Blue Topaz Oval Charm
Dispatched within 72 hours · 14-day returns
Yes, the blue is treated. Every blue topaz on earth is.
We're just the ones saying it.
What this charm is
The blue topaz charm from House Of 18th Jewellery is a faceted 4x6mm oval blue topaz in a full bezel setting of 925 sterling silver plated in 18ct gold, stamped 925. An oversized oval loop sits above the stone so the charm slides onto a chain without tools. The charm is sold on its own. Chains are sold separately, and any chain bought with a charm is €5 off.
What is blue topaz?
Topaz is an aluminium silicate mineral that rates 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it one of the harder gemstones used in everyday jewellery. Natural blue topaz is extremely rare and pale. Almost all blue topaz sold today starts as colourless topaz that is irradiated and then heat-treated to produce the blue. The colour created this way is permanent and does not fade in normal light.
Why say the stone is treated
Most shops selling blue topaz don't mention treatment at all, even though the colour of blue topaz comes from treatment. House Of 18th Jewellery discloses it because a buyer should know what she's paying for. Treatment doesn't make the stone fake: the stone is real topaz, and only the colour is enhanced.
Which chain to wear it on
The 40cm snake chain is 1mm wide and carries several charms at once. The 45cm dainty chain is 0.25mm wide and made for one charm worn alone. Add either chain to the cart with this charm and €5 comes off the chain automatically at checkout.
How to care for blue topaz and gold plating
Take the charm off before showering, swimming, cleaning or putting on perfume to protect the 18ct gold plating. Topaz is hard, but it can split along one internal plane if it takes a sharp knock, so take the charm off for sport and heavy work. Keep blue topaz out of long direct heat. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth and store it alone in a closed pouch.
Specifications
| Metal | 925 sterling silver, stamped 925 |
| Finish | 18ct gold-plated |
| Stone | Blue topaz, 4x6mm oval, faceted (irradiated and heat-treated) |
| Setting | Full bezel |
| Bail | Oversized oval loop, fits both House Of 18th Jewellery chains |
| Chain | Not included, sold separately (€5 off with any charm) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blue topaz natural? The stone is natural topaz. The blue colour is created by irradiation and heat treatment, which is standard for almost all blue topaz on the market.
Is treated blue topaz safe to wear? Treated blue topaz sold in the EU is safe to wear. The stones are held until any residual radioactivity drops to regulated safe levels before they are sold.
What does 18ct gold-plated mean? 18ct gold-plated means a layer of 18-carat gold (75% pure gold) is bonded over 925 sterling silver. "18ct" describes the purity of the gold plating, not the carat weight of the stone.
Is blue topaz durable enough for daily wear? Blue topaz rates 8 on the Mohs scale, so the stone resists scratches better than most coloured gemstones. A hard knock can still chip it, so take the charm off for sport.
Which chain fits the charm? Both House Of 18th Jewellery chains fit: the 40cm snake chain and the 45cm dainty chain. Buying a chain together with a charm takes €5 off the chain.