November Birthstone: Citrine
November Birthstone: Citrine
5 min read
Morgan & Co Buderim love to celebrate the change of each month and with it comes the change of birth stone. Those born in November are fortunate to claim citrine as their birthstone. Citrine has a radiant, golden yellow colour known for its warmth and positive energy. This gem, often called the "stone of the sun" due to its bright, sunny appearance, has long been associated with prosperity, healing, and protection. Let’s explore the fascinating history and traditions surrounding citrine.
The Origins of Citrine
Morgan & Co, Sunshine Coast, is known for our one of a kind custom ring designs. Citrine is a member of the quartz family and is one of our favourite stones to incorporate into our rings. Citrin comes from the French word "citron," meaning lemon, which reflects the stone's signature yellow hues. Natural citrine is relatively rare, and much of the citrine available on the market today is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Despite this, citrine remains a popular gemstone due to its affordability and beautiful range of warm colours. Morgan & Co are experts in choosing the perfect citrin for your design, whether its for your engagement ring or a beautiful dress ring.
Citrine vs. Topaz: A Shared Birthstone
While citrine is the primary birthstone for November, topaz is also recognised as an alternative birthstone for the month. Topaz comes in a variety of colours, but the most common type associated with November is golden yellow topaz, which shares a similar hue with citrine. The two stones are often confused due to their similar colour, but they are distinct gemstones with different properties. Here at Morgan Co, Sunshine Coast we can help you choose between these two stones for your new design.
Topaz has a slightly higher hardness on the Mohs scale (8) compared to citrine (7), making it more durable for everyday wear. Both gemstones, however, are beautiful options for those born in November and offer unique symbolism and energy.
Citrine in Engagement Rings:
Morgan & Co, Buderim has seen a swing towards coloured stones instead of diamonds as the central choice of stone for engagement rings. Citrine, with its radiant golden hues, offers a distinctive and charming alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings. This gemstone, celebrated for its warmth and vibrant energy, is increasingly becoming a popular choice for couples seeking a unique engagement ring. Here at Moragn Co we can source your perfect stone.
Durability and Practicality of Citrine
When choosing a stone or your forever ring it is important that the stones are durable and are able to be worn daily. Citrine is a member of the quartz family and has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear. While it’s not as hard as diamonds or sapphires, citrine is still a reasonably tough gemstone that can withstand the wear and tear of daily life.
However, like all gemstones, citrine should be treated with care to maintain its brilliance. Since it’s more susceptible to scratches and can lose its colour if exposed to prolonged direct sunlight, citrine engagement rings should be stored properly when not in use and cleaned gently with warm soapy water.
Citrine’s Affordability
One of the key advantages of citrine as an engagement ring stone is its affordability. Compared to diamonds and other precious gemstones, citrine is much more budget friendly. This makes it an excellent option for couples looking for a stunning yet affordable stone, allowing for more flexibility in selecting a high quality setting or accent stones.
This affordability also means that larger, more impressive citrines are accessible at a fraction of the cost of similarly sized diamonds or other precious stones. Whether you prefer a solitaire design or a more intricate setting, citrine allows you to create a show stopping ring without breaking the bank. Morgan Co Sunshine Coast are privileged to deal with Australia's most reputable gem stone suppliers.
Citrine Engagement Ring Designs
Morgan & Co are the Sunshine Coast's premier custom ring designers. Here are a few popular options that we can create here at Morgan & Co using Citrine as the hero.
Solitaire Ring: A citrine solitaire engagement ring lets the stone’s vibrant hue take centre stage. The simplicity of a solitaire setting emphasises the stone’s natural beauty and is perfect for those who prefer a classic, understated design.
Halo Setting: Citrine looks stunning when surrounded by a halo of diamonds or other contrasting gemstones. This setting enhances the brightness of the citrine and creates a glamorous, vintage-inspired look.
Vintage Inspired: Citrine’s warm, rich tones make it an ideal choice for vintage-inspired engagement rings. Pairing citrine with intricate filigree work, milgrain details, or engraving adds a timeless charm to the ring.
Three Stone Rings: A citrine centre stone flanked by two diamonds or other coloured gemstones creates a meaningful and striking design. This style is symbolic, with the three stones representing the past, present, and future of a relationship.
Bezel Setting: For a modern, sleek look, citrine can be set in a bezel setting. This style not only adds a contemporary flair but also offers extra protection for the stone, making it perfect for those with an active lifestyle.
Citrine with Other Gemstones
For couples who love colour, citrine can be paired with other gemstones to create a truly unique and personalised engagement ring. Diamonds are a classic choice to complement citrine’s golden hue, but you could also consider pairing citrine with coloured gemstones such as amethyst, sapphire, or garnet for a more unconventional look.
Citrine also pairs beautifully with different metal types, especially yellow gold and rose gold, which enhance the stone's warmth and richness. White gold or platinum settings provide a striking contrast, making the citrine pop even more.
Caring for Your Citrine Jewellery
Citrine is relatively durable, but like all gemstones, it requires proper care to keep it looking its best. To care for your citrine jewellery:
Avoid exposing citrine to direct sunlight for extended periods, as its colour can fade over time.
Clean your citrine with mild soap and warm water, using a soft brush to gently remove dirt or oils.
Store citrine jewellery in a soft pouch or separate compartment to prevent scratches from harder gemstones or metals.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your citrine jewellery remains radiant and beautiful for years to come.
