November graces the earth with gems aglow,
Twin birthstones kissed by the golden sun’s soft lips.
Citrine and topaz, radiant and rare,
Each with a story, uniquely spun…
Come with me as we journey down the halls of gemstone history to uncover the blissful stories behind November’s birthstones–citrine and topaz–and some of the iconic pieces of jewelry some of them call home. Each stone, with its own story woven through time, whispers of rich origins and distinct qualities, compositions that shimmer with history and meaning. From the courts of royalty to modern showcases of elegance, citrine and topaz have long enchanted collectors and gemstone lovers alike, their allure stretching across centuries and cultures.
Citrine: The Radiant Gem of the Sun
It’s the 1600s, and a Spanish conquistador, weary from traveling the rugged terrain of Bolivia, stumbles upon a hidden treasure—a mine glistening with secrets. The Anahí mine, as it came to be known, was a revelation, holding within its embrace citrine and amethyst, gems that seemed to capture the sun and twilight in their fiery depths. For centuries, that mine’s tale was lost to time, whispered only in the stories of explorers, until the 1960s, when its glow was rediscovered, setting Bolivia’s landscape alive with renewed fame.
The Birth of Citrine
Citrine, the sun’s playful cousin, is part of the quartz family and owes its warm, golden hue to the alchemy of iron impurities. Nature, in its whimsical way, rarely lets this magic happen spontaneously. The citrine found today is often the result of heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, coaxed by human artistry to shed their original cloaks and dress in golden splendor. But the oh-so-rare, naturally occurring citrine—pale and delicate as a winter morning’s first light—commands admiration and a higher price, with the most sought-after shades dancing between yellow and brownish-red.
A Mystical and Regal Allure
Long before this November birthstone, citrine adorned the wrists of royalty or sparkled in museum cases, it was cherished as a talisman by ancient Egyptians, a guardian against venomous bites and evil thoughts. One could almost picture an Egyptian merchant, cloak billowing in the desert wind, chanting spells with a piece of citrine as he prepared for his journey. The Greeks, too, fell under its spell, carving stories and images into its golden surface, while Roman priests filled it with sanctity, wearing it as a token of divine protection.
The United Kingdom
Royalties of more recent centuries haven’t resisted its sunlit allure. In 1937, Cartier crafted a masterpiece for the coronation of the United Kingdom’s King George VI—a tiara shimmering with diamonds and crowned by a 62.35-carat emerald-cut citrine. Imagine a gem that had journeyed through ages now sitting at the pinnacle of royal regalia!
Luxembourg and Netherlands
Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg, too, wears a citrine, diamond, and pearl tiara/bandeau that seems to catch fire in the light, and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands also boasts a slew of jewelry made from citrine—a symbol of warmth and wisdom. Indeed, this November birthstone boasts a commanding presence in royal courts, speaking of autumnal riches and storied legacies.
Modern Showcases of Citrine in High Jewelry
Bvlgari
In 2020 and 2021, Bvlgari, renowned for their bold and colorful pieces, showcased citrine in their “Barocko” and “Magnifica” high jewelry collections, pairing the gem with other colorful stones and diamonds to create stunning, bombastic necklaces.
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. has also celebrated this November Birthstone’s radiant glow in its iconic Bird on a Rock piece, first designed by Jean Schlumberger for the brand in 1965. This design has now evolved into a collection of pendants, showcasing a bird adorned with diamonds and sapphires perched on a cushion-cut citrine rock.
Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
Known as the “merchant’s stone,” citrine whispers promises of prosperity and success to those who dare to wear it. This November birthstone inspires creativity, sparks the soul with new beginnings, and wraps its bearer in a warm, comforting glow. Ancient travelers believed it protected them, and one could almost imagine a Greek sailor, eyes fixed on the horizon, gripping his citrine amulet as he navigated stormy seas. Even today, citrine is revered for calming the spirit, lifting the fog of negativity, and infusing life with optimism. It’s a piece of the sun you can carry with you, a golden reminder that brighter days are always ahead.
Topaz: The Jewel of Fire and Mystery
Topaz was named, as legends suggest, after the elusive Island of Topazios (now St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea, where ancient miners hunted golden stones that glimmered like captive flames. Legend has it that the name was also born from the Sanskrit “tapas,” meaning heat or fire—a fitting homage for a gem that has warmed the hearts of kings, queens, and seekers for millennia.
The Grand Discovery of Topaz
Topaz has an ancient soul, its story stretching back over 2,000 years to the island where it was first unearthed. It has since journeyed far and wide, settling in the depths of Brazil’s rich mines and Russia’s icy terrains. Today, this November birthstone is unearthed in a slew of places, from the mountains of Pakistan to the sun-drenched lands of Mexico and the varied landscapes of Australia, America, and Sweden, in a dazzling array of colors, from dreamy blues to pristine whites and intoxicating pinks. The coveted Imperial Topaz, with its rare, pink-orange glow, once reserved only for Russian czars, still commands a king’s ransom.
Composition and Properties of Topaz
A silicate mineral forged by nature’s creative hand, topaz is composed of aluminum and fluorine. It can be colorless, yet under the influence of impurities, and bursting forth in an array of hues. Its strength, with a Mohs rating of 8, makes it a worthy contender for the most elaborate and striking jewelry pieces. If Citrine is the golden sunbeam, Topaz is the gem that holds a piece of the twilight sky.
Historic and Modern Significance
To the ancients, topaz wasn’t just a gem—it was a guardian. The Romans believed it had the power to detect poison, changing color when danger was near. One can almost imagine a Roman king, anxious at a banquet, watching his topaz ring for the slightest shift. In medieval Europe, it was a beacon of mental acuity, believed to enhance intellect and dispel enchantments. For those who practice Hinduism, topaz is a sacred gem, said to bring beauty, intelligence, and a long life when worn over the heart.
In the modern world, blue topaz reigns as a favorite, its hues ranging from the sky’s tender morning light to the deep blues of London at dusk. Swiss Blue and London Blue topaz, in particular, are gemstones of dreams, beloved for their depth and clarity.
Modern Showcases
Chopard
Topaz has been embraced by iconic designers. Chopard’s 2024 Red Carpet Collection featured topaz in a butterfly motif as statement earrings that seemed to channel the sky’s most dazzling moments. The collection also flaunted a whimsical hair comb/brooch peppered with diamonds, topaz, rubellites, and a mandarin garnet.
Harry Winston
Harry Winston, with its Majestic Escapes Collection—a nod to heritage and elegance—has incorporated yellow topaz into its Oahu Sunsets Suite necklace that evokes the serene sweep of an evening sky.
November Birthstones: Why Topaz and Citrine Are Highly Sought After
The charm of citrine and topaz lies not only in their captivating beauty but also in their accessibility and symbolism. Citrine, with its cheerful glow, is the embodiment of warmth and joy, perfect for November birthstone jewelry that brings a touch of sunshine to any season. Topaz, on the other hand, with its spectrum of colors, promises versatility and elegance, appealing to both casual admirers and serious collectors. Its durability ensures that it can grace the grandest of settings, whether as part of a royal tiara or nestled in a loved one’s anniversary gift.
These November birthstones have also made their mark in the realm of celebrity and fashion. Greta Garbo’s graceful hand used to be adorned with citrine, while Angelina Jolie has been spotted stepping out, luminous in a citrine necklace, boasting a gathering of assorted citrines as well as a 177.11-carat pear-shaped citrine–one of the largest in the world. The masterpiece is from the Style of Jolie jewelry collection, a collaboration between Jolie and American jewelry designer, Robert Procop. It now resides in the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection. Luxury jewelry brands like Tiffany & Co. and Cartier continue to reimagine these November birthstones, setting them into designs that whisper of history, elegance, and innovation.
In a world that often craves the bright and shiny, citrine and topaz are reminders of a more profound kind of beauty—one steeped in history, lit by the sun, and kissed by fire. For those born in November or those who simply wish to wear historical gems with profound significance, these jewels are more than adornments; they are pieces of a timeless tale.
Featured image: Bvlgari
Sewelo is a world where jewelry, watches, and objects come alive in a shimmering dance of fantasy. Through a literary lens, we celebrate the beauty and elegance that make these treasures more than just possessions.
