How to Evaluate Yellow Topaz

Yellow topaz is November's birthstone.

Yellow topaz is the most common color of topaz. The yellow colors range from brownish yellow to pure, bright yellow to an almost orange color. Many yellow topaz stones are grown in labs, but yellow topaz also occurs naturally and is generally relatively inexpensive compared to other topaz gems. If you are considering purchasing a yellow topaz, you should keep several things in mind when you buy to make certain that you get the best deal possible on your gem and buy a stone that you will be happy with for some time to come.

Things You'll Need

• Good light
• Jeweler's lens

Instructions

1. 

   Decide what color you like best. Yellow topaz comes in such a wide range of colors that it may be difficult to decide which one you prefer. If this is the case, consider a gradient of small stones set in a single piece of jewelry. The most commonly desired color for yellow topaz is a bright, clear yellow, so if you actually prefer a browner gem then you may be able to negotiate a better price for yourself.

2. Look for surface flaws. Colored gemstones are generally not negatively impacted by interior inclusions in the gem, but a problem on or near the top surface of the gem interferes with the light play within the gem and can make the stone look dull even if it is cut skillfully. Examine the top of the gem carefully and in more than one light to make sure that you like the sparkle of the stone.

3. Evaluate the brilliance. Clear, bright yellow topaz is a beautiful addition to any piece of jewelry. Make sure that your gem sparkles with the color and brilliance that you desire inside and outside the salesroom. Many times jewelers use spotlights to make gems look more dazzling, so look at the stone in natural light as well as in the bright lights of the store.

4. 

   Make sure that your stone is topaz and not citrine. Citrine is a common stand-in for yellow topaz and is even called "gold topaz" by many dealers. If your jeweler refers to a stone as gold topaz, this likely indicates that you are not looking at topaz at all.

5. Consider the cut. The cut of your gemstone can show off color or sparkle. Traditional cuts are often the favorite for yellow topaz because it tends to have few inclusions and look well with a smooth top surface. More difficult cuts like cushion cuts or custom shapes can dramatically increase the price and value of your gem.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you work with a certified jeweler when you are making a major jewelry purchase. This will allow you some recourse should your stone be damaged or should you find your jewelry not to your liking after you buy it.