Georgian Imperial Topaz Necklace
Fantastic Georgian period necklace set with eighteen imperial topaz gemstones - long pears and ovals of the most gorgeous peachy orange - in foiled, closed back cut-down settings. Rose cut diamond accents punctuate the spaces between each topaz drop, beautifully set in silver and made to look like pairs of ribbon, and they hang from a simple 15 carat gold cable link chain fastening with a barrel clasp. Dating from the very early 1800s and complete with its original red leather presentation box, the imperial topaz gemstones total around 55 carats.
18th century explorers in Brazil discovered, amongst other things, rich deposits of imperial topaz (aka precious topaz) at the Ouro Preto mines in the Minas Gerias region. Known for their remarkable colour - peach, pink, orange, and yellow - stones were brought back to Europe and set in ornate floral or bow-like pieces, often alongside chrysoberyl and aquamarine to stunning effect. These "precious" stones were so highly regarded by the Russian monarchy that they soon garnered the Imperial title. "Imperial topaz has always been a costly gemstone and it is surprising how keen the lapidaries were to heat the stones. A Parisian jeweller named Dumelle discovered that golden topaz became a glorious pink upon being heated and 'pinked' topaz became popular [in the 18th century]. The trace element chromium is what created the pink colour upon heating, but not all imperial topaz contained this element. Topaz without chromium will become colourless and can easily fracture when heated." - from 'Georgian Jewellery' by Ginny Redington Dawes and Olivia Collings (2007)
Needless to say, these gemstones have not been heated and retain their marvellous, vibrant sunshine-orange colour.
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Era: Georgian, circa 1800
Stones: Imperial Topaz (55 carats in total, calculated weight) & Rose Cut Diamonds
Length: 16.5 inches
Central drop: 3.5cm
Width of chain: 2mm
Marks: None, tested as 15ct gold and silver
Condition: Good antique condition; evidence of an old repair to one of the drops. Light wear consistent with age. The chain is a later (circa 1900) replacement.
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
Shipping
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
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[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
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Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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