Swiss Blue Topaz Pendant Necklace
A stunning Swiss Blue Topaz gemstone mounted in a handcrafted eighteen carat white gold setting. The bale of the pendant carries our own SM hallmark from the London Assay Office.
This Swiss Blue Topaz gemstone has been beautifully faceted which enhances the colour and brilliance.
Although blue topaz does occur naturally it's extremely rare. The vast majority is produced by heating white or colourless topaz. Three shades of blue are produced. Swiss Blue is not seen as often as Sky Blue and London Blue. It also tends to be the most expensive of the three.
All three shades of blue topaz are produced through irradiation. This involves exposure to gamma or electron radiation which alters the colour. The stone is then then heated to stabilise the new hue. The process is safe and does not affect durability or hardness.
Depending on which type of treatment is used blue topaz must be left untouched for a set period of time. This allows it to cool and stabilise before being cut and polished.
Laws regarding gemstones that have been exposed to radiation vary by country. The use of irradiation to enhance the colour of gemstones is a common and widely accepted practice. A customer must be advised if a stone they are purchasing has been irradiated.
This Swiss Blue Topaz pendant has been designed so the gemstone touches the skin when the pendant is being worn.
