Topaz – The Stone of Clarity and Strength

Topaz, known for its wide range of colors but most famously for its golden-yellow to blue varieties, is an aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide mineral. While Brazil is a significant source, topaz is also found in Russia, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Lab-grown topaz allows for consistent color and clarity, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to natural stones.

Etymology

The name “topaz” is derived from the Greek “topazos,” meaning “to seek,” linked to an island in the Red Sea where a different mineral was mistakenly thought to be topaz. Over time, the name has come to represent the gemstone we know today.

Cosmic Junction

Topaz aligns with Jupiter, symbolizing wisdom, truth, and abundance. It resonates with the solar plexus chakra, promoting confidence, personal power, and manifestation.

Ancient Egyptian Tradition: Topaz was considered the stone of Ra, the sun god, believed to protect against harm and ensure health and wealth. Its golden hue was seen as capturing the sun’s energy.

Roman Lore: Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, believing it could increase strength and protect from injury, making it a popular choice for warriors.

Medieval Europe: Named the “gem of the sun,” topaz was thought to break spells, calm anger, and even cure insanity, embodying the idea of clarity and mental well-being.

Hindu Mythology: In Vedic astrology, yellow topaz is linked to Jupiter (Guru), symbolizing wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual growth. It’s often recommended for those seeking to enhance their learning or spiritual journey.

Modern Crystal Healing: Topaz is used to manifest intentions, bring about joy, and foster creativity. Blue topaz, in particular, is linked with communication, aiding in clear expression and truth.

Stainless Steel | 18k PVD Gold Finish

Material Composition: The base material of these earrings includes high-grade stainless steel, commonly types 304 or 316L, known for excellent corrosion resistance and hypoallergenic qualities. Over this, an 18k Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) gold finish is applied, giving the appearance of real gold while enhancing durability.

Manufacturing Process:

• Material Selection: Opt for high-quality stainless steel for the base, which ensures longevity and resistance to tarnishing.
• PVD Coating Preparation: The stainless steel is cleaned and prepared for the PVD process to ensure adhesion of the gold layer.
• PVD Application: Gold atoms are vaporized in a vacuum chamber and deposited onto the steel in a process that bonds the gold at an atomic level, creating a hard, durable gold coating.
• Cutting & Shaping: After coating, the steel is cut and shaped into the desired forms, like fish/french hooks for earrings.
• Polishing & Finishing: The gold-coated steel is polished to enhance the finish’s luster and smoothness.
• Quality Control: Each piece is checked for uniformity of the gold layer, adherence to jewelry standards, and overall integrity.

Why They Don’t Oxidize

The stainless steel base forms a protective chromium oxide layer which prevents rust. The PVD gold coating adds another layer of protection, making the jewelry highly resistant to oxidation, even in humid or salty environments.

Magnetic Properties

Similar to plain stainless steel, the 18k PVD gold finish does not alter the magnetic properties significantly. The stainless steel might still have slight magnetic qualities based on its composition or processing, but this is not affected by the PVD layer.

Hypoallergenic Assurance

The gold PVD coating further seals the nickel content within the stainless steel, reducing the likelihood of skin reactions. This combination ensures that the earrings are suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies to base metals.