Citrine and Topaz: November’s beautiful birthstones

I’ve never met a gemstone I didn’t like, but November’s birthstones are particularly captivating.

November has two birthstones: citrine and topaz. And because topaz and citrine come in many different hues, there are many gift-giving options. 

Citrine: sunshine in a gemstone

This November birthstone is the yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz, and it’s been a mainstay in jewelry making for thousands of years. Citrine derives from the French word citron (lemon) and can also be given for the thirteenth wedding anniversary. Resembling a little ray of sunshine in a gemstone, it’s no surprise that citrine is known to soothe and calm the individual who wears it.

Topaz: So many colors!

Topaz often is found naturally as a clear white gemstone. Processes developed in the 1960s enabled gemologists to heat-treat topaz, giving it a deep to light blue hue. =

Topaz has been revered for its special properties throughout the ages. During the Renaissance in Europe, people believed that topaz could break spells and quell anger. Hindus deemed topaz sacred, believing that a pendant could bring wisdom and longevity to one’s life. African shamans also treated the gemstone as sacred, using it in their healing rituals.

Avoid putting your topaz birthstone jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner–warm, soapy water works best. High heat and sudden temperature changes can cause internal cracks. 

Not sure what to get your loved one with a November birthstone?

We’ve created a beautiful assortment of one-of-a-kind and limited edition handcrafted pieces featuring citrine and topaz–all of which you can find here.