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Imperial Topaz Jewelry • Ring • Earrings

Birthstones, Gemstones

top gem sherry orange imperial topaz and diamond ring in rose gold

Imperial Topaz Jewelry • Topaz Ring • Topaz Gifts

What is Imperial Topaz? In general, Topaz is a large gem family most known for yellow gems, or treated blue gems. The terms “imperial topaz” and “precious topaz” are often used to distinguish between true topaz and the more common or treated alternatives. The Imperial Topaz is recognized as being a “golden orange to pink, or fiery red” hue – this is the rarest of all Topaz, and some of the rarest of all gems. 

88801177 top gem sherry orange imperial topaz and diamond ring in rose gold 3

5ct Pink-Orange Imperial Topaz with Diamonds

What color is Imperial Topaz?  Color determines the type of Topaz, though there are some common names to learn. Imperial Topaz refers to the rarest colors, usually deep orange, peachy pink, with the rarest gems approaching red in color. Some dealers differentiate it from Precious Topaz, which is often used to describe the yellow to gold variety. Smokey Topaz is used to describe more affordable dark orange and brown gems, though it is often used to falsely describe Smokey Quartz. Topaz can occur in other colors, such and pink and blue, and as such are simply sold by color. 

Is Topaz valuable? It depends! The finest red Topaz are ‘as rare as hen’s teeth’ and a dealer can name their price- if you can find one! Even Imperial Topaz is quite valuable since it is so rare. The most expensive colors are the rich sherry orange and peachy pink, which when fully saturated, can costs thousands of dollars. Most Topaz, which is light orange or yellow, sells in the hundreds of dollars per carat. Treated Topaz, such as “blue Topaz” and “mystic Topaz” are beautiful but are much more affordable since the color isn’t natural. 

You may be wondering where the term ‘imperial Topaz’ came from. Legend has it that the first Topaz mines, which produced pink Topaz, were in the Ural Mountains of Russia. It is said the the Imperial Russian family fell in love with the gem and used them in gifts to loyal servants and other European Royals. 100 years later, Spanish and Portuguese settlers in South America discovered imperial Topaz in a new mine in Brazil. These rough gems were probably mixed in with fabulous Tourmaline and Emeralds, the likes of which had never been seen before even in the finest jewelry collections. When the Queen of Portugal saw them, it is said that she fell in love with the rich sherry and peachy pink colored Topaz she saw, and decided to wear them herself. From then on all of the finest Topaz was reserved for royalty, or for her to use as gifts. Thus the term Imperial Topaz began in Russian ballrooms, and was carried on to Portugal. Now the name has stuck!

Imperial Topaz has been mined in one source, Oro Preto Brazil, since the 1700s. Pockets of pink Topaz and brown Topaz have occurred in other locations, but none with the color of the rare Brazilian material. There is really only one mine area, which produces sporadically. Many of the finest Topaz we sell are sourced from old collections or from antique pieces of jewelry. We have a great stop of Natural Topaz in a variety of shapes and sizes, including larger stones (over 5cts) and rare matched pairs for topaz earrings. Below are four pairs showing the variety of hue and tone available. In addition to loose gems, we also have wonderful Imperial Topaz rings and Imperial Topaz pendants available to choose from. 

If you are looking for the perfect November birthstone, or for a Topaz gift, come see us! Feel free to contact us if you want more information on imperial Topaz – or stop by to shop our collection! 

Imperial Topaz Jewelry • Ring • Earrings Imperial Topaz Jewelry • Ring • Earrings Imperial Topaz Jewelry • Ring • Earrings Imperial Topaz Jewelry • Ring • Earrings

Buying an engagement ring is a big deal — especially if it’s your first time and you’re planning a surprise proposal. You want the moment to be unforgettable, the ring to be perfect, and the reaction to be joyful.

But if you’re not careful, even small missteps during ring shopping can tip your partner off or result in a ring that misses the mark entirely.

To help you make the right choice without spoiling the surprise, here are five of the most common engagement ring shopping mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Not Doing Enough Research Before You Shop

Jumping into ring shopping without understanding the basics is one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make. If you don’t know the difference between a round cut and a princess cut — or you assume bigger always means better — you risk buying a ring that doesn’t match your partner’s style or values.

What to Do Instead:

  • Learn the 5 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, and Certification

  • Pay attention to the styles they admire (on friends, social media, etc.)

  • Browse ring types online before visiting a jeweler

Being informed gives you confidence, and it helps you spot quality and value when you see it.

2. Guessing Their Ring Size Without a Plan B

Getting the ring size wrong can turn a magical moment into a fumble — especially if the ring won’t go on, or worse, gets stuck. Asking them directly spoils the surprise, but guessing with no backup plan is risky.

What to Do Instead:

  • Secretly borrow one of their rings and have it sized

  • Ask a trusted friend or family member who might know

  • Use a ring sizing guide or tool while they’re sleeping (if you dare)

Pro Tip: If you have to guess, go slightly larger. It’s easier to resize down than up — and most jewelers, like FWCJ, offer complimentary resizing.

3. Talking Too Much or Being Obvious About Your Plans

If you start bringing up marriage or jewelry more than usual, your partner may suspect something’s up. Even casual mentions can start to unravel your surprise — especially if your partner is observant.

What to Do Instead:

  • Keep your research private (use incognito browsing!)

  • Enlist a trusted friend for feedback instead of asking them directly

  • Space out any ring-related conversations so they feel organic

The less you say, the more powerful your surprise will be.

4. Letting a Salesperson Talk You Into the Wrong Ring

When you walk into a jewelry store unprepared, it’s easy to get overwhelmed — and even easier to be upsold. A persuasive salesperson might convince you to buy something that looks impressive in-store, but doesn’t align with your partner’s taste or your budget.

What to Do Instead:

  • Set a clear budget before you go

  • Look for jewelers (like FWCJ) who focus on education, not upselling

  • Prioritize style and quality over size alone

Remember, your goal isn’t just to impress — it’s to choose a ring that feels like them.

5. Waiting Too Long to Start Shopping

This is a huge one — especially for surprise proposals. Many rings require adjustments, resizing, or customizations. Waiting until the last minute can mean shipping delays, limited inventory, or not enough time to make it perfect.

What to Do Instead:

  • Start shopping at least 6–8 weeks before your planned proposal date

  • Communicate with your jeweler about timelines and turnaround

  • Consider proposing with a temporary setting and finalizing the design together later

Planning ahead gives you room to breathe and keeps your proposal stress-free.

Final Thoughts: Get the Ring, Keep the Surprise

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t have to be stressful — even if you’re doing it all in secret. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make confident decisions and deliver a magical moment your partner will never forget.

At FWCJ, we help first-time buyers every day — guiding you through the process, answering questions, and making sure your ring is as perfect as the proposal. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make a move, our team is here to help.

Start your journey today — Schedule an appointment or stop by our store to speak with a jeweler who understands the importance of your moment.

FAQs: Engagement Ring Shopping for First-Time Buyers

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What are the biggest mistakes on engagement rings?
Common mistakes include guessing ring size, shopping too late, buying without research, overspending, and choosing a ring based on trends instead of personal style.
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What should I know before going engagement ring shopping?
You should understand the 5 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, Certification), know your budget, have a sense of your partner’s style, and leave time for resizing or custom work.
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What are the 5 C’s of buying a ring?

  • Cut – Determines sparkle

  • Color – Measures colorlessness of the diamond

  • Clarity – Refers to internal flaws or inclusions

  • Carat – The weight (and size) of the diamond

  • Certification – Confirms the diamond’s quality and grading

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Can I buy a ring without my partner knowing?
Yes! With the right strategy, you can choose a ring that fits their style and size without giving away the surprise. This blog covers exactly how to do it.