November Birthstone Story

November is the month of Thanksgiving and warm fall colors. The November birthstone is a radiant golden yellow. This warm color represents the transition from summer to fall. The unique citrine gemstone stands out and radiates a warm glow. Learn more about the birthstone for November. Learn about the origin, care suggestions and the beautiful options for wearing citrine gemstone jewelry.

What is the November Birthstone?

The citrine gemstone is the traditional November birthstone. The birthstone's color is a beautiful shade of golden yellow emulating the warm tone of a flame. Citrine is a variety of the mineral quartz.

This gemstone color ranges from golden yellow to brownish-red, depending on the origin. Darker colors, including medium golden orange, are rarer and more valuable. The most favored and popular variation of citrine is a golden yellow.

With its citrus glow, the name citrine comes from the citron fruit. Protected by a thick rind, the sour inside is reminiscent of a lemon. Like a cold glass of lemonade on a hot day, the citrine birthstone is said to be comforting, energizing and life-giving.

Citrine Birthstone History

Dating all the way back to the Roman Era, the ancient Romans loved to use the citrine in jewelry styles. This trend continued into the Victorian Era. Many jewelry pieces featured natural citrine as the centerpiece for their artwork. Even in more modern times, citrine has remained popular into the 19th century and beyond.

Inspired by the Art Deco Era, you can find vintage inspired citrine rings at Zales. During this time period, citrine was featured in many elaborate jewelry pieces worn by glamorous Hollywood stars

Citrine Birthstone Origin

The best citrine gemstones can be found in Brazil. Natural citrine is rare, which plays into its price. Most natural citrine comes from southern Brazil. But you can also find it all over the world, including in Spain, France, and South Africa.

Some jewelers will use a heat-treated version to have a more budget-friendly option. This heat-treated option uses amethyst, a purple variety of quartz. The jeweler will heat-treat the amethyst to create the golden November birthstone color we recognize as citrine. Since amethyst is a more readily available gemstone, it makes the perfect substitute.

But don't think that this created citrine is any less beautiful. Citrines make beautiful jewelry choices for any occasion. Whether you use natural citrine or created citrine, this gemstone looks stunning in a variety of different stone cuts. The most commonly used shapes are the round and oval cuts that maximize both color and shine.

November Birthstone Meaning

Coming from the French word for lemon, "citron," this yellow birthstone is named for its lemon-like tone. Citrine is said to carry the powers of the sun and bring the physical body energy. The citrine birthstone meaning is rich and varied. Citrine gemstones are believed to generate positivity, creativity, inspiration and self-improvement.

Used as a healing crystal, citrine is a powerful stone. When worn, it is believed to bring benefits for the mind, aid in digesting information and analyzing situations. Some also say that wearing citrine helps depression and soothes fear and anxiety.

Citrine is also called the "success stone" or "the merchant's stone." In Chinese feng shui, citrine is believed to bring prosperity and abundance, especially in business. Many businesses keep citrine in their cash registers to bring success and good fortune.

Birthstone Jewelry Care

The Mohs hardness scale defines how easily a gemstone could be scratched or damaged. The November birthstone is a seven on the Mohs scale. This means it is fairly tough and is suitable for all jewelry types.

Zales Citrine Birthstone Outline

Even though the citrine birthstone is tough, you should be careful when wearing it. Abrupt temperature changes can cause the citrine to crack or break. Be careful about using harsh chemicals while wearing your citrine jewelry.

To clean your November birthstone, place the jewelry in a bowl of warm, soapy water. You can use a toothbrush to clean the stone, or you can put the citrine gemstone in an ultrasonic cleaner. Be careful about storing your citrine jewelry because it can scratch other jewelry.

Shop Citrine November Birthstones

With its rich, golden hue, citrine is an eye-catching and elegant gemstone. The November birthstone can be worn in both casual and formal settings. From necklaces and rings to bracelets, citrine is a stunning choice for pendants, drop earrings and everything in between. This fashion favorite makes a wonderful addition to your jewelry wardrobe and adds a pop of warm color to any look.

For the Scorpio or Sagittarius in your life, November’s birthstone jewelry makes the perfect gift idea. Find a piece that's unique for yourself or someone you care about. Along with being the birthstone for November, citrine is also used to celebrate a couple's 13th wedding anniversary.

Browse our unique collection of citrine jewelry for the perfect piece for a gift or for yourself. Shop our gorgeous November birthstone jewelry online or at a Zales store near you.