Antique Topaz Engagement Rings: A Buyer’s Guide

Topaz was one of the great gems of the Georgian period, prized for its warm golden and pink colours long before diamonds became universal. An antique topaz ring has a glow all of its own, and it is one of the best-value coloured stones in antique jewellery.

The pros and cons of a topaz engagement ring

In its favour: topaz is hard, at 8 on the Mohs scale, comes in beautiful warm colours, and is the birthstone for November. Antique topaz rings are usually very affordable.

To bear in mind: topaz has perfect cleavage, meaning a hard knock in the wrong direction can split it. A protective setting, and a little care, are sensible.

The colours of topaz

Antique topaz is usually golden, sherry-coloured or pink. The finest golden-orange stones, from Brazil, are known as imperial topaz. Georgian jewellers discovered that heating certain golden topaz turned it pink, and “pinked” topaz became hugely fashionable, often set in closed-back settings over coloured foil to deepen the colour. The bright blue topaz common today is almost always a modern treated stone, and rarely seen in genuine antique jewellery.

Georgian 9ct Gold Brooch set with a Pink Topaz Surrounded by Natural Split Pearls

Topaz in antique jewellery

The Georgian period is topaz’s golden age: rings, necklaces, brooches and full parures of foiled topaz in gold settings, like this Georgian gold ring with a pale pink topaz. Victorian jewellers continued to use it, and mid-twentieth-century jewellers set large golden topazes in bold gold rings.

A Georgian pink topaz glows like nothing else. It isn’t trying to be a diamond, and that’s exactly why I love it.
Olly Gerrish, AJC Founder

Choosing a topaz ring

Colour. Look for a rich, even colour. Deep golden-orange and warm pink are the most prized in antique stones.

The setting. Georgian closed-back settings should be dry and undisturbed, as moisture damages the foil beneath the stone. Open settings should hold the stone securely on all sides.

Condition. Check the edges and facets for chips, and the stone for any internal cracks.

Caring for a topaz ring

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, but never soak a closed-back Georgian ring. Avoid knocks, ultrasonic cleaners and sudden changes of temperature, and store topaz away from harder stones.

Our view

A Georgian topaz ring, golden or pink, is one of the most romantic and distinctive engagement rings there is, and it offers genuine eighteenth- or early nineteenth-century jewellery at a very approachable price. See our antique topaz engagement rings and Georgian rings.