NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE FACT FILE: CITRINE AND TOPAZ
November brings us two utterly beautiful and truly fascinating birthstones, which have maintained their popularity and sense of intrigue for centuries thanks to their unique and spellbinding properties. Both citrine and topaz have been prized throughout the ages thanks to their impressive array of colours, and due to the fact that they are a relatively affordable option for those seeking gemstone perfection on a budget.
That isn’t to say they don’t bring the glamour, though - topaz especially has seen a massive boost in recent years, thanks to it being the gemstone of choice for none other than Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, who chose to wear this beautiful birthstone on her wedding day - a ceremony watched by millions across the world, and perhaps the most iconic wedding of this century so far. Let’s take a look at November’s birthstones in a little more detail.
LEARNING ABOUT CITRINE
Citrine takes its name from its classic ‘lemon-yellow’ hue, but it isn’t limited to just this one colour. Indeed, citrine ranges in colour from the palest gold to a deeper, browner and burnt orange tone. As a result of this, it is an especially eye-catching gemstone, which found favour with both Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelers, who saw yellow tones as the colour of luxury, decadence and glamorous languor.
Today, citrine is an affordable choice for those seeking out statement items of jewelry, such as gemstone rings and pendants, and it remains a highly popular birthstone and a wonderful gem to present as a birthday gift.
Citrine is, like most gemstones, shrouded in mythology and romantic legends. According to some, citrine possess remarkable healing energies, and will bring a sense of vitality and youthfulness to those who choose to wear it.
Furthermore, the Chinese claim that citrine will bring wealth to those who wear it or carry it with them, as it resonates in Feng Shui with a sense of abundance!
LEARNING ABOUT TOPAZ
Topaz is a stunning gemstone, which while most commonly associated with a vibrant orange colour (the imperial topaz of the Russian Tsars), actually can be found in many different hues ranging from blue to yellow, and pink, green and violet.
The varying colours of topaz are a result of chemical impurities gathered over millennia, and are also often caused by artificial treatments of clear topaz gemstones, too.
In history, the topaz gemstone was one which was primarily associated with fidelity and faithfulness, and as such, makes a fitting gift to a loved one or a fiancé.
On top of this, legends abound regarding topaz giving its wearer the gift of intelligence, and the power to draw in friends and allies.