NEW Platinum Electroplated Silver Seven and One-Half Inch Diamond-Accented Blue Topaz Bracelet.

SIZE: 7 1/2mm inch (19 centimeter) bracelet with one 1mm diamond accent. Seven 6x4mm Faceted Blue Topaz Semi-Precious Gemstones (total gemstone weight about 3 carats). All measurements approximate.

DETAIL: In the ancient world topaz came from Topazion, an Island in the Red Sea now called Zabargad. Topaz was thought to protect against evil and to the ancient Egyptians, the sparkle of topaz symbolized "Ra", their sun god. Topaz was also believed to protect against evil and to the ancient Greeks and Persians, it was believed to be effective as a talisman which would protect against evil enchantments. Topaz was significant not only within the religion of Ancient Egypt, but within ancient Christianity as well. It is believed that topaz was known during the early Bronze Age, as the mining of topaz is strongly associated with tin mining, a mineral needed to create bronze (an alloy of copper and tin). Archaeologists are certain that the people in the Middle-Eastern Bronze Age would have known about this gemstone.

Here’s a nice quality bracelet featuring seven (approximately) half-carat blue topaz ovals. The bracelet is constructed of platinum over sterling silver, and is accented with ONE diamond. Though the bracelet is cleverly and very convincingly manufactured to appear to contain many 1mm accent diamonds, we want to emphasize that there is in reality only one 1mm diamond accent. However except to very close examination, each swirl link of the bracelet appears to contain many diamond accents, and the appearance is quite convincing. You have to examine the bracelet very intently to realize that all of the prong-set “diamond” accents are in fact merely metal made to look like a prong-set diamond accent. In any event, the bracelet is very handsome and appealing, and does contain one genuine 1mm diamond. The bracelet is new.

TOPAZ HISTORY: It is believed that topaz was known during the early Bronze Age, as the mining of topaz is strongly associated with tin mining, a mineral needed to create bronze (an alloy of copper and tin). Archaeologists are certain that the people in the Middle-Eastern Bronze Age would have known about this gemstone. However the first historical descriptions of topaz were from the classical Mediterranean. The origin of topaz in the ancient Mediterranean was a small island in the Red Sea known as “Topazion”, a Greek term meaning “to guess”. In Arabic the same term means “"the subject of the search". This reflects the fact that the island was typically obscured by fog, making it difficult for early navigators to find. Typically yellow, topaz in the ancient world was held as a talisman to protect against evil and was used to treat many different physical ailments including asthma.

The Greeks and Romans greatly valued topaz as a gemstone, even believing that the gemstone would improve the wearer’s eyesight. Ancient Romans also credited topaz with preventing sickness of the chest and it was also used to treat abdominal pain. The ancient Greeks believed topaz would give great strength to whomsoever wore the stone, and was also worn as an amulet to ward off enchantment (“spells” or “curses”). The ancient Greeks also believed that wearing topaz would dispel sadness and strengthen the wearer’s intellect. There are also frequent references from ancient Greek sources which claim that wearing topaz rendered the wearer invisible.

In Rome and the Early Medieval world, topaz was associated with Apollo and/or Jupiter, as Topaz was associated with the sun, and both Jupiter and Apollo were solar deities. Both Julius Caesar and his heir Octavian Augustus held Apollo in special reverence. Augustus credited Apollo with his victory over Marc Antony, and erected a magnificent temple to Apollo at Actium overlooking the site of the famous naval battle, as well as an even grander temple on the Palatine in Rome. The gemstone was also described by the first century Roman historian and naturalist “Pliny the Elder”.

There are also many biblical references to "topaz". Topaz was one of the twelve stones selected by Aaron for his priestly breastplate, representing the twelve tribes of ancient Israel. He placed it there as the second stone in the first row of stones. Topaz is also found as one of the stones in the book of Revelations as one of the stones of the apocalypse (one of the gemstones which form the foundations of the twelve gates to the Holy City of the New Jerusalem). To ancient Christians topaz was regarded as a symbol of uprightness and virtue. In ancient Egypt the golden glow of yellow topaz symbolized "Ra", their sun god. This made topaz a very powerful amulet that protected the faithful against harm. In ancient India topaz was regarded as a sacred gemstone. Ancient Hindus believe that worn as a pendant above the heart topaz assured long life, beauty and intelligence (and would also alleviate thirst).

In the latter Middle Ages small wine-yellow Saxonian Topaz were mined at Schneckenstein in the Erzgebirge Mountains in Saxony, Germany, and several rulers wore these specimens in jewelry. The Germans believed that the yellow topaz prevented bad dreams, calmed passions, ensured faithfulness and, when taken in wine, cured asthma and insomnia. It was also believed that the figure of a falcon engraved upon a topaz talisman would bring the wearer the goodwill and kindness of the gods. Wearing topaz in a ring was believed to lengthen one’s life and forestall death (or alternatively to prevent sudden death). Worn around the neck, topaz was also thought to cure madness. If also mounted in gold and worn around the neck, it was believed to dispel enchantments and calm nocturnal fears.

Worn as a protective talisman topaz was said to instantly lose its color to indicate that poisoned food or drink was present, thus protecting its owner. It was also believed to be an effective talisman against accidents. Topaz was also regarded as a talisman for travelers, protecting them from homesickness and danger. In the Medieval World, it was believed that wearing a topaz talisman conferred to the wearer special powers over animals. Topaz was also used by shamans and seers who believed that topaz and encouraged clairvoyance and psychic skills, and enabled the wearer to perceive the intentions and motives of the people around them. It was also believed to make men handsome and intelligent and sterile women fertile and happy. There were as well medicinal uses for topaz in the Middle Ages. Topaz was believed to be able to actually absorb the heat of a fever. Topaz was also believed to ease the inflammations, discomfort and pain associated with arthritis. However the curative powers of topaz were believed to weaken and strengthen in response to changing phases of the moon.

Topaz is found in yellow, orange, green, blue, red, and white (colorless) hues. The highest grade topaz comes from Sri Lanka and India, the Ural Mountains in Russia, Brazil, and in the U.S.; from Maine, Colorado, California, and Utah. The most popular color for topaz gemstones is light blue, and the most costly is a rich orange-yellow, resembling the color of sherry wine, known as “imperial” topaz (sometimes referred to as “precious topaz”). Sherry-colored topaz is called “imperial” topaz in honor of the Russian Tsar who owned the mining fields of topaz in the Urals Mountain range (in Siberia, Russia), and the best quality topaz were reserved for the emperor and his family. Topaz is one of the hardest minerals in nature, and for that reason, highly valued as a gemstone.

Throughout the history of the ancient world, gemstones were believed capable of curing illness and providing protection. Found in Egypt dated 1500 B. C., the "Papyrus Ebers" offered one of most complete therapeutic manuscripts containing prescriptions using gemstones and minerals. Gemstones were not only valued for their medicinal and protective properties, but also for educational and spiritual enhancement. In the ancient world topaz was thought to heal both physical and mental disorders, and to prevent death. Topaz was also believed to assure beauty, fidelity and long life. Topaz was also used to treat medical ailments. Topaz powdered and drunk in wine, cured asthma, tuberculosis, insomnia, burns and hemorrhages. The twelfth century German Prophetess/Visionary Mystic/Catholic Saint "Hildegard" had an unusual prescription for improving failing vision which involved soaking a topaz in wine, then rubbing the eyes with the gemstone and drinking the wine.

Topaz was also regarded effective against bleeding and heart disease, as well as a cure for rheumatism, gout, and soreness in the joints. Wearing topaz was believed to aid the spinal column and help steady and regulate the action of the heart. It was used to treat bleeding and believed helpful to promote health in the glandular systems of the body. It was also believed to improve eyesight. Topaz was also used in treating infections, deafness, goiter, hemorrhage, circulatory problems, digestive problems, combating anorexia, restoring the sense of taste, stimulating metabolism and more. I was regarded as especially effective in treating hemorrhoids if it were worn on the left arm. Last (but certainly not least), men were believed to become more virile when wearing topaz! On the metaphysical plane, the ancient world regarded topaz as a stone of true love and capable of attracting success in all endeavors. Topaz was believed to promote creativity and individuality, and was thought excellent for promoting concentration. It was also attributed with the power to replace negativity with love and joy, stimulating a brighter outlook on life.

Topaz was also known as the “lover of gold,” as it is used to bring wealth and money. It is traditionally known as a stone of love and good fortune, bringing successful attainment of goals. It was said to be especially effective when set in gold and bound to the left arm. When worn as an amulet, topaz drove away sadness, added intelligence and gave courage. On the emotional plane, topaz was believed to be useful for treating depression. It was believed to help people alleviate their fears, and was used to treat psychosomatic illnesses. It was regarded as useful in balancing emotions, helping those who go from one extreme to another. Topaz was also highly recommended for healing a person who was suffering from shock or trauma, and was regarded as a panacea for those whose lives contained abnormal amounts of stress or tension. In particular, blue topaz was believed extremely helpful to those who were angry. Blue topaz was regarded as possessing the power of the moon and elemental water. Blue topaz was believed effective in helping the wearer to release their anger, and to bring one’s emotional pain to the surface. Modern practitioners believe that topaz assists in general tissue regeneration and in the treatment of hemorrhages. It also believed to stimulate poor appetite and aid in the treatment of blood disorders. In India topaz is still used to treat tonsillitis, whooping cough, and mumps.

DIAMOND HISTORY: In the ancient world there was only one source of diamonds…India. Bombay remains today one of the world’s great diamond cutting centers (along with New York, Tel Aviv, and Antwerp). Over 800,000 cutters are employed in the city of Bombay alone; cutting 90% of the world’s diamonds. The best Indian diamonds originated from the Majhgawan pipe, near Panna, India, which was discovered in 1827. However India is no longer a big producer of mined diamonds, producing only about 20,000 carats a year. Australia produces 2,000 times more diamonds each year – about 40 million carats a year; followed by 20 million a year for the Congolese Republic, 15 million a year for Botswana, and 10 million a year each for Russia and South Africa. However this region of India did produce some of the world’s greatest diamonds, including the Great Mogul (793 carats), the Regent (410 carats), the Nizam (340 carats), the Orloff (194 carats), the Kohinoor (132 carats), and the Hope or Blue Tavernier (112 carats).

The traditional Indian supplies of diamonds which had fed the appetites of the ancient world for thousands of years were almost exhausted when enormous new alluvial deposits of diamonds were discovered in 1725 in Brazil, followed by the staggering discoveries of 1870 in South Africa. Perhaps the earliest symbolic use of diamonds was as the eyes of Hindu devotional statues. The diamonds themselves were thought to be endowments from the gods and were therefore cherished. The point at which diamonds assumed their divine status is not known, but early texts indicate they were recognized in India since at least 400 B.C. The word most generally used for diamond in Sanskrit was vajra, or "thunderbolt," and the possession of diamond was according to ancient Hindu texts thought to bring, “happiness, prosperity, children, riches, grain, cows and meat. (As well) he who wears a diamond will see dangers recede from him whether he (is) threatened by serpents, fire, poison, sickness, thieves, flood or evil spirits."

The ancient Greeks believed diamonds were tears of the gods; and it is from the Greek word adamas, "untameable" or "unconquerable", referring to its hardness, that the word “diamond” is derived. The ancient Romans believed that diamonds were splinters of fallen stars. The presence of diamond in Rome is established by the writings of Pliny the Elder (23-79 A.D.). Unfortunately according to Pliny, “these stones are tested upon the anvil, and will resist the blow to such an extent as to make the iron rebound and the very anvil split asunder." One can only imagine the numbers of genuine diamonds smashed into splinters by this ill-advised test. However even diamond splinters were valued by the Romans who used diamond points set into iron scribes to engrave sapphires, cameos, and intaglios. Even early Chinese references to diamond cite its coming from Rome in iron scribes. Chinese interest in diamond was strictly as an engraving or carving tool, primarily for jade, or as a drill for beads and pearls.

In western culture, diamonds are the traditional emblem of fearlessness and virtue. Though most of the world’s diamonds are cut in Bombay, over 90% of the world’s rough diamonds are traded in Antwrep, Belgium. Between the 13th and 15th centuries the world’s diamond center had been Bruges; then Antwerp until the city’s capture by the Spanish in 1585 A.D.; then Amsterdam through the early 19th century, then back to Antwrep. The Portuguese colony of Goa was the point of origin for diamonds from India, the trade route developing from Goa to Lisbon to Antwerp and thus cutting out the traditional Arabic middle men. Small numbers of diamonds begin appearing in European regalia and jewelry in the 13th century, set as accent points among pearls in splendidly wrought gold. Louis IX of France (1214-70 A.D.) decreed that diamonds were to be reserved for royalty alone, an indication of the rarity of diamonds and the value conferred on them at that time.

The history of diamond cutting can be traced to the late Middle Ages before which time diamonds were enjoyed in their natural octahedral state. At the time, diamond was valued chiefly for its brilliant lustre and superlative hardness. The most common (“table”) cut diamond would appear black to the eye, as they do in paintings of the era. Diamond cutting is believed to have originated in Venice about 1330 A.D. By 1375 A.D. there was a guild of diamond polishers in Nurnberg. About a hundred years later absolute symmetry in the disposition of faceting was introduced and the most common cuts were known as pendeloque or briolette. About the middle of the 16th century, the rose cut was introduced. The first “brilliant cut” was introduced in the middle of the 17th century. By the 16th century as diamonds became larger and more prominent, their popularity had spread from royalty to the noble classes. This was in part a response to the development of diamond faceting, which enhanced their brilliance and fire. By the 17th century diamonds were becoming popular with the wealthy merchant class.

Diamonds occur in a variety of colors - steel, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink, brown and black. The most common diamonds, and arguably the most sought after (though not the rarest) are pure and colorless. The most common impurity is nitrogen, which if dispersed will give the stone a yellowish tint (but if clustered does not affect the diamond’s color). Diamonds without nitrogen impurities are often colored pink, red, or brown – the color arising from molecular structural anomalies. Blue diamonds are colored by boron impurities. A form of carbon, diamonds are not “forever”, even the Romans demonstrated that they will burn (or decay with heat). However a diamond is likely the oldest thing you will ever own, probably 3 billion years in age, fully two thirds the age of the Earth. Diamonds are carbon crystals that form deep within the Earth under high temperatures and extreme pressures. For instance when as part of “plate teutonics” an ocean floor slides beneath the earth’s crust and into the mantle, entrapped organic carbon may eventually become diamond. They are created at depths generally more than 150 kilometers down into the mantle.

Diamonds are brought back to the surface in a rare form of molten rock, or magma. that originates at great depths, which rises and erupts in small but violent volcanoes. When cooled, just beneath such volcanoes is a carrot-shaped "pipe" filled with volcanic rock, mantle fragments, and embedded diamonds. Diamonds also form as a result of the immense pressures created by meteor impacts. Meteorites also experience impacts themselves and can contain diamonds. And the most ancient meteorite material contains star dust, the remnants of the death of stars. Some of this star dust are very small diamonds and are older than the solar system itself. New studies indicate that they formed more than 5 billion years ago in flashes of radiation from dying red-giant stars into surrounding clouds of methane-rich gas. If you would like to learn more about diamonds, please click here to visit a great web site by the American Museum of Natural History. If you would like to learn how diamonds are graded, please click here.

Domestic shipping (insured first class mail) is included in the price shown. Domestic shipping also includes USPS Delivery Confirmation (you might be able to update the status of your shipment on-line at the USPS Web Site). Canadian shipments are an extra $16.99 for Insured Air Mail; International shipments are an extra $20.99 for Air Mail (and generally are NOT tracked; trackable shipments are EXTRA). ADDITIONAL PURCHASES do receive a VERY LARGE discount, typically about $5 per item so as to reward you for the economies of combined shipping/insurance costs. Your purchase will ordinarily be shipped within 48 hours of payment. We package as well as anyone in the business, with lots of protective padding and containers.

We do NOT recommend uninsured shipments, and expressly disclaim any responsibility for the loss of an uninsured shipment. Unfortunately the contents of parcels are easily “lost” or misdelivered by postal employees – even in the USA. If you intend to pay via PayPal, please be aware that PayPal Protection Policies REQUIRE insured, trackable shipments, which is why we include insurance and a USPS Delivery Confirmation at no extra charge. We do offer U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail, Registered Mail, and Express Mail for both international and domestic shipments, as well United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal Express (Fed-Ex). Please ask for a rate quotation. We will accept whatever payment method you are most comfortable with. If upon receipt of the item you are disappointed for any reason whatever, I offer a no questions asked return policy. Send it back, I will give you a complete refund of the purchase price (less our original shipping costs).

We travel to Russia each year seeking antique gemstones and jewelry from one of the globe’s most prolific gemstone producing and cutting centers, the area between Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg, Russia. From all corners of Siberia, as well as from India, Ceylon, Burma and Siam, gemstones have for centuries gone to Yekaterinburg where they have been cut and incorporated into the fabulous jewelry for which the Czars and the royal families of Europe were famous for. My wife grew up and received a university education in the Southern Urals of Russia, just a few hours away from the mountains of Siberia, where alexandrite, diamond, emerald, sapphire, chrysoberyl, topaz, demantoid garnet, and many other rare and precious gemstones are produced. Though perhaps difficult to find in the USA, antique gemstones are commonly unmounted from old, broken settings – the gold reused – the gemstones recut and reset.

Before these gorgeous antique gemstones are recut, we try to acquire the best of them in their original, antique, hand-finished state – most of them centuries old. We believe that the work created by these long-gone master artisans is worth protecting and preserving rather than destroying this heritage of antique gemstones by recutting the original work out of existence. That by preserving their work, in a sense, we are preserving their lives and the legacy they left for modern times. Far better to appreciate their craft than to destroy it with modern cutting. Not everyone agrees – fully 95% or more of the antique gemstones which come into these marketplaces are recut, and the heritage of the past lost. But if you agree with us that the past is worth protecting, and that past lives and the produce of those lives still matters today, consider buying an antique, hand cut, natural gemstone rather than one of the mass-produced machine cut (often synthetic or “lab produced”) gemstones which dominate the market today.

Our interest in the fabulous history of Russian gemstones and the fabulous jewelry of the Czar’s led to further education and contacts in India, Ceylon, and Siam, other ancient centers of gemstone production and finishing. We have a number of “helpers” (family members, friends, and colleagues) in Russia and in India who act as eyes and ears for us year-round, and in reciprocity we donate a portion of our revenues to support educational institutions in Russia and India. Occasionally while in Russia, India, Siam, and Ceylon we will also find such good buys on unique contemporary gemstones and jewelry that we will purchase a few pieces to offer to our customers here in America. These are always offered clearly labeled as contemporary, and not antiques – just to avoid confusion. We can set most any antique gemstone you purchase from us in your choice of styles and metals ranging from rings to pendants to earrings and bracelets; in sterling silver, 14kt solid gold, and 14kt gold fill. When you purchase from us, you can count on quick shipping and careful, secure packaging. We would be happy to provide you with a certificate/guarantee of authenticity for any item you purchase from me. There is a $2 fee for mailing under separate cover. Please see our "ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE."