Spread the Love: Free Gift Package with Every Purchase of $500 or More this Valentine’s Day! SHOP NOW

Autumn’s Vibrant Colors, From the Brilliant Yellows, Oranges, and Reds — Dazzling Ways to Wear and Maintain November Birthstones

Share:

November is a month illuminated by vibrant colors, from the brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds of the changing leaves to the glowing gradients of pink in late autumn sunsets.

It makes sense, then, that November birthstones draw from this stunning palette and offer November babies (and anyone else, really) chic and elegant ways to wear the colors of the month.

The November birthstones are precious topaz and citrine. Although they may share a similar yellow hue and eye-catching sparkle in their natural state, they are actually two distinct stones, each with its own particular characteristics and meaning. Each of these stones captures light in a way that offers a subtle but eye-catching effect. Both precious topaz and citrine look gorgeous on most skin tones and work equally well in gold, white gold, and silver settings.

But there’s more to these stones than what they look like. Let’s dive into the meanings behind the November birthstones of precious topaz and citrine and explore some of the best ways to wear them.

Topaz 

For a long time, “topaz” was used as a blanket term to describe virtually all yellow stones. The word comes from the ancient Mediterranean island of Topazios (now known as St. John’s Island), which was famous for producing vast amounts of yellow gemstones. However, Brazil is the main producer of high-quality topaz, though there are topaz suppliers from several other countries, including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Germany, and Mexico.

It’s ironic that topaz has become synonymous with a specific color, as pure topaz actually has no hue. It only takes on color when impurities are introduced into the stone, and those impurities can produce every shade under the sun.

Precious topaz has a visual similarity to citrine, the only other recognized November birthstone, and the two are often mistaken for one another. Imperial topaz, with its striking orange color and pink undertones, is especially notable. It’s also the rarest form of topaz and was once only available to Russian royalty.

Topaz measures an 8 on the Mohs Hardness scale and is one of the hardest gems used in jewelry,.  A more appreciable feature of topaz compared to citrine is its ability to reflect more light with a sparkle similar to other hard gems like sapphire. The harder a gemstone is the easier it is to fashion precise angles and corners to maximize beauty.

History and Meaning of Topaz

Historical texts dating back to ancient Greece mention topaz, though due to the ambiguity of the term, it’s uncertain whether they referred to genuine topaz or to other yellow gemstones.

By the European Renaissance, topaz was seen as a powerful spell-breaker and cure for anger.  For centuries in India precious topaz has been among the most sacred stones, believing it imparted wisdom and longevity or long life.. Mystics and shamans also viewed topaz as a healing stone, incorporating it into their prayers and rituals. Modern gem and crystal enthusiasts use precious topaz for a variety of purposes, from balancing emotions to stoking creativity. It is even thought to aid digestion and promote restful sleep

After large deposits of topaz were discovered in Brazil in the 1800s, the stone experienced a surge in popularity due to its accessibility and affordability. In recent times, it has become the official gemstone of two states: Utah and Texas.

Citrine

Citrine comes from the French word for lemon, which is fitting for this bright, cheerful stone.

As a variety of quartz, citrine ranges in color from sunny canary yellows to deep honeys and warm butterscotch. It gets its distinctive yellow shading from traces of iron within the crystal.

Most citrine comes from Brazil, though other major suppliers of this stone include Spain, Bolivia, France, Russia, and Madagascar. There are even citrine deposits in the US, including Colorado, North Carolina, and California. The shade of a particular citrine stone will vary depending on its geographic origin.

Because of citrine’s durability (it ranks a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale), jewelers love using it in large, statement-making pieces intended for frequent wear.

History and Meaning of Citrine

Citrine’s popularity stretches back to ancient times, though the word “citrine” wasn’t used until the 14th century. Prior to that, it was known by various names, including gold topaz, Madeira topaz, and Spanish topaz, despite being unrelated to true topaz.

Citrine has been prized for its healing and abundance-attracting properties. Various cultures have used it as a stone to dispel anger and soothe tempers, as well as to attract prosperity. Citrine stones have been carried as personal talismans, worn on rings, and inscribed with sacred symbols.

Today, many spiritual practitioners harness the properties of citrine for personal and spiritual growth. It is associated with the sun and the solar plexus chakra, and many people believe carrying citrine can awaken confidence and boost personal power.

The Best Ways to Wear November Birthstones

Topaz is incredibly versatile and looks great in a variety of gemstone shapes. Its high brilliance factor sparkles in round, princess, and modern cuts.

Yellow topaz works beautifully with gold and white gold. Whether you prefer subtle pieces or bold ones, topaz offers options for all tastes — from understated stud earrings to attention-grabbing bracelets.

Citrine is similarly versatile, looking gorgeous in large pendants that capture the stone’s glowing, ethereal qualities. It also works well in smaller, finer settings for a classic, sophisticated look.

For a complementary pairing, try setting yellow topaz or citrine with contrasting stones like purple amethyst. The deep red of a garnet or ruby is also a stunning way to offset the warm yellow hue of a topaz or citrine.

How to Clean Topaz and Citrine Jewelry

A simple cleaning routine will keep your topaz and citrine jewelry looking fabulous.

Avoid chemicals and dedicated jewelry cleaners, as these often contain strong ingredients that can damage the stones. Steam cleaning or heat cleaning is also not recommended, as intense heat can change the stones’ coloring.

A quick rinse in warm, soapy water keeps November birthstones looking like new. Pat them dry with a soft cloth and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any stubborn grime or debris. You can also use Brinker’s Luxury Jewelry Cleaning Kit on your citrine jewelry.

Topaz and Citrine Dos and Don’ts

Topaz and citrine are elegant enough for special occasions and versatile enough for daily wear. To preserve their beauty, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

  • Do: Store topaz and citrine in a jewelry box to reduce light exposure and prevent fading.
  • Do: Place topaz and citrine in soft velvet pouches to prevent scratches.
  • Don’t: Wear topaz and citrine rings and bracelets on your dominant hand to avoid chips and cracks from frequent contact with hard objects.
  • Don’t: Apply cosmetics, lotions, or hand sanitizer while wearing topaz and citrine. Put your jewelry on after your hair and makeup are done.

Browse Our Collection of November Birthstone Jewelry

Find the perfect precious topaz or citrine piece to gift or add to your collection. A Brinker’s associate can help you navigate our luxurious selection of fine jewelry.

Related Posts

Receive the latest jewelry and watch news, tips and ideas

Search