “Imperial topaz” for stones in that colourway.

Where Does Topaz Come From?

Topaz can be found in many places around the world. A significant portion of the world’s supply of the November birthstone is unearthed in Brazil. High quality topaz in pinks, red, yellow, orange, and violet are all found in Brazilian mines. Pink topaz is often found in Pakistan.

Other notable sources of the November birthstone are Russia, the USA, Namibia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico and Myanmar.

How to Choose Your November Birthstone

Your choice of topaz will depend on your colour preference first and foremost, as the gem is available in such a variety of hues. Aside from this, it is important that you ask your jeweller the origin of the gemstone. This is because some topaz, as with any gem, can be mined unethically. It is very easy to find ethically mined topaz.

Colour

Topaz, the November birthstone, is available in many colours. The most rare colour of topaz is red. Stones with a reddish hue command the highest value. Pink topaz is a wonderful alternative to pink sapphire or diamond, as it closely resembles both of those gems but is available at a much lower price point.

Stones in the colour range from brownish yellow to brownish orange are referred to as “sherry topaz”. These display colours similar to sherry wine.

Golden or yellow topaz is one of the most common colours. These gorgeous gems are available at a lower price than red or pink topaz.

The most abundant shade that topaz occurs in naturally is clear. These gems are often treated to create blue topaz, which you will find is quite plentiful. Naturally blue topaz is possible but extremely rare.

Clarity

The November birthstone is generally available free from inclusions, so clarity is not a big buying factor.

Cut

Topaz forms in a rectangular crystal structure. For this reason, the majority of topaz gems are cut into elongated shapes such as emerald cuts, pears, and ovals.

However, as topaz is an abundant gem, it is possible to find examples cut into any gem shape.

Carat

Carat refers to the weight of a precious stone. Since topaz is not a rare mineral, you can find it for sale in almost any size. Smaller gems are readily available at a lower cost than many other gemstones. Prices for the November birthstone jump up once the gem is larger than 10mm.

How To Care For Your November Birthstone Jewellery

Caring for your topaz jewellery is simple and stress free. The gem sits at an 8 on the MOHs hardness scale, but unlike other gems of that calibre it does have a lower score for toughness. You can keep your topaz beautiful by taking care not to chip or scratch it with other gems. The best way to do this is to keep it wrapped up in a soft cloth or in it’s own box while storing it, so that other jewellery does not scratch it.

It is not safe to use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner on your November birthstone jewellery. To maintain the integrity of your gem, keep it clean using warm soapy water and a soft cloth.

Yellow to brown gems can fade if exposed to high heat or sunlight, so it is best to store them somewhere cool and dark.

How to Buy a November Birthstone Ring

If you would like to purchase a ring featuring a topaz, we would love to help you out! Get in touch with our in-house bespoke jeweller to discuss your options for this captivating gem.

By Indra Dryden-Shaw