November’s Birthstones: Citrine and Topaz

The Beauty of November’s Gemstones

If your birthday falls in November or you’re buying for someone who celebrates then, you have two beautiful gemstones to choose from: Citrine and Topaz. Each captures a different kind of light, making November one of the most radiant months for birthstones!

Citrine: The Golden Glow

Citrine mirrors the warmth of autumn and brings a golden radiance to any jewellery collection.

What is Citrine?

Citrine is the transparent yellow to golden orange variety of quartz. Its name comes from the French word citron, meaning lemon, which perfectly describes its sunny tones. Natural citrine is rare, and many of the vibrant stones seen today begin as amethyst or smoky quartz that have been gently heat-treated to achieve their colour.

Why We Love It

Citrine is known as the stone of abundance and optimism. Its colour ranges from soft lemon to deep honey, so there’s a shade for every style. Believed to attract creativity and success, citrine is a joyful choice for everyday wear. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, it is durable when cared for properly.

Choosing Your Citrine

When selecting a citrine piece, we always look for:

• A vivid, even colour without brown or dull tones
• A cut that enhances the stone’s natural sparkle
• Minimal inclusions visible to the eye
• A secure setting, such as a halo or bezel, to protect the gem

If you prefer transparency, ask whether your citrine is natural or heat-treated. Both are beautiful options, but it’s always good to know the story behind your stone.

Topaz: The Cool Brilliance

Topaz offers another side of November’s beauty. While it appears in many colours, the most sought-after shades are sky blue, London blue, and imperial topaz, which shows a golden pink glow.

What is Topaz?

Topaz is a silicate mineral celebrated for its clarity and brilliance. The name is thought to come from the ancient Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire. Its vivid shades and striking sparkle make it a favourite for both statement and classic jewellery designs.

Why We Love It

Topaz symbolises love, loyalty and clarity of thought. Blue topaz in particular is linked with calm energy and clear communication, while imperial topaz feels elegant and refined. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz is slightly stronger than citrine and ideal for everyday wear.

Styling Ideas

Topaz pairs beautifully with both white and yellow metals.

• A London blue topaz ring in yellow gold feels rich and contemporary
• Sky blue topaz earrings bring a soft sparkle to daytime looks
• An imperial topaz pendant glows beautifully against warm skin tones

Caring for November Birthstones

Both citrine and topaz are durable, but gentle care will keep them glowing for years to come.

• Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, extreme heat or harsh chemicals
• Store separately from harder stones like diamonds to prevent scratches
• Check settings regularly, especially for larger gems

Create your own November birthstone piece

Whether you’re drawn to the golden warmth of citrine jewellery or the cool brilliance of topaz jewellery, we would love to help you create something truly special. From sourcing the perfect stone to designing your own piece, every detail is guided by your style and story.

Book a consultation with us today and let’s bring your vision to life.

 

The Diamond Expert