Since citrine is often available as large stones of exceptional clarity, it offers gem cutters the opportunity for creating artfully cut or carved stones that are both intricate and dramatically beautiful. These can make exceptionally attractive and eye-catching jewellery that will always stand out from the crowd.
Lovely carved citrine pendants highlight many an autumn outfit or brighten spring frocks. Exquisitely cut citrine has the flash and fire that is sure to draw attention wherever it is worn!
The History and Lore of Citrine
Citrine may get its name from the Old French word citrin, meaning yellow, or from citron, which means lemon in several languages. Either way, it's a very apt name for this sunny yellow gemstone!
Ancient Romans and Greeks prized the gemstone that looked like a sparkling drop of sunlight magically fallen to Earth. For many centuries, it has been treasured for the belief that it radiates positive energy and happiness upon the owner.
Seventeenth-century Scottish blacksmiths adorned dagger handles with the stone. From there, it moved on to adorn Scottish shoulder brooches and kilt pins. This was perhaps helped along by beloved Queen Victoria's fascination with the stone. Like in so many other things, her adoring subjects followed their Monarch's lead when it came to their jewellery choices!
It was also much used during the Art Deco period since it suited the style's aesthetic so well. Even film stars were intrigued by the stone, with several famous actresses such as Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford choosing it as their signature stone. Who could resist the aura of romance and mystique created by the stone's marvellously warm colours? Of course, the large sizes possible were probably also part of its appeal!
Citrine is a form of quartz and almost all natural citrines originate from Brazil. However, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, the United States, and several other countries also produce notable quantities of gem-quality citrine. The gemstone was treasured by Victorians, so much so that in at least one instance rubies were used as accent stones around a large, well-cut citrine!
Very few of the citrine gemstones sold today are in their natural state. Most of the gorgeous citrine found in jewellery is actually heat-treated smoky quartz or amethyst. These two semi-precious stones turn colour when heated. The type of stone, original depth of colour, irradiation applied (if any), and temperature used during the heat treatment process help determine the resulting colour.
Most natural citrine is a very pale yellow to light orange, often with a smoky undertone. We have to say that heat treatments produce much more colourful and pleasing results! Perhaps that is why citrine is now the top-selling gemstone in the yellow through an orange colour range.
The Many Splendid Shades of Citrine
As we mentioned before, citrine is available in a range of warm autumnal colours. These vary from pale yellows through to deep, rich orange or reddish colours. We've listed some of the most popular shades of citrine below.
- Lemon Citrine - This version is an appealing lemony yellow.
- Lemon Quartz - This pure, clear citrine varies from light to dark yellow, often with a slightly greenish tint. It is generally produced by irradiating clear quartz to produce the intense, almost neon colour. It lacks any tinge of orange, red, or brown within its lovely clear yellow or lime green tones.
- Golden Citrine - As its name suggests, this variety is a rich, golden yellow.
- Palmeria Citrine - A bright orange colour distinguishes this highly-prized version of citrine.
- Madeira Citrine - This prized, deeply-coloured citrine variety ranges from a bright orangy-red to a dark brownish-red. The rich colour results only when the original stones contained the proper content of iron.
What to Look for When Purchasing Citrine
When looking to purchase semi-precious citrine gemstones, there are several important factors to bear in mind. The stone's suitability for a particular style of jewellery is the first factor to consider. The hardness (and therefore suitability) of gemstones is measured using the Mohs Hardness Scale. The scale increases in hardness from talc at 1 to diamonds at 10.
Softer gemstones such as amber (2 – 2½) or pearls (2½ – 4½) are really only suitable for earrings, brooches, or perhaps necklaces. They would never survive the knocking about that rings and bracelets typically receive! Unlike softer gems, citrine is a relatively hard stone (quartz - 7) suitable for any type of jewellery. Although, it is possible to damage citrine rings if you don't exercise reasonable care when wearing them.
Jewellery-quality citrine is eye-clean (without colour zoning or visible inclusions) at even the largest sizes. And those sizes can indeed range to the incredible! Citrines are readily available at up to 20 carats and much larger stones are not unheard-of although the larger sizes can become uncomfortable to wear.
Although citrine is available in the standard cuts, many high-end designs take advantage of its size and durability to feature unusual cuts or carvings. This more intricate and detailed work carries a higher price tag, of course.
Earthy brownish-oranges are trendy amongst citrine buyers today. However, saturated yellows to reddish-oranges that are free of any brownish tints are always prized and will likely hold their value better in the long-term.
Gorgeous Citrine Jewellery Perfect for November Celebrants
The enticing colours of heat-treated citrine have contributed to a dramatic rise in its popularity. In turn, this popularity has encouraged its use as the birthstone for November. Citrine is perfect for an autumn birthday as it encompasses all the warmest colours of the season.
It is also a suggested gift for the 11th and 13th wedding anniversaries. A celebrant of any of these occasions will certainly enjoy receiving a piece of jewellery featuring one or more of citrine's warm, bright colours as an outward symbol of their own inner warmth and beauty.
May we suggest one of these delightful pieces?
- These elegant citrine stud earrings, on post and butterfly fittings, feature 1.19ct total of quatrefoil citrines set within 18ct yellow gold.
- This stunning cushion-shaped citrine pendant weighs 1.49ct. It adorns a delicate, 18ct white gold trace link necklet that measures 16" long. The piece is hallmarked and boxed in an elegant Jacobs' presentation box.
- Enjoy the remarkable previously loved beauty of this Palmeira citrine pendant with its 18ct yellow gold "rub-over" setting. The stone features an intricate and beguiling chequered top.
Caring for Your Semi-Precious Citrine
As we have seen, citrine is a relatively hardy stone that isn't easily damaged during normal wear. However, most citrines should be kept away from heat which might cause their lovely colours to fade. Therefore, you will want to avoid leaving them lying near a sunny window.
The safest method of cleaning your citrine jewellery at home is with warm water, a mild non-alkaline soap, and a soft brush (such as a dedicated child's toothbrush). For more thorough cleaning, it is advisable to see a professional such as Jacobs the Jewellers. We can identify any physical quirks of your jewellery prior to beginning the cleaning process.
Our gemstone experts understand the unique natural properties of the stones and the qualities of their settings. We can give them a professional cleaning whilst avoiding the dangers inherent when dealing with the sometimes temperamental internal characteristics of gemstones. As well as a good cleaning, we can also recognize and correct any flaw in the setting such as a loose claw.
Visit Jacobs For Exquisite Citrine Jewellery
When choosing jewellery, either for yourself or as a gift, it is important that the jewellery matches the personality of the wearer. Otherwise, the wearer is likely to look and feel uncomfortable. This is important whether the piece is quietly sedate or as flamboyant as a peacock. A perfect match will have you looking, and feeling, fantastic!
Fortunately, Reading jewellery shops have a nice selection of pieces to suit the tastes of everyday jewellery shoppers and enthusiasts alike. The enchanting appeal of glowing citrine is sure to catch the attention of any who see it. From delicate earrings to stunning pendants, there are exquisite and magnificent pieces to be had at your local Reading jewellery shops. Visit Jacobs the Jewellers for the perfect piece of citrine jewellery and enjoy the romance and allure of these sunny stones for yourself.
Contact us for more information or to reserve a piece of jewellery for in-store viewing or to collect in person. Our decades of experience, reputation for trustworthiness, and expert staff allow us to offer you an exceptional jewellery shopping experience. Won't you come to visit us and experience our outstanding customer service for yourself?