Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Hinged Huggie Earrings

These earrings are crafted in sterling silver, featuring two claw set, round mixed cut blue topaz with an approximate diameter of 8mm. The huggie earrings have an inner diameter of 10mm and are complemented with a hinged fitting.

Gem Lore:

Topaz - has been linked with the ancient Greek word ‘Topazions’, which was an island in the Red Sea. The island is currently referred to as ‘Zabargad’ in Egypt (and can further be translated to St John’s Island in english). Coincidentally, the island mined many yellow and green gemstones and incorrectly referred to them as Topaz. Alternatively, the name is thought to derive from the Sanskrit word ‘tapaz’, which translates to ‘fire’. The Egyptians believed that their Sun God Ra, provided the stones golden colour and protected the wearer from harm. Topaz naturally comes in white, yellow, brown and with the aid of treatment, pink and blue. Blue topaz possess a range of shades from: pale 'Sky Blue', to moderate 'Swiss Blue' and vividly saturated 'London Blue’. The most prized variety exhibits an orange body colour with pinkish red overtones and is known as imperial topaz.

Currently, there are no standard bespoke alterations, available for this item. However, if you have a question regarding an alteration you wish to make to the item, please let us know. You can either fill out the enquiry form below, or contact us directly. We will see if we can help to make any provisions for your request, or advise you further.

Jewellery Care Precautions:

Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).

Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.

Sterling Silver:

Silver as an element in its purest form, experiences very little tarnish, but it is far too soft and malleable, to be used in jewellery. To increase its durability and to make it easier to work with, 92.5% of pure silver is alloyed with 7.5% of copper.

Tarnishing appearing on your silver jewellery is normal. Over time and especially in humid conditions, the copper alloy naturally oxidises with the air, causing the silver to tarnish and discolour to yellow/brown/black. However, this tarnishing and discolouration, will speed up, if your jewellery comes into contact with: hairspray, cosmetics, perfume, body lotion, deodorant etc…

If you notice a greenish colour appearing on your fingers, neck or earlobes where you wear your silver rings, chains and earrings. This is because your jewellery has oxidised by reacting with: the natural acid (pH level of your skin), oils, moisture and perspiration of your body. Or from the lotions and perfumes applied to your body.

Remember to keep you silver away from any chlorine, acids or abrasives as this will begin to degrade your jewellery. It is best to practise our jewellery care precautions steps above.

For silver that has experienced a light tarnish, you can use a silver dip to help bring it back to life, this also helps to get into tiny crevices, that are hard to reach. For silver that has experienced a darker tarnish, using a silver jewellery cloth will remove more tarnish than a silver dip, as it is embedded with low abrasive chemicals. For silver that is heavily tarnished, using a silver polish or cream will help - however this is abrasive and we recommend to use with care and only when needed. Alternatively, the safe hands of our jewellery workshop can revive the beautiful silver shine of your jewellery.

Topaz:

Hardness: 8 | Toughness: Fair | Stability: Good

Extreme Caution, Avoid: Sudden Impact (pressure, knocks), Extreme Temperature Change (thermal shock), Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).

Mild Caution, Avoid: Light.

Gemmological Observation: Avoid leaving for long periods in strong light, as in some cases the colour may fade. Avoid any rough handling that can cause abrasions. Topaz has a low toughness, as it possess moderately easy cleavage, which means that the stone can fracture if it experiences a sharp knock.