Topaz?

[lunemo]

Hello! I know literally nothing about gemstones but I have been thinking about getting a pear shape topaz (my birthstone) pendant. What do you all think about the quality of this topaz? I love the fat pear shape but have no idea what I should look for when it comes to topaz, and if this is a good online store for topaz. Any advice?
http://www.africagems.com/topaz-precious-ja1004.html

 

[chrono]

AfricaGems is a good vendor albeit on the expensive side. Topaz comes in several colours. Is this particular colour attractive to you? It looks more brownish than orangish pink on my monitor. Secondly, this is a fat pear that would require a custom setting if that matters to you.

 

[lunemo]

Thanks Chrono! It does seem expensive. I am going to check out other dealers too (just saw the gem dealer list) now. Yes I quite like the brownish topaz!

I first got the idea of a pear pendant from this etsy listing. Is it a good idea to go to an Etsy person for this kind of setting, you think? Do I need to worry about the gem being damaged during setting?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/59850298/midnight-blue-swirl-necklace?ref=fp_recently_viewed_2

 

[VapidLapid]

I think it is an attractive topaz and don't really mind the window, but the price is objectionable. I like topaz in the orange pink purple spectrum. It is my birthstone also. AJS and Spectralgems have some nice topaz. Check gemfix as well.

 

[lunemo]

Thanks for the suggestions! I will check them out. In your opinion, how much should this topaz cost? I am not sure if the price is negotiable?

 

[minousbijoux]

I think that while pretty, it really does have quite a bit of brown in it. I would second the suggestion of looking around, because you will pay a premium for buying from Africagems.

 

[chrono]

If you like that colour, I would recommend looking elsewhere for a less expensive one. I know AJS should have a few. Not sure who else might have some. Multicolour, perhaps?

 

[VapidLapid]

I think this is a nice pear imperial topaz

http://www.spectralgems.net/A-topaz.html

 

[JewelFreak]

If you like them on the brownish side (I do!), there's this one at Mastercut:



http://www.mastercutgems.com

 

[chrono]

It's not fat but it's big and already set. A bit expensive if you ask me but AJS often has sales so I would ask or wait until then. I found many topaz but few in a pear shape.
http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/imperial-topaz/imperial-topaz-pendant-5.26-carats.html