Imperial Topaz: The Glow of a Dying Day
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Constantin Wild - Imperial topaz |
The sunset colours and inherent beauty of imperial topaz make it highly sought after by designers and collectors alike. Yet, there is no universal agreement on what qualifies as imperial topaz.Ā
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Smithsonian Institution - 48.86 carat 'The Whitney Flame' Topaz |
Some dealers use the term for stones ranging from orange to pink, red, and purple; others restrict it to only certain saturated shades. Many insist that a stone must show a reddish pleochroic effect to earn the title.
Red remains one of the rarest and most coveted colours of topazāmaking up less than 0.5% of facet-grade material. Its stunning hue is due to the presence of chromium, which also gives rise to pink, red, and violet-to-purple tones in the gem.
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Stephanie Lanos - 28.10 carat Imperial Topaz Ouro Preto, Brazil |
Padparadscha Sapphire: A Sunset Captured in Stone
The most essential trait of a padparadscha sapphire is its captivating colour. The finest stones reveal a delicate harmony of pink and orange, reminiscent of a perfect sunset. These can range from soft, pastel hues to deep, vivid tones that glow with warmth and elegance.
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The Rare Gem - Padparadscha Sapphires |
What makes padparadscha sapphires especially rare and valuable is their colour saturation and exceptional clarity. The most prized examples are those with minimal inclusionsāletting their unique hues shine without interruption. Each one is an unrepeatable wonder in the world of coloured gemstones.
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Jogani - Padparadscha Sapphire from Joganiās Private Collection |