November heralds the hues of Autumn and fall. The colours of nature and the skyline change to riots of orange, yellow, brown and golden. 

Autumn is the second spring when every leaf turns into a flower. No wonder the colours of November birthstones also reflect these warm colours.

November borns are a lucky bunch because of the November birthstones, the dazzling twins in yellow: citrine and topaz. 

November is one of a few months that have been assigned two birthstones. The twins come in a dazzling array of colours. But yellow is the signature colour for the November birthstones. 

Citrine and Topaz both offer lovely options for November birthstone jewellery, without breaking the bank. Although topaz is harder than citrine, both stones have relatively similar durability and can be used in different types of jewellery settings.

What is the History of the November Birthstones?

Ancient birthstones became linked to the twelve signs of the zodiac.

People began wearing the birthstone as a talisman, believing it brought good fortune and protection. 

The modern list of birthstones, which is widely recognized and used across the globe, was established by the Jewelers of America in 1912.

The modern list differs somewhat from the traditional, most notably by including only transparent gems.

Before we discuss the history of these enthralling birthstones topaz and citrine, it’s important to mention that these two gemstones were considered to be the same until the beginning of the 20th century. 

These two November birthstones were identified as separate gems in the 1930s, thanks to the development of modern gemology.

Lets look at the meaning behind these two november birthstones, Citrine and Topaz.

The word topaz’ comes from the Sanskrit word’ tapas’, which means fire. It is also traced back to the Greek ‘topazion’. Citrine, derives its name from the French word for ‘citron’ 

The November birthstone was long thought to have many benefits. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength. Citrine is said to be a gift from the sun and it’s believed to be a healing gemstone.

Both of the November birthstones have a royal advocate in the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.  A glimpse at her engagement photos one may have assumed that her glittery pavé drop earrings were diamonds, but they were made of white topaz. She has a favourite cushion-cut citrine ring. 

Topaz and citrine are nearly as stunning as any other expensive precious gems but with a more sensible price tag.

Coming up... the enthralling twins ‘Topaz and Citrine

Topaz belongs to the silicate mineral family, not quartz. Pure topaz is colourless, but it can become tinted by impurities to take on any colour of the rainbow. 

Precious topaz, ranging in colour from brownish orange to yellow, is often mistaken for 'smoky quartz'. 

Topaz also happens to be the fourth-anniversary gemstone, so if it’s not your birthstone, you can Wishlist some gorgeous Topaz jewellery for your 4th wedding anniversary from our dazzling collection!

Citrine is not only one of November’s birthstones, it is also the anniversary gemstone for YEAR 13! 

Topaz is considerably heavy since it’s a nesosilicate mineral. It has a natural colourless state, but due to aluminium and fluorine impurities. Topaz can display the rainbow effect. This type of topaz is also called 'Mystic topaz.'

Explore the birthstones for all months in the UK here.

How to buy topaz and citrine ??

Since topaz was recognized as more than just a yellow gem, it has become fairly common and therefore rather affordable.

When it comes to value, it can be assessed with the same parameters as diamonds. Colourless topaz is increasingly popular as a diamond alternative. 

Here are the ways to assess Topaz and Citrine:

Topaz: 

Colour:

Imperial topaz is the most highly prized for its intense reddish-orange colour. Yellow, orange and brownstones are more common and less expensive.

Cut:

The way a gemstone is cut can have a dramatic effect on its face-up colour. Topaz is an extremely versatile gemstone. It can be cut in various cutting styles and designs by hand or machine.

A well-cut topaz reflects a large amount of light. Topaz has a perfect cleavage and hence has a magnificent sparkle.

Clarity:

Topaz can range from 'eye-clean' (no visible imperfections to the naked eye) to various clarity grades, impacting its value and appearance.

Carat weight:

The carat weight of a topaz, will vary depending on the specific stone's size and shape.

Let's look at some amazing topaz designs

Take a look at our full range of topaz jewellery here.

Citrine:

Citrine can be evaluated by the same factors as diamonds – colour, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

Colour:

The finest citrine gems are saturated with yellow, orange and reddish hues, while stones of lower value appear pale or smoky. Earth tones of amber brown are also increasingly popular.

Because these colours are rare, most citrine is created by heating less expensive varieties of quartz, including amethyst and smoky quartz, to produce yellow gems.

Cut:

Citrine may be carved, custom-cut, or calibrated for jewellery use.

Clarity:

Eye-visible inclusions are not common in citrine. If present, they decrease its value.

Carat weight:

Citrine is readily available in sizes up to 20 carats—and, because its price doesn’t rise exponentially with carat weight, big gems are relatively inexpensive.

Citrine is sometimes known as the 'Healing quartz' for its ability to comfort, soothe, and calm. It can release negative feelings, spark imagination and manifest fresh beginnings. 

Once citrine was distinguished from topaz, it quickly became popular in women’s jewellery as well as men’s cufflinks and rings. Today, it remains one of the most affordable and frequently purchased yellow gemstones. 

Let's look at some good citrine designs

Take a look at our range of citrine jewellery here.

If you are looking to buy gemstone jewellery, take a look at our gemstone rings and necklaces.

Topaz And Citrine Care And Cleaning Tips

Although topaz and citrine are both hard stones, their shape can often lead to chipping. 

When wearing topaz or citrine jewellery, try not to knock it against hard surfaces, and keep it stored away from other stones. 

Also, don’t allow the jewellery to come into contact with harsh chemicals.

To clean, soak the stone in a water solution and mild dish soap for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, gently remove any remaining dirt with a soft cloth and pat dry.

Commonly Asked Questions:

Why Does November Have Two Birthstones?

Topaz is the historical birthstone for November but because of the rareness of yellow Topaz, citrine was later added as a more affordable option.  The two gemstones complement each other perfectly since topaz offers power and citrine brings healing.

Is November birthstone blue or yellow?

The primary birthstones for November are not blue but rather yellow or golden The yellow and golden varieties are the ones traditionally associated with November.

Citrine, has a sunny and warm appearance that aligns well with the autumn season making it a fitting choice as a November birthstone.

What is November Scorpio's birthstone?

Individuals born in November fall under the Scorpio sign. The traditional birthstones for Scorpio are topaz and citrine. These gemstones are often recommended for Scorpios due to their warmth and compatibility with the autumn season.

What are November birthstone twins?

November is one of a few months that have been allocated two birthstones. The twins come in a dazzling array of colours. But yellow is the signature colour for the November birthstones. 

Which is more expensive Topaz or Citrine?

The price of topaz and citrine can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the value, colour, size, and cut of the gemstones. However, topaz tends to be more expensive than citrine, especially when compared to top-quality gemstones.