November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine

Two gems are appropriate for November birthdays, Topaz and Citrine.

Topaz

Topaz is a gemstone available in a rich rainbow of colors. Prized for several thousand years in antiquity, all yellow gems in antiquity were called topaz. Often confused with citrine quartz (yellow) and smoky quartz (brown), quartz and topaz are separate and unrelated mineral species. The most prized color of topaz is called Imperial topaz after the Russian Czars of the 1800s and features a magnificent orange body color with pinkish undertones.

Cushion Swiss blue topaz, diamond cocktail ring set in 14k white gold

Blue topaz engagement rings have traditionally been believed to encourage clear, calm communication, personal growth and the desire to learn. Since communication is key in any marriage, it’s clear to see why topaz might be a wise choice for your engagement ring. November’s birthstone is naturally formed in a wide variety of colors and intensities, so it’s likely you’ll find the perfect gemstone ring for you.

Topaz also comes in yellow, pink, purple, orange, and the many popular blue tones

Citrine

Citrine, the other birthstone for November is known as the ‘healing quartz’. This golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer. Citrine is – still – highly populair by todays and yesterdays Maisons like Boucheron, Bvlgari, Rene Boivin, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Maubouchin, and Poiray.

Unique Art Deco ‘Mystery’ clock by Cartier in onyx, mother of pearl, coral, and jade with ‘floating’ diamond hands set in a large emerald cut citrine set in 18k yellow gold.

 

Van Cleef & Arpels yellow gold citrine Art Deco style ring

 

Bvlgari Parentesi  yellow gold large ring with citrine and diamonds

Citrine can be found in a variety of shades ranging from pastel yellow to dark brownish orange. It is one of the most affordable of gemstones and plentiful in nature.

Citrine is found most frequently in Brazil, Bolivia, and Spain.

by Jean Amr

Birthstones by Month

Traditionally, a birthstone is associated with each month of the year. For example, the birthstone for January is a garnet, while lucky babies born in April get a diamond as their birthstone. The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

Verdura 18kt Yellow Gold ‘Pebble’ Amethyst Bracelet

It’s uncertain how the specific months became connected with the various stones. However, some speculate that their origins date back to biblical times when the breastplate belonging to a priest was decorated with 12 assorted colored gems. As time wore on, the 12 gems became associated with the zodiac and the months connected to it.

This started the tradition of wearing a colored stone each month as a sort of good luck charm. Initially people wore all twelve stones, rotating according to the month of the year to derive the greatest benefit of each stone. Believing that the various gems held magical powers for the individual born within a given month, people started to wear the stone associated with their birth month for the entire year. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers designed a list dedicating different gems to various months. What was once thought to be controversial based on its commercialism is now widely accepted as the official birthstone list.

 

 

A vintage 14kt white gold, turquoise, emerald, blue sapphire and diamond necklace, the clasp of which can be worn as a brooch.

The current list dates back to 1912 with only one addition since then, the tanzanite was added to December. There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers and their therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing powers.

For the full effect, individuals needed to own all twelve and alternate them monthly.

More on birthstones and their fabulous jewels here at Yakymour at the first of every forth comming month….

by Jean Amr