Swiss blue topaz jewelry
Handcrafted swiss 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 swiss blue topaz
Swiss Blue Topaz is a a treated variety of topaz, an aluminum fluorosilicate mineral, produced from colorless topaz through irradiation and heat rated 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, Swiss 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 vivid, vibrant medium-light blue, brighter and more saturated than aquamarine, with a clear electric 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 is produced by treating colorless topaz with irradiation followed by heat. Swiss blue is the bright medium-blue grade, between sky blue and London blue in saturation. Most topaz rough comes from Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
Historically, swiss blue topaz has been associated with calm, honesty, and joyful expression. In crystal healing and metaphysical traditions, blue topaz is associated with the Throat Chakra. It is linked to clear communication, integrity, and a sunny confidence in self-expression. Practitioners often use it as a stone for creative voice and steady focus, themes that align with topaz's role as a November and December birthstone.
Swiss Blue Topaz vs aquamarine
Same color family, different stones. Here's how to choose.
Swiss Blue Topaz
Swiss blue topaz and aquamarine are different mineral families. Aquamarine is a beryl and rates 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale; Swiss blue topaz is an aluminum fluorosilicate and rates 8. Aquamarine's soft blue is natural and comes from trace iron; Swiss blue topaz is treated from colorless topaz with irradiation and heat to produce its vivid blue.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine reads softer, paler, and more subtle, with a natural untreated color and heirloom-quality story at higher price points. Swiss blue topaz reads as a brighter, more saturated electric blue at a much more accessible cost. If you are deciding between the two, aquamarine offers the natural-color story; Swiss blue topaz offers the bolder color at a fraction of the price.
Born in December?
Swiss 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, Swiss blue topaz makes a bright gift for anyone born in December. Its vivid electric blue stands out among the cooler December birthstones, the stone is hard enough for daily wear, and the price point makes it the most accessible way to celebrate the month with real color.
See all December birthstones on the December birthstone jewelry hub.
Shop December birthstone jewelryShop more
Made to order in Colorado
Every swiss 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.
Swiss Blue Topaz Jewelry: Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Swiss blue topaz a December birthstone?
Yes. Blue topaz was added to the official December birthstone list in 2002, joining tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. Topaz is also an official November birthstone alongside citrine. Swiss blue topaz is the bright, vivid shade most commonly chosen for December birthstone jewelry. It is also the traditional gemstone for a 4th wedding anniversary.
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Can you wear Swiss 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 all jewelry types including rings. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid steam cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, and sudden temperature changes.
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Is Swiss blue topaz natural or treated?
Nearly all Swiss blue topaz begins as natural colorless topaz that is irradiated with high-energy electrons and then heated to produce its bright blue color. This treatment is permanent, stable in normal wear, and is the industry standard for blue topaz. At Erin Gallagher Jewelry, we fully disclose all treatments.
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What is the difference between Swiss blue topaz and London blue topaz? Is Swiss blue topaz the same as aquamarine?
Swiss blue topaz is a bright, vivid blue similar to Caribbean water. London blue topaz is a deeper teal-navy, sometimes with gray or green undertones. Both are topaz (Mohs 8) with the same durability. The difference is purely color, resulting from different irradiation processes. London blue is the most sought-after; Swiss blue is the most vibrant.
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Is Swiss blue topaz the same as aquamarine?
No. Swiss blue topaz is topaz (Mohs 8), and aquamarine is beryl (Mohs 7.5 to 8). Swiss blue topaz is a brighter, more vivid blue. Aquamarine tends toward a softer, more muted blue-gray. They look similar but are different minerals with different properties. Swiss blue topaz is also generally more affordable.
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What does Swiss blue topaz symbolize?
Swiss blue topaz symbolizes communication, clarity, calm, truth, and serenity. It is connected to the Throat Chakra (5th Chakra), the energy center governing self-expression and honest communication. It is associated with the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Capricorn.