Topaz Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Accompanying value information:

Topaz Buying Guide

Why are Topaz and Citrine Gemstones Misidentified?

The International Gem Society (IGS) has a list of businesses offering gemstone appraisal services.

Although clarity and size have a significant effect on the value of topaz, color has the greatest impact on pricing.

The highest values go to the rare pink and red stones, then orange and yellow. Intense, reddish orange topaz is sometimes called “imperial topaz.” Yellow, orange, and brown stones are somewhat common. Colorless topazes are common and are low-value gems in any size.

Topaz, Russia, (17.84). Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.

The term “precious topaz” refers to stones with a rich yellow to a medium, peachy orange color.

Oval-cut precious topaz, 11.30 cts, Brazil. Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.

Blue has become the most popular color for topazes on the market today. However, almost all such gems began as colorless or pale blue topazes. A safe and very common heat-and-radiation treatment gives them striking, darker colors. Blue topazes are very inexpensive.

Oval-cut, “Swiss blue” topaz, 6.55 cts, 12.10 x 9.80 x 7.31 mm, Brazil. Photo courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Jasper52.

For more information on topaz quality factors, consult our buying guide and engagement ring guide.