Imperial Topaz vs. Precious Topaz

[Kelly]

What is the real difference between Imperial Topaz and precious Topaz? I was looking at Imperial topaz and the price was very high where I have seen Precious topaz on QVC for a fraction of the cost. Is it just a marketing name?

[kristin]

GIA defines imperial topaz as topaz with fine medium reddish orange color

Precious topaz is a term often used to distinguish topaz, particularly in the yellow and orange colors, from the more common and less expensive citrine and smoky quartzes that are often misrepresented as "topaz"
The topaz in this range can be an orange-yellow and brownish color. This golden or yellow topaz lacks the prized red colors of imperial topaz, an is also much more abundant and therefore less valuable.

[Kelly]

Thanks for the response.

Is there such a color as "Salmon" in Imperial Topaz?

[nik]

yes, imperial topaz can also come in a nice salmon color ( lighter pink ).
not sure if anyone is using "salmon topaz" to market it or not. wouldn't doubt it though.

nik
graduate gemologist, GIA

[panachegems]

Yes Kelly,
You find a a pink, salmon pink stone with apricot/orange overtones that really roll around on the kite & girdle facets of a Natural Topaz, (untreated) get your wallet out. They are becoming pretty rare. Stones of a carat & over are hard to find. The new thing now is the "Titanium Vapor Process" that turns clear Topaz pink, pink/orange, actually the same process used to color the stomach turning "Mystic Topaz." I just call it painted.
AC

[ACE]

Wow ! Those vapor treated stones w only a micron thin Coating can be confusing to consumers - Yes you are getting topaz but it aint Precious ~ !
Just a .50 pct White Topaz w a Treatment that costs less than a dollar per stone :eek: :eek: :eek:

ACE $ BIG DADDY $