Those born in November, the 11th month of the year certainly hit the jackpot when it comes to jewels. Topaz and citrine, both a November birthstone, can be found in abundance in most gem-stocking regions all over the world.
These exquisite stones give the impression of royalty but surprisingly, they are amongst the more affordable birthstones sold today. Beautiful, precious, and inexpensive; what more could you ask for in a November birthstone.
Even Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, frequently adorns her ears with sparkling pavé drop earrings made of white topaz and cushion-cut drop earrings made of citrine. These items of jewelry have captured the attention of many a photographer and fan and have been known to grace the front pages of the most luxurious magazines across the globe.
If that does not confirm the pure elegance and class of these two November birthstones then nothing will!
Jump To a Section Below
What is the November Birthstone?
A birthstone is a gemstone that represents the period of a person’s birth. This relates to both their month of birth and their zodiac sign. The zodiac sign of those born on any of the first 21 days of November is Scorpio while the zodiac sign of those born on any day between the 22nd and the 30th is Sagittarius. A birthstone is commonly worn in the form of jewelry and pendant-like necklaces are particularly popular.
In 1912, there was a global effort to standardise the birthstones of every month to clear up the rampant confusion of the time. The Jewelers of America met to compile and release an official list. This list has been edited a handful of times over the past few decades with the latest adjustment being the inclusion of spinel as an August birthstone in 2016.
You really cannot go wrong when purchasing or gifting a November birthstone. Topaz and citrine are both known for their calming and happiness-inducing properties that are sure to bring prosperity, fortune, and joy to the owner or wearer.
Both the topaz birthstone and the citrine birthstone are relatively durable and suited to any form of jewelry. Topaz is only slightly harder than citrine although it has been known to chip when carelessly knocked against a hard object. For this reason, we would recommend saving this precious gem for special occasions.
Topaz
Topaz is, in the plainest terms, a hard silicate metal. Its unique color is the result of impurities or flaws in the crystal structure that cause it to transform into a green, red, violet, pink, yellow, gold, brown, blue or clear shade. A topaz birthstone that is clear will oftentimes be heated to change its hue and create a blue topaz. This blue topaz is also a popular November birthstone choice despite its completely different color.
While the topaz birthstone is regarded as relatively affordable, not all variations of this November birthstone cost the same. Those that are a deep-orange in color with undertones of Imperial topaz – a shade of pink named after the Russian czars of the 19th century – as well as those that are ‘cherry topaz’ or yellowish to brownish are the most valuable.
Love and affection are the virtues symbolised by this beautiful November birthstone. When the November birthstone topaz is gifted to someone, it represents a promise of everlasting love and fidelity. Furthermore, legend has it that an individual who wears topaz jewelry will be blessed with the gifts of intelligence and strength.
Citrine
The citrine birthstone is renowned for its magnificent shades of gold. Its color ranges from soft pale yellows to striking reddish-brown amber. In fact, the very word ‘citrine’ stems from the Latin word for ‘lemon’. When you see a citrine birthstone you will experience its warm golden glow for yourself.
Any jewelry made from this November birthstone is sure to catch the eye of many admirers. It is commonly nicknamed the “healing quartz” as it is supposed to gift whoever owns it with an abundance of vitality and positive energy. This quartz has been praised for many centuries for its capacity to clear away negative energies and heighten happy and healing vibrations.
The citrine birthstone was wildly popular in the Victorian era. Queen Victoria herself loved to add elements of citrine to her world-famous collection of royal jewelry.
Now that the masses tend to turn their heads towards Hollywood stars rather than ancient monarchs, it is reassuring to know that celebrities like Joan Crawford and Greta Garbo frequently parade sparkling citrine jewels on the red carpet.
What Birthstone Color is November?
Every birth month ties to a particular color. Each color speaks to a unique emotion and its associated power and healing potential. The color assigned to the second last month of the year, November, is an entrancing yellow-gold. This may manifest across a spectrum of warm colors from pale yellow to a burning sunset orange.
There is sometimes some confusion as to why topaz is a November birthstone. It is true that this gemstone comes in a rainbow of rich colors. But its most common, and certainly most powerful, manifestation is a kaleidoscope of yellows, oranges, and golds.
- Yellow is symbolic of happiness, freedom and hope. Other yellow gemstones also also popular alternatives.
- Orange is associated with vitality, enthusiasm, excitement, and warmth.
- Gold is the color of prosperity and luxury.
When combined, these colors certainly give off a magical quality that is sure to make any individual feel like royalty.
Why Does November Have Two Birthstones?
The reason that those born in November has not only one, but two November birthstones is primarily a matter related to color.
As has been previously mentioned, the November birthstone is associated with a yellow-golden tone. This is the hue of the citrine birthstone as well as many varieties of the topaz birthstone. Together, they make an exquisite complementary pair.
While they can be confusingly similar in appearance, these two birthstones have dissimilar compositions and invoke rather different healing energies. As has been previously described, citrine allows you to harness the power of healing while topaz encourages you to tap into powerful reserves of strength and abundant energy.
Therefore, the two make a wonderful pair of November birthstones that will continue to bless November babies for many millennia to come.