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Topaz as the birthstone
for November
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Topaz, hydrous
aluminum silicate, is a translucent gemstone with a vitreous luster
that wields grace and wisdom with clarity of purpose and precision.
Topaz is a gemstone that facilitates manifestation. Because of strong
chemical bonds within this mineral, topaz is the hardest of silicate
minerals.
Yellow Topaz is the birthstone for the month of November, comes
from a Sanskrit word meaning "fire". And in ancient lore,
it could be used to control heat. It was said to have the power
to cool boiling water, as well as excessive anger. As medication,
topaz was used to cure fever.
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Topaz ring
During the middle ages, the topaz was used mostly
by royalty and clergy. A 13th century belief held that a topaz engraved
with a falcon helped its wearer cultivate the goodwill of kings,
princes and magnates.
Topaz was once thought to strengthen the mind,
increase wisdom, and prevent mental disorders. It was thought to
guard against sudden death. Powdered topaz added to wine was used
to prevent asthma and insomnia. A cure for weak
vision called for immersing the stone in wine for three days and
nights, then rubbing the liquid on the eyes. |
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The mineral topaz
Topaz occurs in a range of magnificent colors
— blue, pale green, varying shades of yellow, pink, red, brown
and even black. Pure topaz itself is a colorless
stone. Red and some pink topaz get their colors from chromium that
is substituted for aluminum in the crystals. But
most other colors occur due to minor element substitutions and defects
in the crystal. Some colors are unstable and can fade away; for
example, brown topaz mined in Siberia can be bleached
by sunlight. In other stones, color changes can be induced by heating.
High energy irradiation and moderate heat treatment
of colorless topaz can transform it to blue gemstones. |
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3
The mineral topaz
Crystal Habits include a prismatic crystal with usually
two different prisms that produce a rounded or sharp diamond-shaped
cross-section. The termination is typically capped by a dome forming
a roof like top. Another dome can modify the termination
producing a point at the juncture of the two domes.
A basal pinacoid can flatten the
prisms termination or truncate the top of the domes. The pinacoid,
multiple domes and occasionally orthorhombic pyramid
faces can produce a complex, multifaceted and well formed termination.
Topaz can be granular and massive. |
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Imperial topaz crystal
This gem, with its lively fire, clarity, beautiful
colors and hardness is ideal for jewelry such as
clips, necklaces, brooches and bracelets. Pure
topaz, when brilliantly cut, can be often mistaken
for a diamond. Because of its rarity, topaz is
an expensive gem. The most valued and
rarest color is red. Imperial topaz — sherry colored varieties
of brownish- yellow, organic
yellow and reddish brown - are the most popular topaz stones and
command high prices, as do pink
colored stones. Light blue and pale yellow topaz is of less value,
but is nevertheless stunning in beauty. |
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Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria,
Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China. Citrine is sometimes substituted for Topaz
because it's readily available and less expensive. |
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A touch of "White
Magic" tour the globe |
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1
Christian Tse
2 Casa Vhernier
White Magic was displayed in locations as special as
the Royal Opera House in London and the Cooper Hewitt
Museum in New York, and in major cities including Milan, Moscow, Dubai,
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Nagoya (Japan) and Sydney, an exceptional exhibition
of unique pieces of jewellery is about to take life
with the collaboration between the world's greatest
pearl source and some of today's top international designers. |
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oleman ouglas Pearls 4 David Yurman
2005 marks the 50th anniversary of the first South Sea
pearl farm, established at Kuri Bay - one of the remotest
parts of the Kimberley coast in Northern Australia. To celebrate this
unique anniversary, which highlights the successful
collaboration between man and nature, the South Sea
Pearl Consortium, has organized this truly magical collection which showcases
the jewellery style and talent of each of the designers, as their imagination
is captivated by the sensuous beauty of these gem quality
pearls, generously made available by the Paspaley Pearling
Company. |
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5 Ellagem
6 Fai Co
7 Gisele Moore
8 Henry Dunay |
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Seventeen
renowned international designers Kaoru Kay Akihara, Lorenz Baumer, Coleman
Douglas, Henry Dunay, Ellagem, Fai Co, Jurgen Kammler, Lily Lam, Gisele
Moore, Nanis, Orlando Orlandini, Staurino Fratelli,
Tiffany & Co., Christianise, CasaVhernier, Stephen
Webster and David Yurman have contributed to this unique collection
by each creating, for this spectacular exhibition, an exclusive and
dazzling piece, or set, of jewellery, highlighting the
special magic and beauty of South Sea cultured pearls. |
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Lily Lam
12 Lorenz Baumer
13 Orlando Orlandini
The result is pure magic - "White magic",
and the collection has already cast a spell on one of
New York's leading photographers, Douglas Dubler. |
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14 Nanis
15 Staurino Fratelli
16 Stephen Webster
17 Tiffany & Co
The time has now come for others to make sure they experience, for a short
while only, the extraordinary power of "White Magic". |
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Topaz
as the birthstone for November