Imperial topaz

[JTM222]

Would like some opinions on this [ images attached]. I got it a while back and since have had it independently lab verified as natural topaz, 67 ct, interally flawless/eye clean.

 

[LoversKites]

What kind of opinions do you want? If you want to know how much you can sell it for I have no idea. To sell it you should get a report from a widely known lab, first and foremost (i have no idea who graded it and what they said of treatments) like AGS. GIA would also do.

 

[pregcurious]

AGL is a reputable lab for colored stones.

In terms of cost, a colored stone appraiser would be able to tell you a range. The price for resale and insurance will be very different. You can also look around at the vendors listed under under the vendor thread. It may be hard to find a match. I've never looked for that large of a topaz.

Here is a start:
http://www.africagems.com/topaz5carat.html

 

[LoversKites]

AGL is a reputable lab for colored stones.

Lol, my mistake. That's what happens when I lurk on RT too much .

 

[JTM222]

AGL is a reputable lab for colored stones.

In terms of cost, a colored stone appraiser would be able to tell you a range. The price for resale and insurance will be very different. You can also look around at the vendors listed under under the vendor thread. It may be hard to find a match. I've never looked for that large of a topaz.

Here is a start:
http://www.africagems.com/topaz5carat.html

I was originally thinking of selling it. Looking at other comparable ones , like on africagems.com, it seems that I would be able to get a decent price on this one [probably 5k+], especially given its large size. They don't seem to make em at this size anymore - im guessing its more profitable for vendors to cut them down to smaller [ and many of them] rather than one big size.

The alternative I was thinking about was to just keep it and make into jewellery for my daughter after a while. This stone will make a nice pendant. Maybe a set- pendant + ear rings set. id say this is my preferred option.

Im presuming any good reputable jeweller could give me numerous designs to choose from.

 

[chrono]

Cutting it into several smaller pieces will make its overall value far less due to severe loss of saturation (shorter light path = lighter tone and browner) and less $/ct (more common and lost the price jump at the magic carat weight markers).

 

[JewelFreak]

Nice color -- did you buy it in the States? It would make a stunning pendant -- what are its dimensions? If you plan to sell it, you do need a report from a lab such as AGL. Wow, by all means, don't have it cut down!

 

[pregcurious]

Whatever you do, please do not cut it. What makes it the most special and valuable to others is the size that goes with the color. As Chrono stated, if you cut it, you will lose some of the color, and of course it will be smaller.

 

[JTM222]

Whatever you do, please do not cut it. What makes it the most special and valuable to others is the size that goes with the color. As Chrono stated, if you cut it, you will lose some of the color, and of course it will be smaller.

Ok. I guess I won't get it cut. I was originally thinking of making smaller pieces because 67 ct is a quite large stone for a pendant. I originally thought something like cutting to 37 ct center stone in pendant and two 15 ct earrings would do. But if it's going to lessen the overall value and subdue it's color then I won't do this. What I like most about this is the soft sunset orange color. That to me is a wonderful color and tough to find in a lot of gems.

 

[Marlow]

Is it untreated??

 

[pregcurious]

Here's an article about enhancements:
http://www.professionaljeweler.com/archives/articles/1999/may99/0599fys2.html

 

[txgreeneyes]

I've been drooling over this topaz for several days. I agree to keep it at this size. It'd be a beautiful pendant.

 

[JTM222]

Is it untreated??

The only treatment may be heat. The lab report did detailed tests [ uv, absorption, Chelsea filters, refractive index, polariscope and dichroscope]. No indications for any treatment.
they said something about the angular color banding confirms the stone is natural.

How would one determine if the stone is heat treated?

 

[chrono]

The lab report should tell you whether it is untreated or treated (heated, clarity enhanced, coated, etc), so if it is heated, it should say "heated" under the enhancement part.

 

[JTM222]

It's been a while since I last posted. I still have the topaz as shown above. Haven't done anything to it - may just sell it (as I have another one almost as big and about the same colour
My question here is..would you consider the above imperial topaz or just a form of precious topaz?
My view is that it's not imperial - needs more red /pink. There is too much yellow and brown in this I think; notwithstanding it's beauty which is fantastic and I certainly consider myself lucky to own 2 similar pieces