WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE
Origins and Rarity
Diamonds are often thought of as a symbol of preciousness, but it is the particular combination of clarity, color, carat and cut that defines each stone. Diamonds have been mined for over 2000 years. Most natural diamonds are now found in Canada, Australia, Russia and Africa.
Topaz is a silicate mineral that is naturally found in a range of different colors. Blue topaz stones are exceptionally rare to find. Many blue topaz stones are created through treating naturally colorless topaz stones. These gemstones are most often mined in Sri Lanka, Brazil, China and Nigeria.
Appearance
Shimmering diamonds and azure blue topaz are sure to summon second glances with their distinctive beauty.
Sparkle
Diamonds have a romantic reputation for their signature sparkle. Their high rating on the refractive index promises exceptional fire and brilliance. The cut of a diamond has a significant effect on the appearance of the sparkle, and the best cuts allow light to bounce beautifully inside the stone for a mesmerizing effect as light splits into different colors.
Blue topaz gemstones also flaunt eye-catching sparkle. They are lower on the refractive index, but a quality cut gives them a beautiful shimmer that enlivens the blue hue.
Color
Gemstone color varies among gemstones — and within types of gemstones. The classic image of a diamond is of a pure, clear stone. But diamonds can be found in a rainbow of hues. Known as fancy color diamonds, these gemstones are an exceptional choice for the diamond-lover who craves color.
Blue topaz is renowned for its soothing hue. Most blue topaz gemstones fall into one of three categories. Sky blue topaz is a calming light-blue stone and is the only blue topaz hue to occur naturally. Swiss blue topaz boasts a vivid electric blue tone that summons attention. London blue topaz showcases a rich, sophisticated dark blue hue.
Clarity
Gemstone clarity is a key element in the appearance of a diamond. A clarity scale designed by the Gemological Institute of America uses 11 different grades to rank diamonds. The Flawless rank is the rarest, and most diamonds are graded as Slightly Included (SI) or Very Slightly Included (VS), with inclusions that are only detectable by a professional using 10x magnification.
Blue topaz is renowned for its soothing hue. Most blue topaz gemstones fall into one of three categories. Sky blue topaz is a calming light-blue stone and is the only blue topaz hue to occur naturally. Swiss blue topaz boasts a vivid electric blue tone that summons attention. London blue topaz showcases a rich, sophisticated dark blue hue.
HARDNESS & WEARABILITY
Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth, unscratchable by anything other than another diamond. They score a perfect 10 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, which makes them an ideal stone for everyday wear. Removing your ring before tackling tough tasks is still good practice, though.
Blue topaz features an exceptional score of 8 on the Mohs scale, which means it’s a durable gemstone that’s very resistant to scratching. A blue topaz engagement ring is suitable for everyday wear — but do wear it with care.
Enhancements
A variety of gemstone enhancements are available for diamonds that can minimize the appearance of inclusions or customize their color. Irradiation, high heat and pressure (HPHT) treatments or coating treatments are options to adjust a diamond’s natural color. Inclusions can be treated with laser drilling or fracture filling can be used to minimize white fractures and improve the appearance of a diamond’s clarity.
Almost all blue topaz gemstones have been treated to accentuate their color, since natural blue topaz stones are very rare and only feature light blue tones. Irradiation and heat treatments are used to create the vibrant Swiss blue topaz and rich steel blue London topaz stones.
Meanings and Symbolism
Diamonds are a classic symbol of deep romance. As the hardest substance in the world, they also represent a sense of eternity. Clear stones carry a meaning of purity.
All gemstones have meaning, and blue topaz represents loyalty and serenity, making it a touching symbol of the deep bond of love. It is also a symbol of protection and good health, acting as a token of good luck throughout your relationship.
Popular Ring Styles and Settings
Diamonds are endlessly versatile when it comes to cuts and settings. One of the most popular cuts is the round cut, which emphasizes the dramatic sparkle of a diamond. But there are many cuts to choose from for your special stone. Each gemstone’s cut is chosen to flatter the structure of the raw stone, and each brings out particular elements of the stone’s personality.
Blue topaz also offers a wide array of cut options. The natural form of topaz is often a longer crystal, so cuts such as oval or pear suit the gem well. Round cuts highlight the sparkle of this stone as well. A cabochon cut is also an option with topaz. This cut features a round shape with a smooth polished dome. It is one of the oldest kinds of cut for a gemstone.
Blue Nile Promise
Whether you find yourself entranced by the tranquil hues of blue topaz, falling in love with the timeless shimmer of a diamond, or you still want to learn about other gemstone options for your engagement ring, we’re here to help you through the process. Our services include complimentary ring sizing, free returns, and complimentary cleaning services to keep your ring looking as beautiful as it should be.
