November Birthstone
November is the month when leaves turn golden and autumn deepens. The birthstones of November reflect the colours of the season — two stones in warm shades of yellow and orange.
November is represented by two birthstones: topaz and citrine.
At L&Co, we see November's birthstones as a pairing of two stones with similar colours but very different personalities.
The history of November's birthstones
Topaz has long been linked with the sun. In Ancient Egypt it was associated with the sun god, and in medieval Europe it was said to be worn by the powerful as a protective charm. Its name has several possible origins, with one well-known theory tracing it to a Sanskrit word meaning "fire." Topaz is also said to be named among the twelve gemstones set in the breastplate of the high priest in the Old Testament, which is considered one of the origins of birthstones.
Citrine belongs to the quartz family, and its name is thought to come from the French word "citron," meaning lemon. It began to be used in jewellery in Hellenistic Greece, where it is said to have been called a "gem of happiness," and it was also popular in Victorian-era Britain.
Because the two stones look so similar, citrine was often treated as topaz in medieval Europe. The name "citrine topaz," still used occasionally today, is a remnant of that history.
The character of the stones
Topaz is strongly associated with yellow, but it actually occurs in a very wide range of colours, including colourless, orange, pink, and blue. It ranks 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, yet it has a direction along which it splits easily, so it needs protection from knocks. Imperial topaz, in orange-tinged yellow to pink shades, is considered especially rare. Blue topaz, popular in recent years, is divided into Sky, Swiss, and London Blue according to the depth of colour, and most of what is on the market is colourless topaz that has been treated to turn blue.
Citrine is quartz in shades of yellow to orange. It ranks 7 on the Mohs scale, making it well suited to everyday wear. Its colour comes from iron, and most citrine on the market is amethyst that has been heat-treated to turn yellow. Natural citrine is very rare. Ametrine, in which natural heat has partly turned amethyst yellow so that purple and yellow appear in a single stone, is also popular.
Meaning and symbolism
Topaz is traditionally associated with sincerity, hope, friendship, and prosperity. It's said to attract wealth and success, and to sharpen intuition and insight.
Citrine is traditionally associated with prosperity, happiness, success, and wealth. It's said to bring good fortune with money and improve relationships.
The appeal of these gemstones in jewellery
Topaz offers a wide choice of colours, making it easy to find one that suits personal taste. Set in yellow gold it takes on a warm glow, while blue topaz stands out beautifully in white gold.
Citrine's bright yellow and orange tones add colour to the hand or neckline. Many stones are relatively accessible in price, which makes citrine an easy and approachable way to bring colour into a jewellery collection.
Craft and intention
Topaz has a direction along which it splits easily, so cutting and setting call for a high level of skill. Some treated topaz can also fade when exposed to strong light for long periods, so storage matters too. With citrine, it's important to tell natural stones from heat-treated ones, and both from imitations such as glass.
Topaz and citrine — similar in colour, but each with its own appeal. Both are warm-toned birthstones that suit November, when autumn is at its deepest.