Consumers and retailers need to become aware of the recent increase in unstable topaz being sold on the market. This topaz is reddish to pinkish brown in color and usually originates in Thailand. However, many dealers are claiming these stones are from Burma or even Brazil. The origin of the color in these gems still unclear. However, when these stones are exposed to sunlight, they fade to nearly a colorless stone.

An example of this can be seen in the photograph of the same stone side by side. The first stones shows the original color, before exposure to sunlight. The second photo shows the same stone after exposure to sunlight for 24 hours. The results are extraordinary.

The sale of these stones to unsuspecting consumers, or retailers, could damage the confidence in an already delicate market. Consumers and retailers need to be aware of what they are buying and where the stone originated. Trust becomes an important factor when buying precious gemstones. Retailers need to trust their sources of precious stones. Additionally, consumers need to go to a source where they feel comfortable buying precious gemstones in order to ensure a quality stone.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 21st, 2007 at 8:09 am and is filed under Gem News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.