light blue topaz v. aquamarine

[beaujolais]

Aquamarines are pretty but often the ones I''ve seen are not cut too well, the color is a bit off, or it''s just a dead looking stone for some reason. I''ve come to realize that some light blue topaz are quite light, accomplish the acquamarine sort of look and are lots easier to find nice ones in.

How does lt. blue topaz compare to acqua - value, qualities, etc.

Tx.

 

[DiamondExpert]

While you can find all quality of color, clarity and cut, topaz will be considerably less $/ct., assuming you do not demand a natural color blue topaz...99%+ are treated with heat/irradiation.

In aqua, the darker blues (Santa Maria type stuff) will be more expensive than the lighter.

 

[marcy]

I am not a fan of the light blue topaz - it looks kind of glassy to me. I like the optical properties of an aqua better than topaz too. It is hard to find the darker aqua and you will pay more for them per ct. than topaz.

 

[chrono]

While blue topazes are attractive, my mind cannot accept irradiated stones. It''s way too unnatural - which makes them too cheap and plentiful and overtreated. Many people don''t mind that and love it but it''s not for me.

I don''t like light aquas either (too much gray). Why not a light coloured blue sapphire? It''ll cost much less because it isn''t a desired colour by the trade, yet the material will sparkle nicely (and is tougher than a beryl).

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks all. I'm not really looking to purchase anything re this question, just learn.

I was in the store the other day looking for a little gift for someone and I saw a pretty silver and light blue topaz bracelet (which I did buy for their gift). The darker blue topaz don't work for me (looks too glassy, fake, ect.) but these lighter blue topaz were kinda cool. More elegant than the brighter blue ones, I think. Anyway, it make a pretty enough inexpensive gift.

Acquas have always seemed a little hard to get just right.

Chrono, I do believe your are a purist in your gemological pursuits. That is a compliment. I admire that. I don't think I'm that evolved yet. I do understand the thinking on what you said, though.

 

[marcy]

I had to dig out one of my aqua rings to wear today after thinking about it for this post. Good color aquas are hard to find but they are worth it; I find them to be a very pretty gems. The search for "keepers" is half of the fun for me. I hope you find something you love.

 

[pyramid]

Date: 2/25/2008 9:58:57 PM
Author: DiamondExpert
While you can find all quality of color, clarity and cut, topaz will be considerably less $/ct., assuming you do not demand a natural color blue topaz...99%+ are treated with heat/irradiation.

In aqua, the darker blues (Santa Maria type stuff) will be more expensive than the lighter.

DiamondExpert

Are the 1% of natural color blue topaz expensive, do you know what sort of prices per carat?

 

[emeraldlover1]

I have a blue topaz and a few unset aquas. For what its worth, I love my blue topaz and get compliments on it all the time. I know it is treated but I also know how hard I am on my rings and having that stone makes me feel better that if "hurt" it I could get it replaced fairly easily. For me it is a good starter piece of jewelery. I also don''t have a ton of cash to spend on myself and good color aquas are so expensive.

 

[Harriet]

Date: 2/25/2008 9:40:40 PM
Author:sonomacounty
Aquamarines are pretty but often the ones I''ve seen are not cut too well, the color is a bit off, or it''s just a dead looking stone for some reason. I''ve come to realize that some light blue topaz are quite light, accomplish the acquamarine sort of look and are lots easier to find nice ones in.

How does lt. blue topaz compare to acqua - value, qualities, etc.

Tx.

From one vendor alone:
http://www.forevergemstones.com/proddetail.php?ProdID=1813
http://www.forevergemstones.com/proddetail.php?ProdID=1812
http://www.forevergemstones.com/proddetail.php?ProdID=1763

 

[beaujolais]

OMG, Harriet, I didn''t know they could look like that !

 

[cinnamon013]

Date: 2/27/2008 1:38:00 PM
Author: Harriet

Date: 2/25/2008 9:40:40 PM
Author:sonomacounty
Aquamarines are pretty but often the ones I''ve seen are not cut too well, the color is a bit off, or it''s just a dead looking stone for some reason. I''ve come to realize that some light blue topaz are quite light, accomplish the acquamarine sort of look and are lots easier to find nice ones in.

How does lt. blue topaz compare to acqua - value, qualities, etc.

Tx.

From one vendor alone:
http://www.forevergemstones.com/proddetail.php?ProdID=1813
http://www.forevergemstones.com/proddetail.php?ProdID=1812
http://www.forevergemstones.com/proddetail.php?ProdID=1763

That princess is awesome!

 

[marcy]

Great aquas Harriet.

 

[Angara]

Agree with you diamond expert. Aquamarines are more valuable than blue topaz and the deep hue of aquamarine has a very gorgeous blue look.

 

[strmrdr]

imho topaz gets a bad rap because it is so often badly cut, the difference between a well cut one and the usual dregs is night and day.