How to Care for Topaz Jewelry

Its name deriving from the Sanskrit "tapas" (fire) or the island of Topazos in the Red Sea, the gemstone topaz similarly claims to be the birthstone of two months. Yellow topaz is the birthstone of November, while heat-treated blue topaz competes with turquoise as December's birthstone. In all its colors, this "stone of strength" will last long if cared for properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Choosing Topaz Jewelry

1. Consult with a reputable jeweler before buying. Citrine and smoky quartz often are passed off as yellow or smoky topaz, while quartz is often passed off as blue topaz.
2. Examine topaz gemstones under a variety of light conditions before buying. Yellow and orange topaz look best under incandescent light, while blue topaz looks best under daylight or fluorescent light.
3. Look for settings designed to protect the stone from breakage. Topaz is usually cut so that no facet parallels the direction of its cleavage from the original stone.

Wearing Topaz Jewelry

4. Put your jewelry on last and take it off first. Always complete your makeup before putting on your jewelry so that the chemicals in hairspray and makeup won't damage it and you will have to clean it less often.
5. Remove your jewelry before doing any housework or yard work to prevent the possibility of breaking a clasp or the gemstone itself. Topaz, like diamond, has perfect basal cleavage; a sharp blow from the right direction will split it perfectly along its cleavage line.
6. Avoid exposing your topaz to harsh chemicals, particularly acids.
7. Keep topaz out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures because the sun and heat will alter or fade its color.

Cleaning Topaz Jewelry

8. Pour warm water into a basin and test it for temperature by dipping your hand into it. It should be a comfortable temperature.
9. Add mild dishwashing liquid to the water.
10. Place the topaz jewelry in the solution. Soak from 10 to 20 minutes, according to how dirty the stone is.
11. Remove the jewelry from the cleaning solution and clean the stones with a soft cloth or toothbrush.
12. Rinse the jewelry with warm water and pat it dry.

Storing Topaz Jewelry

13. Wrap each piece of topaz jewelry in its own cloth to keep it from touching other pieces.
14. Place each piece in its own compartment in your jewelry box, separate from other gemstones because harder stones will scratch softer ones. Diamonds, corundum (rubies and sapphires) and alexandrite are harder than topaz, while aquamarines, emeralds and garnets are softer.
15. Store your jewelry in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not clean topaz with ultrasonic or mechanical cleaners. Also, avoid harsh chemical solutions.
• Be especially careful with "rainbow topaz," which is produced by coating topaz with a metallic oxide. This oxide coating can be easily scratched off.
• Some brown topaz will naturally lose its color over time, no matter how well you take care of it.