Imagine holding a gemstone that looks like a drop of liquid sunshine, and then finding out it started life as purple.
Meet citrine: November's golden showstopper
Citrine is the warm, glowing yellow-to-amber gem that makes every outfit look like it's been kissed by the sun. Bold, bright and brilliantly easy to wear, it's one of the happiest stones in the jewellery box.
Read to the very end to meet the shade of citrine named after a famous wine island.
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A name that means lemon
🍋 The word citrine comes from the French citron, meaning lemon, and one look at its zesty glow tells you why. It's a variety of quartz, the same mineral family as amethyst, and its colour comes from traces of iron inside the crystal.
🏆 Quartz is a properly hard-wearing gem at 7 on the Mohs scale, which is why citrine makes such a great everyday sparkler for rings, earrings and pendants.
Victorian Golden Citrine 9ct Yellow Gold Brooch (with safety chain)
£225
or 4 interest free payments of £56.25
A genuine Victorian beauty in 9ct yellow gold, complete with a safety chain, ready to bring a golden glow to a coat, scarf or lapel.
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The great amethyst twist
Here's the did-you-know moment. Natural citrine is relatively rare, and much of the citrine in jewellery shops around the world is created by gently heating amethyst. Heat transforms the purple into gorgeous golden tones, a long-established process that gives us plenty of glowing, affordable citrine to love.
💜➡️💛 So the sunshine stone and the purple stone are literally cousins, both quartz, just dressed for different seasons.
Citrine Sterling Silver Cluster Drop Earrings
£69
or 4 interest free payments of £17.25
A cluster of golden sparkle in sterling silver that swings and catches the light with every step. Instant sunshine for your ears.
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What citrine is often associated with
In crystal traditions, citrine has long been nicknamed the "merchant's stone" and is often associated with:
☀️ Joy and positivity
💰 Abundance and success
✨ Confidence and creativity
Citrine 9ct Yellow Gold Ginger Cat Dainty Necklace
£395
or 4 interest free payments of £98.75
A little ginger cat in 9ct gold with a citrine glow. Utterly charming, beautifully made and a guaranteed conversation starter.
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November's other birthstone: topaz
November actually has two birthstones, citrine and topaz, so you can choose your favourite. Topaz comes in a rainbow of shades, from sky blue to smoky brown, and it loves being worn.
Smoky Topaz Sterling Silver Boho Ring
£25
or 4 interest free payments of £6.25
Big boho attitude for just £25. Wear it on its own or stack it up. Need a different size? Our ring resize page has you covered.
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Easy care for a sunny sparkle
✨ A swish in warm soapy water and a soft cloth
🧽 Rinse and pat dry
👛 Pop it in its own pouch between wears
💍 Call in for a free sparkle-up any time
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Citrine FAQs
Which month is citrine the birthstone for?
November, shared with topaz.
Is citrine the same as yellow topaz?
No. Citrine is a type of quartz, while topaz is a completely different mineral. They can look wonderfully similar, which is why they've shared November for so long.
Is citrine good for everyday wear?
Yes! At 7 on the Mohs scale, citrine is hard-wearing and a joy to wear all day, every day.
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What our customers say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Chloe Davidson
"The jewellery sold in this shop is outstanding! Every Christmas and birthday Eloise is always top of my wishlist. The jewellery is always so unique and detailed, I love it!"
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The wine island shade: Madeira citrine
Here's the payoff. The deepest, most fiery citrines, rich reddish-orange like a glass of amber wine, are called Madeira citrine, a trade name inspired by the colour of Madeira wine. It's the most dramatic shade of the lot, and it looks sensational set with diamonds.
Art Deco Inspired Madeira Citrine and Diamond 9ct Yellow Gold Halo Cocktail Ring
£2,500
or 4 interest free payments of £625
A halo of diamonds around a blazing Madeira citrine, in 9ct gold. This is a true cocktail ring that turns heads the second you walk in.
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Go on, treat yourself to a little sunshine!
Whether you love Victorian charm, sparkly earrings or a statement ring, there's a citrine waiting for you. Fancy another gem story? Read how amethyst went from royal gem to everyone's favourite, then pop in and see us.
📍 Eloise Jewellery, 156 High Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, KY1 1NQ
📞 01592 646340
✉️ eloisejewellery@hotmail.co.uk
🕒 Monday–Saturday: 9:30am–5:30pm
Please note: the spiritual properties described in this article come from crystal traditions and folklore. They are not scientifically proven and are not a substitute for medical advice.