Showroom open Tues-Sat 10-6, walk-ins & appointments welcome, click here to schedule  253-839-7389

fwcj 70 logo

Topaz November Birthstone

Birthstones

Natural Pink Topaz Diamond Engagement Ring
Natural Pink Topaz Birthstone Diamond Engagement Ring brought to you by Federal Way Custom Jewelers in the Seattle Metro Area.

Natural Pink Topaz Birthstone Diamond Engagement Ring

Topaz is the birthstone for the month of November. Although Topaz is most commonly associated with blue, it is the Precious and Imperial, in yellow and orange to beautiful peach or pink hues, that are the November birthstone: great colors for Fall! Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or if you’re in the market for something more understated, you can find a Topaz with the perfect color for you.

Topaz has a remarkable amount of sparkle to it, listing high on the table of refractive index. Not quite as sparkly as a diamond but more-so than a quartz or aquamarine, it’s certainly brilliant enough to catch one’s eye on a hand or in a necklace! The Imperial Topaz in our collection are custom cut to sparkle and be as beautiful as can be and thus they are a wonderful fashion accessory that are sure to draw people’s attention.

Natural Imperial Topaz is the rarest variety of Topaz, ranging in color from dark orange to light red-orangey-peach. The origin of the term Imperial comes from both the Russian and Portuguese/Brazilian imperial families. Some say you can only call it “Imperial” Topaz if it is mined from a specific region in Brazil known as Ouro Preto. Topaz is still associated with royalty to this day! The best imperial topaz is a saturated peachy pink, which mimics gems such as a Padparadscha Sapphire and gem Morganite, but with an added sparkle and richness.

Brazilian Peach Topaz Birthstone brought to you by Federal Way Custom Jewelers of the Seattle Metro Area.

Brazilian Peach Topaz Birthstone

You may sometimes see the term Precious Topaz used to denote less intense colors of Topaz, or those that are more in the yellow or gold color range. These are also quite rare on the market today to the point that Citrine is used as a substitute birthstone. A type of quartz, Citrine can be found in similar orangey-yellow hues to Topaz but since it is much more common, it is a more affordable option if topaz is a bit more than you want to spend. That said, we have natural Topaz gems starting under $200 to make these affordable for every November baby.

Imperial Topaz is always a staple in our store, an employee favorite. We have many beautiful pieces in stock ranging from the more modest pendants to a fantastic Imperial Topaz ring or two, as well as many loose gemstones if you’re looking to have something designed.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article about Topaz November Birthstone. This would be a good time to check out our prices and other birthstone products in our online store.

 

Trillion Imperial Topaz Birthstone Pendant with Yellow Diamonds brought to you by Federal Way Custom Jewelers in the Seattle Metro Area.

Trillion Imperial Topaz Birthstone Pendant

Visit Our Online Store

Make an Inquiry

Return to Engagement Ring Menu

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

K
L
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.
K
L
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.
K
L
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

K
L
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.