People have valued the rare and amazingly beautiful pink topaz stone since ancient times. The mineral was credited with magical properties. There were legends about the healing power of the crystal; references to it are found in ancient medical treatises. Barren women wore topaz to get pregnant, and the stone guided selfish and envious people to do good deeds.
Story
Thousands of years ago, pink topaz was used to make jewelry and household items, but in its raw form it attracted attention. In Europe, the mineral gained popularity during the Renaissance, when master jewelers introduced faceted crystals to society.
The history of refined pink topaz began with an accident. The wife of a Ural jeweler was baking bread and an earring with yellow topaz accidentally fell into the dough. The decoration was discovered after the finished baked goods were served. What came as a surprise to everyone was that the stone turned deep pink after being in the oven.
As an experiment, the Ural jeweler put plain-colored topazes into the oven, which eventually acquired a beautiful pink color. This discovery brought wealth and fame to the master, and the basis of the topaz refining technique is still used today.
Swarovski in the fashion industry
Swarovski crystals have long been used by world famous people, brands and fashion houses. So in the mid-50s, Christian Dior, who noted the quality of crystals, invited Swarovski to develop his own collection of jewelry. As a result of this collaboration, the Fireball and Drifting Emerald crystals were created.
Marilyn Monroe
Back in 1962, Marilyn Monroe showed the whole world how beautiful a dress skillfully embroidered with stones from the world famous brand can be. Everyone remembers her famous congratulations on the anniversary of US President John F. Kennedy, when the star sang her famous song “Happy bithday Mister President.” The actress took the stage at the Madison Square Garden concert hall in Los Angeles in a sparkling dress embroidered with Swarovski crystals.
Monroe was warned in advance that the outfit should be modest and not too provocative. The beautiful Marilyn found a way out of the situation: at her request, fashion designer Jean Louis created “an extraordinary dress that no one has ever had before.” The couturier more than complied with the star's request. He created something that perfectly harmonizes with Monroe’s image and strict dress code. The highlight of the outfit was not just the chic abundance of amazing crystals. The fact is that the “modest” dress almost completely demonstrated all the charms of the charming actress. As Jean Louis himself said: “Marilyn knew how to amazingly control her charming body, it was in constant motion, but it was done naturally, elegantly. And it dawned on me - I grabbed it, realized what I had to do - play with this gift of her to provoke... In general, I drew a sketch of a dress that creates the full effect that she is naked.”
Michael Jackson
One of the most passionate fans of Swarovski crystals was the King of Pop Michael Jackson.
Most of his stage costumes are decorated with Swarovski. During the idol’s triumphant return to the stage, over 300,000 Swarovski crystals were used to decorate the costumes and sets! According to the vice president and press secretary, these are genuine crystals of selected quality, which are undoubtedly worthy of the King of Pop.
Even after the death of Michael Jackson, his suits, studded with Swarovski crystals, continue to be in enormous demand among his multi-million army of fans. Stylish iconic items are sold at prestigious auctions for huge sums of money. One of these is the iconic velvet helmet of the pop idol, which is completely covered with large Swarovski crystals of the highest quality. It was literally torn off “with arms and legs” at a grandiose sale, and since then it has been resold many times. As they say, if you’re happy, pass it on to someone else. For true fans of the King of Pop, the details of his costumes are a real treasure. The shiny helmet still bears a label with the name “Michael Jackson” and even traces of his stage makeup. For such a thing, fans are really ready to give everything in the world. Fans literally pray for everything that once belonged to the artist.
Another iconic detail of Jackson’s stage costume is the gloves, completely strewn with Swarovski crystals. All of them are only for one hand and initially do not have a pair. The pop idol then publicly stated that “one glove is better than two.”
The world saw the black glove on Michael Jackson's hand in 1984, when he was awarded the American Music Awards for his most famous album, Thriller. This is how a seemingly ordinary thing turned into a cult. Jackson gave it to a terminally ill child. It later ended up at the Nate D. Sanders auction house and was sold for $200,000.
A white glove from the Victory tour, embroidered with Swarovski stones, was sold at the Julien auction for the same price. The most famous “diamond” glove of the King of Pop is the “Moonwalk” glove, which collectors around the world have been chasing for a long time, reselling it to each other for a lot of money. The last time it was officially bought for half a million dollars. This is said to be Jackson's only left stage glove, which makes the item even more valuable in the eyes of fans.
The same fate befell many other things and stage costumes of the King of Pop - they are still sold at auction for exorbitant sums.
Angelina Jolie
Surely Angelina Jolie was also inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s “diamond” dress, since there are similar outfits in her star wardrobe. One of them will probably forever remain in fashion history - a magnificent velor dress from Atelier Versace with a cape and a transparent top, literally sprinkled with small Swarovski crystals in a classic white color. Angelina Jolie wore this stunning outfit to the red carpet during her promotional tour for The Tourist in Madrid in 2011. Hundreds of tabloids in all parts of the world then talked about the Hollywood goddess who was truly royal.
Hollywood queen Angelina Jolie loves jewelry with Swarovski crystals. This is evidenced by numerous photo sessions with the star. Stones from the famous brand often sparkle in the frame.
Crystal clear crystal shines on Jolie in a variety of variations and forms, but most often it is used to decorate the star’s outfits. The Hollywood diva decorates herself with Swarovski almost every year at the prestigious Oscar film awards. At the same time, her images always create a sensation and are recognized as the standard of style throughout the world. At the Oscars in 2013, Angelina Jolie appeared in a long black dress embroidered with Swarovski crystals. It’s interesting that the luxurious, masterfully cut stones made from natural crystal were not traditionally white and silver, but exquisitely black! At the same time, the night-colored crystals were not at all “lost” on Jolie’s black dress. On the contrary, they gave it a special charm and sophistication.
Graceful Swarovski crystals perfectly highlight the excellent natural color of the famous brown-haired woman’s eyes and hair, as well as the noble marble pallor and impeccable purity of her skin.
Other stars
In the 80s, the stage costumes of such world stars as Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and Bryan Ferry were also decorated with Swarovski crystals.
In 2009, the company's jewelers created a huge star for the New York Christmas tree. This decoration weighed 250 kilograms and contained 25 thousand crystal plates.
In 2011, BlingMyThing presented a luxury MiniCooper car, the roof of which was strewn with 300 thousand Swarovski crystals, which were laid out in the shape of the British flag, for the Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
In 2013, during Rihanna's world tour, which was called Diamonds, the singer's stage outfits were richly decorated with Swarovski crystals.
Properties of the mineral
Pink topaz (Pink topaz) 0.31 carats
Pink topaz in chemical composition is aluminum fluorosilicate. The color scheme is formed by impurities, which include chromium, iron, and titanium. The depth of formation of the rock affects the saturation of the shade. The deeper the mineral lies, the thicker and more saturated its color.
Pink topaz has a high hardness rating of 8 on the Mohs scale and a density of up to 3.57 g/cm³. The gem is transparent with a glassy sheen, conchoidal fracture and perfect cleavage.
The pink gem is susceptible to ultraviolet radiation, due to which it loses its natural shade. To fix the color and preserve the beauty of the stone for a longer period, it can be refined - heat treated. Exposure to high temperature can correct the shade and make it more saturated.
Uniqueness of crystals
The brand’s crystals are distinguished by the sharpest and most polished edges; they are free of any defects: chips or cloudiness. On the inside of the walls of the rhinestones there is a silver-mirror backing, thanks to which the shine of the stones is enhanced. The maximum play of light is achieved by adding sulfur oxide to the crystal.
The main highlight and feature of rhinestones is the material itself: absolutely transparent and high-quality crystal. It contains potash, soda, quartz sand and red lead . They are mixed in special proportions. The creator of the brand personally developed a method for producing the crystal from which Swarovski crystals are made. What kind of recipe this is is still unknown, as it is kept in the strictest confidence. Such secrecy around production is quite understandable. After all, the secret of creating the famous crystal is the key to the uniqueness, originality and capital of this honorable brand.
Colors and varieties
Pink topaz, depending on the color and deposit of calves, is divided into several varieties:
- Topaz-imperial. The most expensive variety of this mineral has a wide range of shades. It comes in pink rose, lotus, raspberry, cranberry, salmon, purple and red-orange colors. Brazil is considered the birthplace of imperial topaz, but stones of this variety are also supplied by Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Topaz-Imperial 6.22 ct
- Red topaz. The rarest type of mineral that cannot be refined. When you try to heat treat the stone becomes cloudy. Due to the impossibility of counterfeiting the color, red topaz is highly prized by jewelers and gem lovers.
Red Topaz
- Peach topaz. Absolutely transparent crystals are in demand among jewelers.
Peach topaz 19.51 carats
- Orange-pink topaz with a champagne tint. The stone is cheaper compared to other varieties, but is no less interesting and in demand among jewelers.
Natural champagne topaz 6.74 carats
Misty Rose gems created by Swarovski can also be considered a variety of pink topaz. Crystals are characterized by a milky pink color with a varied tint of powdery shades.
Place of Birth
Pink topaz is considered a rare stone; there are not so many deposits of it on the planet.
In Russia, significant deposits are located in Transbaikalia. Pink specimens are found in the central part of the Chelyabinsk region in the coastal zone of the Kamenka and Sanarka rivers. High-quality stones of pink, crimson and purple colors were mined in the Southern Urals (Kochkarsky mine), but this deposit has already been developed.
Pink topaz is mined in Brazil near the city of Ouro Preto. This area is famous for its pink topaz crystals.
Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka are also famous for their deposits of gems. Stones of pale pink and red colors are found in Ukraine in the Volyn region.
Creation of a museum
For the company's centenary (in 1995), a unique Swarovski Museum was built. It is located near Innsbruck. The main entrance to the museum is made in the shape of a giant's head. The giant's eyes are made of huge green Swarovski crystals, and water flows continuously from his mouth. This place is a true worship of crystal. Everything here sparkles, sparkles and amazes the imagination. The museum's galleries are an underground labyrinth consisting of fifteen halls. One of these halls is the largest boutique of this brand in the world.
Significant exhibits of the museum are the largest Swarovski crystal of 310 thousand carats, which reaches 40 centimeters in diameter and weighs 62 kilograms, as well as the smallest crystal with a diameter of only 0.8 millimeters. Both crystals are included in the Guinness World Records.
Magic properties
Pink topazes are endowed with special properties. The stone is considered a talisman for lovers. It brings harmony to relationships and reduces the likelihood of quarrels over trifles. The gem enhances the attractiveness and charm of its owner, supports the fire of passion in relationships and the interest of lovers in each other.
An amulet with pink topaz develops intuition and helps in emergency situations to find the right solution to a problem. It enhances mental abilities and logical thinking, helps you look at things rationally.
The pink beauty is also credited with the property of being a talisman against the evil eye and damage. In India, they believe that the mineral inspires hope and protects its owner from fatal actions.
Therapeutic effect
Topazes of natural pink color help to cope with many ailments. Their energy has a beneficial effect on a person’s psycho-emotional state. To relieve nervous overexcitation, get rid of depression, and normalize sleep, it is recommended to wear pink topaz in the form of a pendant or pendant.
The stone improves immunity, helps to more easily endure seasonal viral diseases and epidemics, and recover faster from poisoning and infectious diseases.
Pink topaz is also used to restore hormonal levels and improve the functioning of the reproductive system. The stone helps improve vision, proper functioning of the liver, kidneys and digestive organs.
The mineral can help increase metabolism, so it should be used with caution by those who are prone to obesity and bulimia.
Compatibility with other stones
To make wearing jewelry enjoyable and beneficial, you need to know what goes with what. The compatibility of all stones is based on the relationship of the planets. And it is only relevant for natural jewelry (the popular hazy pink Swarovski topazes do not fall into this category). Astrologers advise wearing topazes in the following combinations: with onyx, dark agate, carnelian, emerald and moonstone. The following combinations are considered the most unfavorable: with diamond, ruby, peridot, sapphire and white pearl.
Main Application
The main area of application of pink topaz is jewelry. To make jewelry, craftsmen use both natural and refined (heat-treated) gems.
Naturally colored stones are set in high-carat gold or platinum and combined in products with emeralds, diamonds and rubies.
Refined crystals are framed in silver or 14k gold and combined with cheaper minerals - rock crystal, rhodolite, peridot, cubic zirconia.
Topaz with a pink color palette is inserted into both women's and men's jewelry. In the first case, crystals of warm shades are used, in the second - more restrained, close to purple.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Topazes of red-pink shades are suitable for all zodiac signs with the exception of Taurus.
The clear favorites of the mineral are Scorpios born in November. Pink topaz will have a beneficial effect on their romantic and family relationships, creativity, and character.
Leos, Sagittarius and Aries (signs of the element of Fire) can use the gem to increase physical and mental activity, get rid of character traits such as selfishness, vanity, arrogance and hot temper.
Cancers and Pisces need this mineral to gain self-confidence, reduce the threshold of suspiciousness and vulnerability, and develop communication skills.
For Gemini, the stone will help concentrate attention on important things, become restrained and disciplined.
Virgos, Libras, Capricorns and Aquarius can use pink topaz to improve their emotional state. The stone will not show other properties in relation to these zodiac signs.
Storage and care rules
Pink topaz is very difficult to store and care for. This mineral should be protected from:
- any mechanical impact;
- direct sunlight (this point applies even to refined gems);
- sudden temperature changes;
- contact with chemicals - cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning agents.
It is recommended to store the stone in a separate box with soft upholstery and wear it periodically and mainly in the evening.
It is better to entrust cleaning of products to professionals. At home, you can only remove minor stains using a soap solution and running cool water.
Difference from fake
In jewelry stores you can often find jewelry with refined topaz. Such stones are not considered fake or imitation, since they are of natural origin. You should be wary of fakes made of painted glass.
It is easy to distinguish a synthetic fake from the original:
- Real topaz is much stronger than glass. It cannot be scratched by a metal object.
- The natural mineral becomes electrified when rubbed against wool.
- Real topaz has defects in its structure - microcracks, natural inclusions.
- The original has natural shades, while painted glass has unnaturally bright colors.
- When real topaz is heated, a slight tingling sensation is felt in the palms.
Since pink topaz is an expensive stone, products containing it must be accompanied by a quality certificate, which indicates the characteristics of the mineral and the place of its extraction.
What makes Swarovski crystals unique?
Rhinestones are made from a special type of high-quality crystal, the production technology of which was developed by company representatives and is kept in the strictest confidence. It is known that the recipe for its preparation includes more than 70 ingredients, and its components such as lead and sulfur oxides make the material exceptionally transparent and enhance the shine of the crystals.
The delightful play of light in Swarovski stones is achieved thanks to the high quality of their cutting. There can be from 12 to 17 edges in rhinestones, they have different widths: narrow ones alternate with wide ones. A thin layer of silver mirror substrate is applied to the surfaces at the bottom of the rhinestones on the inside, which prevents the scattering of light rays and increases the brightness of the shine. Treating the edges with an antistatic agent prevents dust from settling.
Strict control of manufactured products eliminates the presence of defects: all products with the smallest defects are sent for re-processing. New developments and improvements are constantly being introduced. In recent years, the production of colored Swarovski crystals has been launched, the color of which corresponds to 12 types of precious stones.
