"Imperial Topaz" on eBay

kingfish · Valued Contributor Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 258

What exactly is the "Imperial topaz" (peach salmon yellow orange gold, whatever they're calling it today), where does it come from, and what is it really worth ?

Kingfish

ben · Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 6:14 am Post subject:

Imperial Topaz is a trade term for a very high grade of yellow topaz. You will find this term most commonly used around the Southeast Asia region and many exhibitors in the Hong Kong and Thailand show sell this gem.

With regards to value, from my experience, many of my Chinese customers will pay top dollar for Imperial Topaz as it is associated with the belief of prosperity when one wears the gem. Citrine has devalued in this respect and our sales trend shows that prices of this gem will continue to increase due to the high demand from my customers. They will usually request for Imperial Topaz that are 10 ct and above.

Suppliers will sell them to you for around $3/ct, depending on cut and colour. I have yet to see eye-visible inclusions in Imperial Topaz. With regards to selling price, that's for you to decide. Just be ethical and truthful about the properties and abundance of this gem.

Ux4 · Gemology Online Veteran Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 935

kingfish · Valued Contributor Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 258

Thanks, Ben. Hmmm...I've only bought the gem from a single seller in Chantaburi, but it sounds like he has sold me some very fine Imperial topaz at a very good price.
Kingfish

valeria102 · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:51 pm Post subject:

Ux4 · Gemology Online Veteran Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 935

red spinel · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:14 pm Post subject:

I've heard/seen of Imperial like Topaz coming from Africa (Nigeria I think?), but the pictures I've seen are very much closer to smokey Quartz, a hair more peachy, but NOT Imperial Topaz. I have no idea whether this matiral fades in sunlight. They claim it does not. The prices are (were) very cheap, about like blue Topaz.

Gems Plus G on Dish Network use to sale it. They are no longer on Dish Network.

Ben P · Valued Contributor Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 246

For those of you that like Imperial Topaz, you might want to take a look at this stone. Its truly incredible! While I agree with Jeff Graham, I think the rarest of all topaz is not the peach/pink color, but the natural RED Imperials, like this stone below. They are amazing stones to hold in your hand, and ultra rare.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Natural-Red-Imperial-Topaz-9-30-Carats-Museum-Calibre_W0QQitemZ120046207114QQihZ002QQcategoryZ110899QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

valeria102 · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:34 pm Post subject:

Speaking of topaz comfort zone on Ebay, well, mine is real' small and refers to the not-quite-precious but still nice natural colors coming from somewhere eastwards (Pakistan? sorry, I just don't know and sellers more often refer to the location they buy from than the mine).

Here's a nice CROSSECTION Wink

I think these have been mentioned on this forum already.

Richard W. Wise · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:35 pm Post subject:

Ben,
Quite right the ebay stone is, in my opinion, the rarest of the topaz family. I bought one in Oro Preto a number of years ago. Its a true red-pink or red-pink depending upon your eye, mine was definately pR, it lies just on the cusp between the two hues.

Personally I think the "Imperial" designation is best left alone. Not sure what it means?
_________________
Richard,
Author: Secrets of The Gem Trade. www.secretsofthegemtrade.com and just published, The French Blue, www.thefrenchblue.com. Blog; GEMWISE: http://www.rwwise.com/blog

valeria102 · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:44 pm Post subject:

red spinel · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:54 pm Post subject:

william · Active Member Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Posts: 59

It may be my monitor, but the imperial topaz had brown overtones, and the red topaz would be called pink if it were a sapphire or diamond.

valeria102 · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 7:20 pm Post subject:

kingfish · Valued Contributor Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 258

Forgive my ignorance, but when people refer to "The Guide" which "Guide" are they talking about ? I know of several books which might fit that description.