White Topaz Jewelry in Bangkok

White topaz is natural colorless topaz, a clear and bright stone that gives the look of a white gem without the cost of a diamond. It is hard enough for everyday jewelry and comes in clean, sizable crystals, so a bold solitaire or a row of sparkling side stones is easy to achieve. On our birthstone chart it is one of the April choices, next to diamond. We set natural white topaz in 925 sterling silver and solid gold at our studio on Sukhumvit 71, Bangkok.

This page covers what white topaz is, how it compares with diamond and other white stones, how to wear and care for it, what makes a good stone, where it comes from, how to see the stones at our shop, and how to order in Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand.

What white topaz is

Topaz is an aluminum silicate mineral that contains fluorine. It grows in granite pegmatites into large, glassy crystals, and much of it is colorless. “White topaz” is the jewelry name for this colorless topaz. It is the same mineral as the yellow, pink and blue topaz you may know, just without the elements or color centers that give those stones their color.

White topaz is usually not treated at all. It is simply mined, cut and polished. You may also see “mystic topaz” with a rainbow surface. That effect is a thin coating on colorless topaz, and it is a different product from plain white topaz. Every stone we set is natural, and if a stone has had any treatment we tell you before you order.

At 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz is harder than quartz and most other affordable stones. Its sparkle is bright and crisp, with a clean white look, though it shows less of the colored fire that a diamond throws.

White topaz facts at a glance

• Color: colorless, clear and bright
• Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale
• Treatment: usually untreated
• Best for: pendants, earrings, rings and side stones next to colored gems
• Care: warm soapy water and a soft brush, cleaned often to keep the sparkle; avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam
• Price: depends on the quality and carat you choose; we quote before you order

White topaz, diamond and other white stones

Diamond is the hardest gem at 10 on the Mohs scale, and it has much stronger brilliance and fire. A diamond also keeps its sparkle longer between cleanings. White topaz costs far less and gives a similar clean white look, especially in smaller sizes or as side stones.

White sapphire is colorless corundum, harder at 9 and with no cleavage, so it is the tougher choice for a ring worn every day. It is a little more brilliant than topaz and costs more.

Rock crystal is colorless quartz, 7 on the Mohs scale. It is softer than topaz and shows less brilliance, so topaz is the better choice for a stone you want to stay bright.

Some buyers ask about cubic zirconia or lab-grown diamond as a budget white stone. We set natural stones only, and white topaz is the natural answer when you want a white stone at a gentle price.

How to wear and care for white topaz

White topaz suits pendants, earrings and rings, and it works beautifully as side stones that frame a colored center stone such as a sapphire or an emerald. Like all topaz, it has perfect cleavage, so a hard knock in the wrong direction can split it. For a ring you wear every day, a protective setting is a good idea, and take it off for the gym and heavy work.

The secret to keeping white topaz bright is regular cleaning. Skin oil, soap and lotion build up on the back of any clear stone and make it look cloudy. Clean it in warm soapy water with a soft brush, especially behind the stone, then rinse and dry. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and sudden changes of temperature. If it ever needs a polish or a check of the setting, bring it to our shop. Maintenance is free on jewelry we made.

What makes a good white topaz

Color should be truly colorless. Look for a stone with no yellow, brown or gray tint, especially when you view it against a white card.

Clarity is usually excellent. Most white topaz is eye clean, and you should expect a crisp, glassy stone.

Cut matters more for white topaz than almost anything else. With no color to carry the stone, the sparkle comes entirely from the cut. A well proportioned round or oval returns light across the whole face, while a shallow cut looks glassy and flat. Precision cutting is worth paying a little more for.

Size is generous. Large, clean crystals are common, so a big white topaz is very affordable compared with most white gems.

Where white topaz comes from

Colorless topaz is mined in many countries, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan and Myanmar. Brazil is the largest source of gem topaz in general. Bangkok and Chanthaburi are long-standing centers for cutting and trading colored stones, topaz included. If you want to know the origin of a particular stone, ask us: we offer certified stones, and an uncertified stone can be sent to a gem lab for a report at extra cost.

The April birthstone

Diamond is the classic April birthstone, and on our birthstone chart we also list white topaz as an April choice. It gives the same clear, bright look for an April birthday at a much lower cost, and it pairs well with other birthstones in family and name jewelry.

See white topaz at our shop in Bangkok

A colorless stone gets all its sparkle from the cut, and the gap between a lively white topaz and a flat, glassy one is easy to spot in hand but hard to see on a screen. Mention it when booking and we will prepare more white topaz in different sizes to compare.

Walk in any time we are open, or book ahead so Yaron is there to help with the stone, the design and the metal, from 925 silver and gold plating to solid 9K, 14K or 18K gold.

Since white topaz frames a colored center stone so well, a loose one is handy when planning a design. Jewelry is not required, though we would be very happy to make the piece for you.

Not in Bangkok? Message us and we will send photos and prices of the white topaz we have.

White topaz questions we get

Is your white topaz natural?

Yes. Every gemstone we set is natural, and white topaz is usually not treated at all. If a stone has had any treatment, we tell you before you order. We are a member of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.

Is white topaz a good alternative to diamond?

For many people, yes. It gives a clean white look at a fraction of the cost. It is softer than diamond at 8 on the Mohs scale against 10, and it has less fire, so it needs a little more care and more frequent cleaning to stay bright.

Why does my white topaz look cloudy?

Almost always it is a film of skin oil, soap or lotion on the back of the stone. Clean it in warm soapy water with a soft brush and it comes back bright. If it still looks dull, bring it to our shop for a check.

Is white topaz the same as cubic zirconia?

No. White topaz is a natural mineral that is mined from the ground. Cubic zirconia is made in a factory. We set natural stones only.

How much does white topaz jewelry cost?

It depends on the quality and carat of the stone you choose, and on the metal. We give you the price before anything is made.

Can I buy just the stone?

Yes. You can take white topaz home as a loose stone without any setting. When you want it set, today or another time, we are happy to make it into a ring, pendant or earrings.

How long does a white topaz piece take?

7 to 10 working days from your order, because the stones are already here in our shop, then 1 to 3 working days for delivery inside Thailand. We also ship abroad by FedEx.

Every white topaz piece is made to order by our team in Bangkok in 925 sterling silver or solid gold, with a 3-year warranty, free maintenance and free shipping across Thailand.