Ouro Preto / Oval Precious Topaz Collection Earrings. 2024 Imperial Topaz from Brazil. .88 TCW, Sterling Silver, Butterfly, Bullet, Hypo Backs.

These earrings are part of our Ouro Preto / Oval Precious Topaz Collection. Two 6x4mm, oval, Imperial Topaz gemstones from Ouro Preto are well set in classic sterling silver 4-prong trays. The gemstones are authentic Precious Imperial Topaz - cut to nice proportion, with classic yellow gold color and great clarity. These are beautiful, affordable Precious Topaz gems that compliment the rest of the collection. We will include butterfly backs, bullet and hypo-allergenic discs with your order.

For 20% off all collection jewelry, see "Ouro Preto Oval Precious Topaz Collection" listings under the "Collection" category of our shop. We have two collection options for your pleasure.

Gemstones: Imperial Topaz / Precious Topaz (2)
Origin: Ouro Preto (Minas Gerais), Brazil
Treatment: Natural, no treatment
Color: Grade A, Light Golden Yellow
Clarity: VVS
Shape / Cut: Oval, Facet
Length: 6mm (avg)
Width: 4mm (avg)
Depth: 2.95mm (avg)
Carat Weight: .44 ctw ea. (avg) - .88 TCW
Hardness: 8

Earring Material:
Material: .925 Sterling Silver, no nickel
Type / Design: 4-Prong
Butterfly, bullet, hypo-allergenic disc backs

Your Imperial Topaz Earrings comes in a beautiful MARILEI® case and box. Shipping is calculated by Etsy.

With MARILEI® Jewelry:
1) 100% Natural gemstones
2) .925 silver (no plate or fill.)
3) Warranty - Satisfaction Guaranteed.

We use a professional service to obtain the best images, so as to portray our jewelry in its perfect form. These are pictures of our handmade jewelry and not replications. Some pictures are magnified and include varying light sources to simulate indoor and outdoor conditions. We use props and rulers to assist in portraying scale.

Please allow 1-3 days to complete your order and ship. We will use a padded envelope for earrings without case / gift box; and refund any shipping overage. If this this jewelry is to be delivered to an international destination, please be aware that MARILEI is not responsible for VAT / International taxes through Customs.

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Information regarding Imperial Topaz Gemstones:

Imperial Topaz is the given name to, arguably, the most coveted topaz gemstone type. The name “Imperial” Topaz comes from Russian Monarchy who prized their luxurious rarity. Topaz ranges in color from white to yellow, orange, reddish-brown, blues, pink to red, violet and light green. Imperial Topaz gemstones, also commonly called “precious topaz,” are considered the most rare topaz gemstones. Imperial Topaz colors range from yellow to reddish-orange (burnt orange.) Sometimes champagne, peach, pink, golden sherry, burnt orange, or pinkish purple are used to describe color. Today, Imperial Topaz is classified as a rare gem.

Properties:

Crystal Structure:Orthorhombic
Refractive Index: 1.61 – 1.64
Chemical Composition: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
Hardness (Mohs): 2024 8
Density:2.64 – 2.65

Known current origins of Imperial Topaz include Brazil (Ouro Preto), Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Ouro Preto Imperial Topaz gemstones are considered the most prized of the origins known. Many gemstone collectors recognize Ouro Preto as the only legitimate origin for Imperial Topaz. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) defines Imperial Topaz by color, "There is no official standard for imperial topaz. Some dealers use the term for colors that are orange to pink to red to purple, others reserve the term for certain saturated shades. It's the color, not the term “Imperial” that gives topaz its value." Regardless, there is no mistaking an Ouro Preto gemstone. These are the most valuable and can cost between $500 - $3,000 per carat for the large, vivid sherry / purple variety.

MARILEI® Approach to Evaluating Imperial Topaz Gemstones

Imperial Topaz is a beautiful, rare, gemstone. These gemstones are coveted for their rarity, color, and durability. Marilei® uses Brazilian Imperial Topaz in most jewelry, but will offer some Imperial Topaz from Pakistan or Afghanistan sue to its affordability, especially at large carat weight. We carefully select and evaluate gemstones based on these factors:

Authentication:
1) Origin
2) Hardness
3) Spectrometry

Cost Evaluations:
1) Origin
2) Color, Tone, Saturation
3) Treatment
4) Cut Symmetry and Proportion
5) Clarity
6) Birefringence / Refraction

Once or twice each year, we travel to Ouro Preto, Brazil and other smaller communities in Minas Gerais to track down Imperial Topaz gemstones.

What we look for: Imperial Topaz has an interesting property that is easy to spot. Because of its high birefringence, Iight rays reflect off different angles off the back of the gemstone, causing a doubling of the back facets when viewed from the front. Of course, this also depends on the degree of “windowing,” but the “sparkle” is very apparent in an Imperial Topaz. The colors, which often seem complex (different degrees of yellow, orange, and pink) seem to change in different lighting (although incandescent light seems to be the best source) and at different angles. After carefully observing color and cut, we will check the hardness (Mohs) and refractive index (derived from a refractometer.)

When evaluating price we consider origin and color first. An Ouro Preto Imperial Topaz must come from a local Ouro Preto area mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The color and birefringence is noticeable. These gemstones are rare and are currently greatly appreciating in value due to the exhausting of the local mine(s.) Other Brazilian mines due produce topaz of colors that are considered "Imperial" by GIA standards. These gemstones are less valuable, generally due to their color and less sparkle (some are slightly saturated brown.) Still, these gemstones are worth the investment and are currently appreciating. Pakistan Imperial Topaz gemstones are predominately yellow to golden yellow (often called yellow topaz.) We like these gemstones, but often see clarity issues. A VVS to IF Pakistan Imperial is valuable. Afghanistan Imperial topaz come in rich colors, sometimes copper to burnt orange, depending on treatment. These gemstones often have moderate brown saturation; which lowers their value.

You may notice that our pricing varies significantly on our Topaz gemstones. Cost Evaluation factors above creates a significant range in value, depending on origin, color, tone, saturation, treatment, cut, and clarity. While origin and color are the primary price determiners; whether or not the gemstone is treated, the saturation (degree of brown or grey bleeding through the gemstone), along with the cut symmetry / proportion (seeing through a gem, or window, is less desirable) are important. We also want to see at least VS clarity. VVS to IF clarity will add to the gemstones value.

We are able to sell Imperial Topaz at relatively low cost / carat due to our supply sources, connections in Brazil (Marilei and family are from a small mining town in Minas Gerais), and the evaluation of the gemstone quality (factors above.)

Again, it is important to note that the perceived classification of "Imperial" topaz varies, depending on whom you ask. The classical (old school) "Imperial" topaz is a specific topaz type / color found only in Brazil near Ouro Preto. The modern classification of Imperial topaz does not have this set standard. From Gemological Institute of America (GIA), "There is no official standard for imperial topaz. Some dealers use the term for colors that are orange to pink to red to purple, others reserve the term for certain saturated shades. It's the color, not the term “Imperial” that gives topaz its value." Marilei uses Imperial Topaz from Brazil. Yellow to yellow-orange Imperial Topaz from Minas Gerais, Brazil (Ouro Preto) is very expensive. A color of pink to purplish-pink is most rare and extremely expensive.

Topaz, whether treated or not, naturally fades over time (origin does have an effect on this; i.e. Ouro Preto Imperial Topaz gemstones are less susceptible to fading), so it is best stored in moderate temperatures and out of the light as light exposure also dulls color. Direct sunlight over a period of weeks or months can fade a topaz, especially the color often associated with "Imperial" topaz.

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Warranty: If you believe that what you have purchased was not accurately portrayed, defected in any way (including damage due to shipping), or you simply changed your mind; return the purchase in its original case with a note explaining your reason for return, your name and address, and we will refund your purchase completely. You are responsible for shipping costs associated with the return. We are unable to warranty your jewelry for damage due to use, including "wear and tear." If we determine that the jewelry was damaged by wear and tear, we will respond with a letter of determination and no refund will be issued. Please rest assured, that we want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase and recommending MARILEI®.