How to Buy Topaz

When it comes to the kingdom of semi-precious gemstones, topaz is the king. The stone's color ranges from deep blue to sky blue, and its beauty is breathtaking. Of course, you probably knew that already. When it comes to buying jewelery, some people are left wondering: Where do I begin when you're looking for a beautiful topaz? First of all, you should think about price and quality. If you want to know how to buy topaz, it is important to know what you're looking for and how much your budget is going to be.

This begs the question: What do I need to know before buying topaz?

Topaz is the birthstone for December and quite possibly one of the most popular gemstones on the market. While topaz most often appears clear, flaws factor into its beauty. Impurities in topaz stones determine what color a stone will be, experts say. A lot of topaz jewelery sold by retail outlets has been color treated to beautify and enhance the stone's color. This helps minimize flaws and makes the stone look beautiful, so it is important to talk with jeweler before buying. He or she will be able to help you make an informed decision regarding your purchase.

However, flaws are not the only thing you will need to consider. If you know how to buy topaz, you can outwit salespeople and snag the very best deal.

Color
While blue is the most common color of topaz, there are several other colors to choose from. Buying topaz can be tricky, especially when you are trying to coordinate an outfit. Choosing a color scheme can help. A pink topaz stone goes well with a light color, such as pink or yellow. In most cases, people buy topaz rings to go with every outfit. Many jewelery cases use special lighting to accentuate the colors of gemstones. This can make it difficult to determine the overall quality of the stone and make the right decision.

Topaz comes in colors of pink, yellow and green. What color the stone is will be determined by the minerals that created it.

Cut and clarity
Topaz comes in all shapes and sizes. If the stone is small, it can be hard to spot imperfections. It is easier to find inclusions in larger stones. This is why you should examine the stone outside of a display cabinet, before you buy. Hold it up to the light to spot inclusions. Also, look at the sides of the piece of jewelery, looking for any flaws in the stone's cut.

Another thing to consider before buying is price. Topaz stones set in sterling silver generally cost less than those that are set in gold. Before you buy topaz, it may help to browse online auction sites, such as ebay, to get a feel for what styles are out there. Topaz jewelery that features diamonds and other stones is usually more expensive, so it is best to shop around.

Knowing how to buy topaz will help you find the jewelery you want for the best possible price.

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