Topaz & Citrine: A Complete Guide to these November Birthstones

November’s birthstones are topaz and citrine, two rich hues that bring warmth, joy, and brightness to the darker days of late winter.

Topaz dazzles with its vivid clarity and range of colours, while citrine glows with a soft, honeyed warmth. Both stones have long been associated with positivity, energy, and abundance, making November jewellery especially meaningful to give or receive.

Whether you prefer the rich blues of topaz or the sunshine sparkle of citrine, these gemstones bring a lively brilliance to any piece. At Aleks Jewellers, we love them for their versatility, their durability, and the radiant optimism they represent.

A LITTLE HISTORY BEHIND TOPAZ & CITRINE

Both topaz and citrine have fascinated jewellery lovers for centuries, but their stories are wonderfully unique.

Topaz
The name “topaz” is believed to come from either the ancient Sanskrit tapas, meaning “fire,” or the Greek island Topazios, where early yellow stones were said to be discovered. In ancient cultures, topaz was thought to bring strength, protect against harm, and even calm tempers.
Today, topaz is found around the world, with especially fine stones coming from Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria. Blue topaz is loved for its crisp, sky-bright colour and exceptional clarity.

Citrine
Citrine has been treasured since ancient Greece, where its sun-soaked glow was believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. Its name comes from the French citron, meaning “lemon,” though the gem ranges from pale champagne to deep amber.
Natural citrine is relatively rare, which makes fine pieces especially sought-after. Most of the world’s citrine today comes from Brazil, known for its warm, luminous stones.

Both gems have a timeless appeal which we love here at Aleks Jewellers.

PHYSICAL AND GEMOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF TOPAZ & CITRINE

Just like opal, both topaz and citrine have distinctive features that make them special:

Topaz

• Composition & Colour: Topaz is a silicate mineral that forms in a wide spectrum of colours: blue, pink, yellow, orange, brown, and even colourless. Blue topaz is especially popular for its brightness and affordability, while Imperial topaz, rich golden to peachy pink, is among the most prized varieties.
• Hardness: Topaz rates 8 on the Mohs scale, making it highly durable for everyday wear.
• Clarity & Transparency: Topaz is typically eye-clean with a glassy lustre, giving it a crisp, refined sparkle.
• Symbolism: Strength, clarity of mind, and protection.

Citrine

• Composition & Colour: Citrine is a variety of quartz, known for its warm golden tones. Its colours range from lemony pale to deep whisky amber.
• Hardness: Citrine has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable and well-suited for rings, earrings, and pendants.
• Clarity & Transparency: Usually transparent and bright, citrine often has an inviting, glowing sparkle.
• Symbolism: Joy, abundance, optimism, and prosperity.

Both November birthstones look beautiful set in yellow, white, or rose gold. Their warm hues pair wonderfully with diamonds, and their brightness makes them ideal centrepieces for winter-inspired jewellery.

CARING FOR YOUR TOPAZ & CITRINE JEWELLERY

Both topaz and citrine are beautifully durable gemstones, but a few simple steps will help keep them looking bright and brilliant for years to come.

• Cleaning: We recommend cleaning your jewellery with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or brush. This is gentle, effective, and safe for both stones. Topaz can be sensitive to vibrations, so it’s best to avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners, and while citrine is generally sturdier, hand-cleaning is still the safest option for long-term care.

• Storage: Store each piece separately in its presentation box or a soft pouch. Topaz ranks high on the Mohs scale, but because it has perfect cleavage, it can split if struck, and both gemstones can scratch softer pieces kept beside them.

• Avoid Heat & Sunlight: Both stones can be affected by prolonged heat or intense sunlight. Topaz, especially treated varieties, may fade with too much UV exposure, and citrine’s warm colour can also soften over time. We recommend removing these pieces before sunbathing, visiting saunas, or storing them in very hot places.

• Regular Inspection: As with all fine jewellery, it’s worth having your pieces checked regularly. At Aleks Jewellers in Norwich, our team can inspect, clean, and professionally care for your topaz and citrine jewellery to keep it secure and sparkling.

NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE GIFT IDEAS

If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for someone with a November birthday, topaz and citrine pieces are full of warmth and meaning. Some of our favourites include:

• Baguette Cut Citrine Promise Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
• Blue Topaz Ring featuring one oval and one round topaz in 9k Yellow Gold
• Oval Blue Topaz and Round Light Blue Topaz Pendant 18″ Necklace in 9k Yellow Gold

Each piece captures the brightness and positivity associated with November’s gemstones ideal for birthdays and anniversaries.

VISIT ALEKS JEWELLERS IN NORWICH

We’re proud to offer a beautifully curated selection of topaz and citrine jewellery, from elegant pendants to statement rings and sparkling earrings. Whether you love the cool brilliance of blue topaz or the golden warmth of citrine, our Norwich store is here to help you find a piece that feels personal and special.

You can browse part of our selection online or visit us in person. We’d love to help you discover a November birthstone piece that you’ll treasure for years to come.

And if you’re exploring gifts for other months, don’t forget to check out our full series of birthstone guides for inspiration and expert advice on choosing the perfect jewellery.