Jewellery & Watch News
Mimicking the brown leaves and warm shades of its respective autumn month, Citrine is chosen as the November birthstone. The variety of quartz ranges from pale yellow to a stunning honey orange shade taking its name from the citron fruit for its lemon-inspired colours. The November birthstone of Citrine is one of the more affordable birthstone gemstones allowing those born in the month a greater choice of inexpensive options when it comes to buying birthstone jewellery.
History of Citrine
Citrine has been used ornamentally for thousands of years, widely used by the Ancient Greeks as a decorative gem and by Scottish men during the 17th century who would use Citrine on the handles of daggers and swords for decorative and protective purposes. Before 1556, Citrine was known simply as yellow quartz before taking its name from the French word “citron” meaning lemon. The November birthstone has also been linked to calming tempers, soothing anger and manifesting prosperity. The Egyptians would use Citrine gemstones in talismans for these purposes.
Queen Victoria was known for loving Citrine and largely popularised it during the era of Victorian jewellery however the height of the stone’s popularity was during the 1930’s, during the Art Deco period, where elaborate use of the November birthstone could be found in jewellery, clothing and even interior design. The largest piece of Citrine weighs in at 2,258 carats and was discovered in Brazil. The stone is currently displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, USA.
Where is Citrine found?
The November birthstone can be found in Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, Uruguay and Brazil, however one of the most important sources of Citrine is Bolivia. The Anahí mine in Bolivia has produced large amounts of amethyst and Citrine for the gem markets and remains one of the few places where the November birthstone is produced naturally and is not the result of laboratory treatment.
Properties of Citrine
Most of the Citrine found in today’s market is created from a heat treatment on other varieties of quartz, like Amethyst, however as we said above, there are some sources where natural Citrine can be found. Its warm yellow hues are caused by traces of iron in quartz crystals and when left out in the warm sun, the stone can change colour. The November birthstone marks a 7 on the Mohs scale of Hardness so it is very durable against scratches and everyday wear, making it perfect for jewellery. It is also widely available and one of the most affordable yellow gemstones.
Citrine Jewellery
Whether you’re celebrating a November birthday, buying for a partner for your 13th wedding anniversary or you’re simply in love with the enchanting golden tones of the gemstone, Citrine jewellery is a must-have every lady’s jewellery collection. Its wonderfully versatile properties means it can be worn for all occasions and when paired with other gemstones like diamond its contrasting composition looks truly extraordinary.
You can shop a huge range of Citrine jewellery and November birthstone jewellery on the C W Sellors website including Citrine necklaces, Citrine pendants, Citrine bracelets, Citrine earrings, Citrine rings, Citrine brooches and Citrine cufflinks. Get in touch with the team today for more information on the Citrine gemstone and the interest free finance and free next day delivery available.
