Topaz Values Question:

I recently purchased an "Imperial" topaz gem from H. Stern in Brazil for a significant amount of money.

Upon returning to Canada and getting it appraised I found out that it (apparently) is pink/precious topaz.

The appraisal was a bit lower ($500 Canadian less) than what I bought it for, but still in the same ballpark.

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My question is: What is the difference between the various topaz colours - I've yet to find anything consistent on the internet or from people I talk with.

Secondly, how much does the price of pink topaz fluctuate yearly given its rarity?

Finally, is this something I could properly appraise on this website?

I was told by more than one person that Imperial topaz bought in Brazil and sold elsewhere would reap a tidy profit.

Thanks for your help, Ronnie

Answer:

G'day Ronnie and many thanks for your query.

Firstly I would have to say that the term "Imperial" is NOT really associated with Topaz - being used mainly in the trade for Imperial Jade. The best Topaz would be termed "Precious".

Now it is true that the best topaz comes from Minas Gerais or Esperito Santo Brazil but there are many other areas around the world (especially Sri Lanka and Russia) where very good quality gemstones are found.

But unlike a piece of "Brighton Rock" the origin or name of the mine doesn't run all the way through the gemstone - so identification comes down to close internal features which make it individual.

But not unique.

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Best Prices On Topaz From eBay - right Now!

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That is simply a supply and demand thing. The supply and quality and price from Brazil are all considered good - but that is still a subjective and commercial consideration.

The most valuable topaz are pink while the most common is yellowish, but they do come in all sizes and colors including red to red brown, pale green and many shades of blue. The so called 'London Blue' being very attractive, but the gemstone is generally 'Heat Treated' to achieve certain shades or even to turn a worthless yellow or even colourless - blue.

This is an acceptable practice throughout the Trade and is NOT done exclusively on Topaz, but on many gemstones.

As for price? Like most jewelry people think there is a standard value - which there is not, and the 'Appraisal' should really be called an 'INSURANCE APPRAISAL' because that is what is represents.

See this article on Value here:
http://www.online-jewelry-appraisals.com/advice/how-to-sell-your-jewelry-truths-and-myths/

Throughout the world there are 'Guidelines' if you will - but they are subject to Supply and Demand again, but there are Miners profits, Wholesaler profits, Cutters profits, retailers profits and just to cap it all off - the Government Sales Tax or Import duty is added to the final bottom line.

Then appraisers round it up or down to a more logical figure.

Hence the fluctuation. There is NO fixed price anywhere.

You might have noticed on our website that we do say that our software can appraise 95% percent of jewelry seen today (and we take an average price from suppliers to achieve a consistent price) but if there is something unusual - then the answer to your question would be 'No'.

And what's the point anyway? You have already had it 'Priced' by Sterns when you bought it - and then - just to check - had it valued in Canada. So what are you trying to achieve? Checking on the Checking? How many times do you have to do that until you find a price you are happy with?

We recently had a client with a similar problem, as he had a Padparadschah colored Sapphire with a valuation of $36,000 dollars. Our software couldn't get even close to that price because we take a 'Commercial Value' from suppliers around the world - while he paid too much in the first place.

Again another example of 'NO FIXED PRICE for anything...

You as the WILLING BUYER paid what you paid to a WILLING SELLER. After taxes and profits - that's the price.

The gem is not so rare that another one, almost exactly the same will be made available to the next WILLING BUYER. While a similar gem from a Merchant in Sri Lanka might sell for half that Brazilian price.

To purchase something like this as an investment or to make a profit - is a mistake.

Best you just enjoy it...

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