November Birthstones - Topaz & Citrine

The November birthstones topaz and citrine radiate warmth and positivity with their vibrant golden hues. Topaz occurs in a rainbow of colors, while citrine captivates with its bright yellows to orange shades. These relatively abundant, affordably priced gems provide versatile styling options. Explore topaz and citrine's allure, and unlock ideas to find the perfect November birthstone gift.

Topaz - The Colorful November Birthstone

Topaz dazzles in a striking range of colors to match anyone's personal style. From icy blues to vibrant pinks and yellows, multicolored topaz provides a versatile birthstone to brighten up the gray days of November.

What is Topaz?

Topaz is a silicate mineral, a composition of aluminum and silicon with fluorine and hydroxyl ions. Impurities of iron, chromium and other elements cause topaz's diverse coloring.

Blue topaz forms when colorless stones are irradiated and heated to alter their composition. This stable enhancement is acceptable in the gem trade. The most prized natural topaz displays pink to reddish orange hues.

With perfect cleavage and a rating of 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, topaz should be worn with care in secure settings to avoid damage. Large, clean stones are fairly rare.

Explore topaz's striking range of colors

Topaz History & Lore

The ancient Greeks and Romans associated topaz with strength and healing properties. During the Renaissance, Europeans believed it could break magic spells. In India, topaz was said to assure long life and beauty.

The pinkish orange variety known as imperial topaz owes its name to 19th century Russia. Pink topaz mined there was reserved for Russian aristocracy. Today, topaz remains November's traditional birthstone.

Where is Topaz Found?

Brazil: Major producer; yellow, pink, orange, blue

Pakistan: Fine pink topaz mined in Katlang

Namibia: Variety of colors

Nigeria: Colorless topaz

United States: Clear topaz in Utah and New Hampshire

Russia: Historic imperial topaz no longer produced

Sri Lanka: Golden yellow and blue material

The best pink topaz hails from Pakistan's Ghundao Hill. But most commercial topaz production takes place in Brazil, where orange to yellow and blue treated topaz is abundant.

Buying Quality Topaz

Factors impacting topaz value:

• Color: Natural pinks and reds most valued
• Clarity: Transparency, few eye-visible flaws
• Cut quality: Brilliant faceting to maximize color
• Carat weight: Fine imperial topaz over 5 carats is rare
• Treatment: Blue topaz is typically enhanced by irradiation

Top quality topaz boasts lively saturation and clean transparency even in larger sizes. Provenance from famed localities like Brazil and Pakistan also adds value.

Caring for Topaz Jewelry

Rating 8 on the Mohs scale makes topaz suitable for most jewelry, with proper care:

• Use warm soapy water and a very soft brush to clean
• Avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaning
• Prevent blows that can cleave topaz along its perfect fracture
• Check prong settings routinely to ensure they remain secure

With some basic precautions, topaz jewelry can withstand normal wear.

Styling the Colorful November Birthstone

From contemporary to vintage looks, topaz brings personality:

Contemporary Styles

• Pendants with multicolored topaz slices on black rhodium chains
• Tennis bracelets mixing mystic blue, orange and green topaz
• Statement rings with emerald-cut pink topaz as the centerpiece
• Chandelier earrings cascading with oval blue topaz

Vintage Looks

• Antique cocktail rings featuring carved imperial topaz
• Retro necklaces pairing rhodium-framed topaz with cultured pearls
• Rose gold floral motif rings with round pink topaz accents
• Victorian brooches with cushion-cut yellow topaz surrounded by old mine cuts

Make a statement with topaz in one color or create unique combos mixing different hues.

Citrine - The Sunny November Birthstone

Bright citrine infuses November with sunshine and positivity. Its golden yellow hues evoke ripened harvest fruits and amber autumn foliage. With affordability and durability, citrine makes an ideal birthstone gift.

What is Citrine?

Citrine is a variety of crystalline quartz, characterized by its yellow to brownish-orange coloration. Its name derives from the French word for lemon, "citron".

Most citrine on the market forms through heat treating purple amethyst to transform the color. This stable enhancement is standard practice. Natural citrine with no treatment is very rare.

The most prized citrine exhibits a vivid lemon yellow with no hints of green or brown. Blue and violet undertones in natural citrine are also valued traits. With a hardness of 7, citrine is suitable for everyday wear.

Explore citrine's golden hues

Citrine History & Lore

The ancient Greeks adorned themselves with citrine jewelry. Roman priests also wore citrine, believing it embodied the sun's power. Throughout history, people have associated citrine with prosperity, generosity and Manifestation.

During the Art Deco era, citrine gained popularity in bold, geometric styles. Today it remains one of the most affordable and frequently purchased yellow gemstones.

Citrine is also the traditional birthstone for the 13th wedding anniversary. It's sometimes blended with smoky quartz for the smoky citrine November birthstone.

Where is Citrine Found?

Brazil: Massive source of heat treated citrine

Bolivia: Natural growth amethyst-citrine

Spain: Significant producer, especially of natural citrine

Russia: Natural golden yellow to greenish citrine

Madagascar: Affordable production, greenish yellow hues

The finest golden yellow citrines come from the Anahí mine in Bolivia, where amethyst and citrine forms together naturally. Russia is also a source for natural unheated material. But much commercial citrine originates from abundantly available Brazilian amethyst.

Buying Quality Citrine

Features that boost citrine value:

• Vivid lemon yellow to orangey brown color
• Transparent clarity without cloudiness
• Precision faceting with excellent polish
• Natural unheated origin from select localities
• Larger carat sizes, over 20 cts are rare for fine pieces
• Amethyst-citrine combo for unique ametrine

Well-saturated citrine with clean transparency has increasingly rare value. Distinctive natural gems have special appeal.

Caring for Citrine Jewelry

Citrine's durability makes it suitable for everyday wear:

• Clean using warm soapy water and a soft brush
• Avoid prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight
• Check prong settings occasionally to ensure security
• Consider removing citrine rings for hard physical work

With basic care, citrine provides lasting shine. Be cautious of abrasive cleaners that could damage the surface.

Styling the Sunny November Birthstone

Citrine's warm glow lends itself well to:

• Solitaire pendants encircled by amber diamonds
• Vintage inspired floral motifs with citrine accents
• Tennis bracelets alternating citrine with smoky quartz
• Bold cocktail rings with carved citrine ovals
• Men's signet rings with citrine family crests
• Layered pendant necklaces mixing citrine nuggets and beads
• Large citrine stud earrings surrounded by diamond halos

Luminous citrine is both affordable and easy to style. Let citrine infuse your look with upbeat radiance.