November’s birthstone is none other than the tantalizing topaz, which takes its name from the Sanskrit word for fire. Topaz is often confused with another gemstone called citrine (another November birthstone) because the two have a similar color (although they differ in size and form). The most common colors for topaz are brown, orange, yellow, and yellow-gold – all colors that are similar to the colors of citrine.

In the 19^th century, Russian czarinas wore jewelry made from red and pink topaz (the rarest colors for topaz), hence the name ‘Imperial Topaz’. The most famous topaz, however, is a topaz called the ‘Braganza Diamond’. The Braganza Diamond is actually a colorless topaz and was originally thought to be a diamond, which is why the Braganza Diamond is thus named.

Although topaz is a very hard gemstone, with an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it must be handled very carefully, as it is in fact rather delicate and can break easily if not well-cared for.

Create Your Own Custom-Made Topaz Jewelry!