London blue topaz jewelry
Handcrafted london blue topaz necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, made to order in our Colorado studio. Set in sterling silver, 14K gold-fill, and solid 14K gold.
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About london blue topaz
London Blue Topaz is a a deep blue variety of topaz, an aluminum fluorosilicate mineral, treated from colorless topaz through irradiation and heat to produce its signature color rated 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, London blue topaz rates 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. For context, a steel nail is roughly 6.5, sapphire is 9, and diamond is 10. At 8, the stone is hard, though topaz has perfect cleavage which makes it more vulnerable to chipping than aquamarine or sapphire. Protective settings are recommended for rings, and the stone should be removed before activities involving sharp impacts.. Its color ranges from deep teal-navy blue, the darkest and most saturated of the blue topaz varieties, with a sophisticated almost steely quality, with the most prized stones showing even saturation and high clarity.
Topaz has been used in jewelry since antiquity, with the name likely derived from Topazios, the ancient Greek name for Saint John's Island in the Red Sea. Natural blue topaz is exceptionally rare, so virtually all blue topaz on the market today, including London blue, is produced by treating colorless topaz with irradiation followed by heat. London blue is the darkest of the three main blue topaz grades, after Swiss blue and sky blue. Most topaz rough comes from Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
Historically, london blue topaz has been associated with calm, honesty, and strength of conviction. In crystal healing and metaphysical traditions, blue topaz is associated with the Throat Chakra. It is linked to clear communication, integrity, and the confidence to speak from one's own perspective. Practitioners often use it as a stone for self-expression and steady focus, themes that align with topaz's role as a November and December birthstone.
London Blue Topaz vs sapphire
Same color family, different stones. Here's how to choose.
London Blue Topaz
London blue topaz and sapphire are entirely different mineral families. Sapphire is a variety of corundum and rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale; London blue topaz is an aluminum fluorosilicate and rates 8. Sapphire's blue color is natural and comes from trace iron and titanium; London blue topaz is treated from colorless topaz with irradiation and heat.
Sapphire
Sapphire reads as a deeper, more saturated blue with cultural weight as a fine gemstone and engagement-ring alternative, at significantly higher price points. London blue topaz reads in similar deep-blue territory with a slightly greener undertone at a much more accessible cost. If you are deciding between the two, sapphire is the heirloom investment; London blue topaz is the wearable everyday alternative with similar visual depth.
Born in December?
London Blue Topaz is one of four modern birthstones for December December birthstones, alongside blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise are all modern birthstones for December. For people who follow birthstone jewelry traditions, London blue topaz makes a sophisticated December option. Its deep teal-navy tone reads more like sapphire than the brighter Swiss blue, the stone is hard enough for daily wear, and the price point is far more accessible than sapphire while delivering similar visual depth.
See all December birthstones on the December birthstone jewelry hub.
Shop December birthstone jewelryShop more
Made to order in Colorado
Every london blue topaz piece is handcrafted to order in our Steamboat Springs studio, shipped in about 10 business days, and arrives in eco-friendly gift packaging.
Frequently asked questions
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Is London blue topaz a birthstone?
Topaz is an official birthstone for both November (alongside citrine, since 1912) and December (blue topaz was added in 2002). London blue topaz is also a popular affordable alternative to sapphire for September birthdays because of its similar deep blue color at a much lower price point.
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Can you wear London blue topaz every day?
Yes. Topaz scores an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it harder than quartz, garnet, and amethyst. It is well suited for daily wear in rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Bezel settings are recommended for rings because topaz has one direction of perfect cleavage. Avoid steam cleaning, ultrasonic cleaners, and sudden temperature changes.
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Is London blue topaz natural or treated?
Nearly all London blue topaz on the market begins as natural colorless or pale topaz that is irradiated and then gently heated to develop its deep teal-navy color. This treatment is permanent, stable in normal wear, and is the industry standard for blue topaz. Natural blue topaz with London blue depth is extremely rare. At Erin Gallagher Jewelry, we fully disclose all treatments.
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What is the difference between London blue topaz and Swiss blue topaz?
London blue topaz is the deepest and most saturated shade of blue topaz, with a teal-navy color that often has subtle gray or green undertones. Swiss blue topaz is a brighter, more vivid blue, similar to Caribbean blue. Sky blue topaz is the lightest shade. All three are topaz (Mohs 8) and share the same durability. London blue is typically the most sought-after of the three.
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Can London blue topaz go in water?
London blue topaz is safe for brief water contact when cleaning. Use warm soapy water and a soft brush. However, avoid prolonged soaking, chlorinated pools, salt water, steam cleaning, and ultrasonic cleaners. Topaz can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes, so avoid extreme heat.
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What does London blue topaz symbolize?
London blue topaz symbolizes communication, clarity, calm, truth, and wisdom. It is connected to the Throat Chakra (5th Chakra), the energy center governing self-expression and honest communication. Topaz is associated with the zodiac signs Scorpio and Sagittarius and is the traditional gemstone gift for a 4th wedding anniversary.