Why Blue Topaz Inspires So Much of My Jewellery
If you've followed my jewellery for a while, you've probably noticed one gemstone appears again and again.
Blue topaz.
Whether it's set inside one of my spinning Orbit pendants, nestled in a Drop of the Ocean design or chosen for a bespoke commission, I always find myself reaching for this beautiful gemstone.
People often ask me why.
The answer is simple.
Blue topaz reminds me of the ocean.
Not just one version of it, but every mood, every season and every memory. The pale blue of a calm summer morning, the vibrant turquoise water along the Cornish coast and the deep Atlantic just before a storm rolls in.
As someone who lives by the sea and draws inspiration from it every day, I don't think I'll ever stop being fascinated by those shades of blue. Blue topaz allows me to capture them in jewellery that can be worn every day.
More than just a beautiful blue gemstone
Blue topaz has been admired for thousands of years.
The ancient Egyptians associated topaz with the sun god Ra, believing it carried strength and protection. The Greeks believed it gave courage, while during the Renaissance it was thought to break spells and calm anger.
Today we understand the stone differently, but one thing hasn't changed.
People are still drawn to its remarkable beauty.
Topaz is found in countries including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Russia and Nigeria. While natural blue topaz is extremely rare, the beautiful shades we know today are created by gently enhancing naturally colourless topaz using heat and irradiation — a permanent and widely accepted treatment within the jewellery industry.
This process creates the rich, stable colours that make blue topaz one of the world's most loved gemstones.
The three shades of blue topaz
One of the reasons I love working with topaz is the incredible range of blues it offers.
Sky Blue Topaz
The lightest and most delicate shade.
It reminds me of a clear summer sky reflected on calm water. Fresh, peaceful and effortlessly elegant.
It's perfect for someone who loves subtle jewellery with a soft splash of colour.
(Insert photo of your Sky Blue Topaz jewellery.)
Swiss Blue Topaz
Swiss Blue is brighter, livelier and impossible to ignore.
Its vivid turquoise blue instantly catches the eye and reminds me of sunlight dancing on crystal-clear water.
If you love colour, this is often the one people fall in love with.
(Insert photo of your Swiss Blue Topaz jewellery.)
London Blue Topaz
London Blue is completely different.
Deep, rich and sophisticated, it reminds me of standing on the cliffs in Cornwall watching the Atlantic as darker clouds begin to roll in.
It's elegant without trying too hard and works beautifully with both silver and gold.
It's also my personal favourite.
(Insert photo of your London Blue Topaz jewellery.)
Is blue topaz suitable for everyday wear?
Absolutely.
Blue topaz scores 8 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it an excellent choice for necklaces, earrings and pendants worn every day.
Like any gemstone, it should still be treated with care. I recommend removing jewellery before heavy manual work or activities where it could receive a hard knock.
With sensible care, blue topaz will stay beautiful for many years.
Is blue topaz natural?
This is one of the questions I'm asked most often.
The topaz itself is completely natural.
Most blue topaz begins as naturally colourless topaz. It is then permanently enhanced using heat and irradiation to produce the stunning Sky Blue, Swiss Blue and London Blue shades.
These treatments are stable, permanent and accepted throughout the jewellery industry.
Why I chose blue topaz for my jewellery
When I first started designing jewellery inspired by the ocean, I wanted to create something that captured more than the colour of the sea.
I wanted to capture the feeling.
That moment when you stand on the shoreline, take a deep breath and everything slows down.
Blue topaz became the perfect gemstone for that.
Each shade represents a different side of the ocean, allowing me to tell a different story with every design.
That's why you'll find it throughout my collections.
In my Drop of the Ocean Collection, smooth topaz spheres move gently inside their gold or silver cages, catching the light as they spin.
In my Orbit Collection, gemstones rotate freely within handcrafted settings, creating jewellery that's designed to be touched as much as admired.
Although every design is different, they all begin with the same inspiration: the ocean.
How to care for blue topaz jewellery
Blue topaz is wonderfully easy to care for.
Simply clean it occasionally using warm water, a small amount of mild washing-up liquid and a soft toothbrush.
Avoid harsh chemicals and store your jewellery separately to prevent scratches.
If you'd like more detailed advice on caring for your jewellery, you can read my Jewellery Care Guide, where I explain how to look after sterling silver, solid gold, sea glass and gemstones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blue topaz expensive?
Blue topaz is considered one of the more affordable precious gemstones, making it a wonderful choice for fine jewellery without the price of sapphires or diamonds.
Can blue topaz scratch?
With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, blue topaz is resistant to everyday scratches but can still chip if knocked against a hard surface.
Does blue topaz fade?
No. The colour treatments used on blue topaz are permanent and will not fade under normal wear.
What is the difference between Swiss Blue and London Blue Topaz?
Swiss Blue is brighter, lighter and more vibrant.
London Blue is darker, richer and more dramatic.
Both are beautiful—it simply comes down to personal preference.
Why I'll probably never stop using blue topaz
Every jeweller has a favourite material.
For me, it's blue topaz.
Not because it's fashionable or because it happens to be beautiful—although it certainly is—but because every time I pick one up, it reminds me why I started making jewellery in the first place.
It reminds me of early morning swims.
Of watching the tide roll in.
Of standing on the cliffs after a storm.
Of finding peace by the sea.
Whenever I choose a blue topaz, I'm not simply choosing a gemstone.
I'm choosing a tiny piece of the ocean.
