December Birthstone - Topaz

TOPAZ JEWELRY

Blue topaz is the birthstone for the month of December, and the stone given in celebration of the 4th and 19th anniversaries of marriage. Topaz is a symbol of love en treated and which are natural. Although blue topaz has not been manufactured synthetically on a commercial scale, a completely natural looking blue coloration has been produced in colorless topaz by means of irradiation with gamma rays. This practice is regarded as legitimate in the trade, and is becoming increasingly widespread. It is one of the reasons for the present abundance of blue topaz in the trade.

Blue topaz closely resembles the finest aquamarine, and offers a very attractive and more affordable alternative to aquamarine. Some of the finer deeper blue topaz stones have been found to be radioactive. In the US, all blue topaz must be tested for radiation levels, as according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a highly radioactive stone may be injurious to the wearer. The Gemological Institute of America now provides radiation testing to the jewelry trader. Be careful if you are buying blue topaz outside of the US- if you do, it may be wise to have it tested when you come home.

Blue topaz in particular has been said to work with ones creative energies. Blue topaz is also excellent for promoting concentration. Many believed wearing a topaz ring would keep death from coming prematurely and would control insomnia and greed. Topaz has also been long believed to be useful for those unable to control lust- a good stone for people with sex addictions.

Topaz has been said to be of great use for protection against a wide variety of problems from emotional difficulties to fires and accidents. In 1255, St Hildegard of Bingen, the famous mystic, offered a simple remedy for failing eyesight: steep a topaz in wine for three days and then lightly rub it over the eyes. Worn around the neck, topaz was also thought to cure madness.

Topaz is used to promote good fortune. In fact, it has been said that dreaming of topaz may indicate that good fortune is on its way. These dreams can also suggest love affairs.

Traditions hold that topaz bestowed many benefits upon its wearer. It would dispel cowardice, calm the temper, cure madness and plague, and sharpen the wit. It was also thought to aid in sleep and eliminate nightmares, as well as cure rheumatism and soreness in the joints. The stone has also been credited with being effective against bleeding and heart disease. It has been said to instantly lose its color to indicate that poison is present, thus protecting its owner. The stone has also been thought to bring fidelity and friendship if constantly worn without being set aside. It was also believed to be an effective talisman against accident and fire, and to bring increased intuition and long life. To Christians, it has been known as a symbol of uprightness and virtue.

Topaz has been said to be an ideal stone for travelers, protecting them from homesickness and danger. Ancient Romans credited topaz with preventing sickness of the chest and abdominal pain. Set in gold and worn around the neck, topaz is reputed to dispel bad omens, heal poor vision and calm anger.