Those who celebrate their birthday in November are spoiled with two beautiful birthstones to choose from: Topaz and Citrine. Both of these gorgeous stones make for breathtaking November birthstone jewellery with Topaz prized for its rainbow of colours and Citrine charming with its warm yellow and orange hues. Both stones are associated with good fortune and are used for calming energies making Topaz and Citrine jewellery a perfect gift for that special person in your life.
Topaz Meaning & History
As well as being used to celebrate a 23rd wedding anniversary, Topaz has been associated with love and affection and has been said to be an aid to one’s charm and disposition. The ancient Greeks and Romans were known to greatly value the topaz for its ability to bring them strength and from the 1300s to the 1600s, Europeans thought it could impede magic spells and dispel anger.
Topaz is thought to get its name from the Greek word topazion which may originate from the Sanskrit tapas, meaning, “fire.” The name has also been suggested to come from the name of the Egyptian island of topazos (now St Johns island) in the Red Sea. The November birthstone comes in a wide variety of shades from light to dark blue, brown, pink, orange, yellow, colourless and sometimes – although rarely – red. Most blue topaz used today is the result of treating colourless topaz with irradiation and heating while the iridescent ‘Mystic Topaz’ is created by coating colourless topaz with an artificial film.
Where is Topaz found?
The November birthstone has been predominantly sourced in Brazil in the Minas Gerais state for over two centuries. It is here that the highest quality topaz can be found in a wide variety of shades including yellow, orange, pink, violet and even red. The gemstone has also been found in Japan, Pakistan and Afghanistan while the stunning blue variant of Topaz is found in Sri Lanka.
Citrine Meaning & History
One of the most wonderfully warm-toned gemstones out there, Citrine finds itself ranging from transparent yellow to a dark orange. It’s breathtaking hues have been popular since ancient times, despite often being mistaken for the other November birthstone, Topaz. It’s associations with healing and restoration have made it of value for those healing the spiritual self while other cultures believe it can treat urinary, kidney, and digestive diseases.
Citrine became particularly fashionable during the 19th century and during the Art Deco period. The gemstone was high prized and used to create large, elaborate pieces of jewellery with Hollywood stars such as Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford having been known to have owned and worn Citrine jewellery. Today, the November birthstone is not as rare and so is less associated with opulence and luxury. This however makes Citrine jewellery much more affordable than many of its other gemstone counterparts and a perfect choice a November birthday gift.
Where is Citrine found?
Most deposits of natural Citrine are found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, in Dauphine, France, and in Madagascar. However, the majority of Citrine today is sourced from Brazil, but this is actually Amethyst that has been heat treated and changed to give it the warm tones of Citrine.
November Birthstone Jewellery
At C W Sellors, we have a fantastic selection of Topaz and Citrine jewellery to choose from which make perfect gift ideas for someone celebrating their November birthday. From dazzling Citrine rings to exquisite Topaz necklaces and Topaz bracelets, our selections of November birthstone jewellery will leave you spoiled for choice for that special someone. Get in touch with our team of gemstone jewellery specialists today for help and advice on our range of Topaz jewellery and Citrine jewellery.
