Blue Topaz Ring Discolored After Tanning Bed - What Happened?

Question
Hi,
I really hope you can help me. I wear a blue topaz ring that belonged to my grandmother. I wore it in the tanning bed today (forgetting to take it off because it's ALWAYS on my finger) and when I came out of the bed it turned a dark gray color. It's been a couple hours, and the color hasn't changed. Please tell me I didn't ruin this ring. It's so precious to me..

Answer
Hi Lauren,

It sounds like there is a good chance it is ruined.  Topaz is a stone that is treated to enhance the color.  They can be sensitive to UV light.  Or even the heat could have done this.  I am not sure if you could reheat or irradiate which is another treatment to get the color back.  It would be much easier to just replace the stone. Was it light blue or dark or somewhere in between?  Topaz are easy to come by.  You will also need to measure for the size.  What shape also.  If you need help let me know.


Regards,

Steven D.Covey