There’s something undeniably captivating about London Blue Topaz. Its rich, velvety hue, deeper and more mysterious than traditional topaz, exudes sophistication. It is a gemstone that demands attention not through brilliance alone, but through depth, grace, and an almost hypnotic clarity.
Here they are gracing my workbench, a selection of exquisite London Blue Topaz gemstones, ovals and pear-shaped, awaiting their transformation. These stones, with their enchanting deep blue tones, are destined to become timeless earrings. As they catch the light, even unmounted, they hint at the magic to come.
They are designed to be suspended from my signature settings, highlighting every facet and subtle shade within the stones. Once mounted, the gems will come alive, each movement enhancing their brilliance, each angle revealing new depths of colour.
Timeless, Versatile, and Undeniably Elegant
What I love most about London Blue Topaz is its versatility. It suits both modern and timeless aesthetics, pairing effortlessly with silver, white gold, or platinum. Whether it’s for a glamorous evening or simply elevating the everyday, this gemstone never fails to deliver understated elegance. These stunning earrings are ready to meet the world and I'm reminded why I fell in love with this gemstone in the first place. Deep. Mysterious. Mesmerising.
What Is London Blue Topaz?
London Blue Topaz is a striking variety of topaz known for its deep, inky teal-blue hue, darker and more intense than the lighter "Swiss Blue" or "Sky Blue" topaz.
Though topaz is naturally colourless or lightly tinted, it is commonly treated to enhance its colour, particularly to achieve the striking, saturated blues like London Blue. This enhancement is an industry-standard technique, widely accepted and used by reputable jewellers and gemstone suppliers around the world.
The process typically involves irradiation followed by heat treatment, which alters the internal structure of the gemstone slightly, allowing rich, stable colours to emerge. It’s a safe and permanent enhancement, meaning the beautiful hue won’t fade over time with normal wear or exposure to light.
Much like how sapphires and rubies are heat-treated to intensify their colour, colour enhancement in topaz allows the full beauty of the stone to be brought out while maintaining its natural brilliance and durability.
London Blue achieves its signature shade through a specialised irradiation and heat process that brings out its dramatic depth, making it one of the most sought-after blue gemstones.
Topaz itself has a long history, believed to have been named after the ancient Greek name for a legendary island in the Red Sea, Topazios (now Zabargad). Throughout history, topaz has symbolised love, loyalty, and clarity of thought. In many cultures, it was also believed to have protective powers and bring calm to the wearer.