Explore the vivid personalities of Citrine and Topaz.
As November unfolds, we would like to spotlight two vibrant and meaningful birthstones: Citrine and Topaz. These gemstones are more than just November birthstones; they carry rich histories, unique meanings, and are cherished for their beauty and symbolism. For jewelers, understanding the nuances of Citrine and Topaz can help in crafting memorable shopping experiences and meaningful recommendations. Let’s take a look at these two stones and how they can bring joy and delight to your customers.
The History and Meaning of November Birthstones
Citrine, with its warm golden hues, has long been associated with warmth and positivity. It is believed to soothe the temper and calm the nerves. The name Citrine comes from the French word citron, or “lemon,” for its bright yellow to brownish orange hue. Throughout history, Citrine has been prized for bold statement jewelry — often by royalty and clergy — and splendid ornaments.
While Citrine is rare to come by in modern days, it can also be formed by heat-treating Amethyst, another variety of quartz. Due to a world shortage of mined Citrine, most of the stones offered in the market began their journey as Amethyst.
Along with Citrine, Topaz is a prized November birthstone loved for its colorful options and mystic symbolism. Topaz gets its name from the Sanskrit word tapas, or “fire.” This could be reflective of the pinkish orange color found in Imperial Topaz, a variety of Topaz that was especially prized by the ancient aristocracy. However, there are other color options available, including blue, violet, yellow, the rare red, and more. All these varieties of Topaz were once believed to provide strength, repel magic and evil, and assure longevity.
Did You Know?
Not only are Citrine and Topaz the November birthstones, but they are used to mark other special occasions as well. Citrine is the zodiac birthstone for Leo and is used to celebrate the 1st and 13th wedding anniversary. Blue Topaz is used to celebrate the 4th wedding anniversary and Imperial Topaz is used to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary.
How to Care for November Birthstones
As a member of the quartz species, Citrine has a Mohs hardness rating of 7 and good toughness. This makes it suitable for daily wear but can be scratched or cracked with hard impacts. Although relatively stable with light exposure, Citrine should avoid contact with heat and chemicals to prevent damage or discoloration. Citrine is usually safe with ultrasonic cleaners but should not be used with a steam cleaner.
The Topaz species of gemstones have a Mohs hardness rating of 8 and poor toughness. This makes it relatively hard against scratching and abrasions, but it can cleave or fracture if struck. Topaz is generally stable with light and chemical exposure, but heat can damage it. You should never use Topaz with an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. It is best to use warm soapy water and a soft brush for cleaning.
Gemstone Education
Want to learn more about the colorful world of gemstones? Visit Stuller’s Gemstone Information Center to see a rainbow of options along with fun facts, care tips, and helpful resources.
Options With Citrine
Citrine’s bold sunny color is stunning to adorn. The color itself can range from a bright yellow to a warm madeira. Because quartz crystals can be mined in large quantities, you can find Citrine in higher carat weights in a variety of shapes in both faceted and cabochon cuts.
Options With Topaz
Topaz boasts beautiful colors in various shades. For example, the various shades of blue it can portray include hues such as London Blue, Sky Blue, and Swiss Blue. Imperial Topaz reflects a vivid orange to pinkish orange. The mesmerizing Mystic Topaz showcases a fascinating rainbow effect. There are a variety of shapes and sizes available in faceted and cabochon cuts.
Choosing Citrine and Topaz Jewelry
When helping customers choose their Citrine and Topaz jewelry, emphasize the attributes that make them so desirable, specifically color and meaning. Citrine is a warm, vibrant stone promoting positivity and calm. Its golden tones pair well with a yellow gold setting. Topaz has a rainbow of possibilities and reflects the strength each customer can find within themselves. The amount of variety opens the door to white, yellow, and rose-colored metals, depending on the depth of color of the stone. A good rule of thumb to start with is to pair warm-toned gemstones with yellow gold and cool-toned gemstones with white gold.
Citrine and Topaz: Vibrancy Abounds
The November birthstones offer colorful options to celebrate those born in the heart of fall. The symbolism behind these stunning stones enhances the meaning behind any piece set with Citrine or Topaz. With plentiful options, everyone born in November can have a precious keepsake that fills them with joy, warmth, and liveliness.
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