How to Pick a Topaz Birthstone

The topaz is aluminum fluorosilicate that crystallizes clear in its pure form, as well as in a variety of colors. While deep blue is the most popular shade with buyers, yellow topaz is the birthstone for November. An alternate eleventh-month birthstone is citrine, a similarly amber-hued gemstone that comes from the quartz family and has less value than topaz. You may need a jeweler's appraisal to tell the two apart.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Reputable dealer
• Synthetic and natural light
• Appraiser
• Documentation of authenticity

View Topaz Birthstones

1. Browse loose yellow topaz stones to get an idea of the range of color and clarity that is available.

2. Pick a color that interests you and compare it to other similar stones. Look for the one that shows the truest medium color evenly throughout the stone, as opposed to those pieces with random spots of light and dark.

3. Examine the topaz for inclusions with the help of a jeweler's magnifier. Visible inclusions are a mark against that particular stone.

4. Pick a topaz that is not too deep or too shallow. The gemstone should dance with reflected light.

Authenticate Your Topaz Purchase

5. Ask your dealer to provide documentation that the birthstone you pick is a genuine topaz, or fluorosilicate of aluminum, and not a citrine or other stone.

6. Ask the dealer whether the stone is natural or has been altered to enhance color or fill inclusions. Pick only natural stones for the most value.

7. Find out where the stone was mined and request documentation of that as well.

8. Discuss any color stability issues. Pass on a stone that requires special care to preserve its golden color.

9. Be sure you are dealing with a legitimate gem seller. Consult an organization, such as the consumer advocate American Gem Society, which has a database of dealers (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• "Inclusions" are natural fissures in gemstones that may add character, but detract from color richness or brilliance. Inclusions are less desirable in topazes than in other gemstones.
• Yellow topaz ranges from brownish-yellow to yellow-orange and pinkish-orange.
• Join a local mineral and gem club or visit a gemstone convention when one comes to your area. These are great places to browse and learn more about gemstones in general and topazes in particular. You can also get a good idea of your personal preferences.
• Some yellow topaz mined in Utah has an unstable center that fades rapidly when exposed to sunlight. It's important to get the stone's history from your dealer.

Resources

• Dealer referrals and consumer help at the American Gem Society