The clue is in the title. The citrine, the birthstone for November, is named for its golden citrus tones, ranging from bright lemon yellow to warm Autumnal red-gold. The alternative birthstone for November, the topaz, is also found in shades of yellow and gold, just like the leaves that fall around us during this month of change.
There aren’t many yellow gemstones. Yellow diamonds, of course, and sapphires, but these are both expensive with not a lot of bang for your buck. The citrine delivers in both colour, durability and price, making it perfect for a real ‘look at me!’ dress ring or pendant.
A long history
The Ancient Greeks connected the citrine to Demeter, Goddess of agriculture, fertility and the harvest; its bright golden tones bringing the life-giving sun to earth. The Romans revered the yellow gemstone for its colour and its rarity – and although the citrine is no longer a rare gemstone, its colour remains just as bewitching.
Also known as the Merchant Stone, it was believed in medieval times that wearing citrine enhanced your success and prosperity, with merchants popping one in their shop or cashbox.
In modern times the citrine grew massively in popularity in the Art Deco period, between the wars, when large citrines (delivering serious bang for their buck!) were set into dramatic and high impact pieces, including elaborate jewellery made for Hollywood stars such as Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford, and more recently in the simply fabulous self-designed pendant worn by Angelina Jolie, the very epitome of feminine sophistication and glamour.
Today this vibrant, yellow gemstone that brings a kiss of sunshine on a chill November day is used in fabulous jewellery where significant impact can be delivered for no significant outlay. Go big, à la Jolie, or choose something more delicate – the glory of this stone is that it is delightfully eyecatching however you wear it.
The more we see of this stone, with its fabulous shades of lemon and gold, the more we love it.
