Cozy season is here! As the days shorten, we're all about warmth and sparkle. Hence, with warmth and a dash of sunbeam, this month offers not one, but two vibrant and sunny birthstones: Topaz and Citrine!

P.S. Topaz may come in many colors, but let's be real, the yellow ones steal the show for their Citrine-like sparkle! And well, if you're a winter person, blue Topaz has its own frosty charm. 

So dear November pals, shall we learn more about your soul gems? Let's get into the details!

All About Topaz: 

The name "topaz" comes from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning "fire"? That's right, this gem has been heating things up since ancient times!.

Here in India, where the word “Topaz” appears to have emerged, it’s believed to bring beauty, long life, and intelligence if worn as a pendant. And did you know? November-born folks, this is your primary official birthstone!

Legend has it that yellow Topaz can attract gold—lucky charm! Plus, November birthstone jewellery is also believed to help with arthritis, weight loss, and digestion. 

So, not only is it beautiful, but even a simple  oval London blue topaz pendant or a swiss blue topaz ring might just be your secret weapon to good health and wealth!

Benefits of Topaz: 

• Balances energy flow: Aligns body meridians for optimal energy distribution.
  
  
• Promotes relaxation: Eases stress and tension.
  
  
• Encourages positivity: Fosters candor, pardon, and joy.
  
  
• Boosts well-being: Promotes generosity, abundance, and excellent health.
  
  
• Attracts luck and love: Attracts positive energy and fosters harmonious relationships.
  
  
• Supports physical health: Aids digestion and fights eating disorders.
  
  
• Strengthens mind and body: Reinforces the nervous system and revs up metabolism.
  
  

Characteristics:

Mineral: Nesosilicate

Chemical Formula: Al₂SiO₄(F, OH)₂

Mohs Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale

Color: Colors: While pure topaz is colorless, it commonly appears in shades of blue, yellow, orange, pink, and even brown. Yellow or Blue topaz are particularly popular as a November birthstone.

Places mined: Brazil, Russia, Nigeria, Pakistan, The United States (particularly in Utah)

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius and Scorpio

Planet: Jupiter (Brihaspati)

Element: Air

Gifting: 16th wedding anniversary

Popular shapes: Round, Oval, Pear, Emerald (rectangular), Cushion

4’Cs of Topaz

Cut: Like most other gemstones, the way it's been shaped and faceted is essential. No matter if it's a cushion london blue topaz or a round swiss blue version, look for symmetrical facets and good proportions. These maximise the stone's reflective properties and overall beauty.

Colour: Topaz displays an extraordinary color range, encompassing various tones and saturations of blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and brown— you name it! And did you know colorless Topaz can be transformed into stunning blue? Plus, its pleochroic magic changes colors with every view.

Carat: Larger carat weights can indicate rarity and value, but remember that a smaller, well-cut stone can appear more attractive than a larger one with poor cut quality. 

Clarity: Naturally, Topaz are known to have less internal or external flaws. This allows more light to pass through, resulting in greater brilliance.

Choosing Your Perfect Topaz: Buying Tips 

• Check for symmetrical facets and good proportions
  
  
• Aim for a topaz with minimal visible inclusions or blemishes.
  
  
• Balance carat weight with the other Cs for overall appeal.
  
  
• Consider the intensity, hue, and saturation of the colour. 
  
  
• Look for ‘Pleochroism’. Many topaz stones exhibit pleochroism, displaying different colours when viewed from different angles. This characteristic can enhance the stone's beauty and should be considered when evaluating its quality.
  
  
• Ensure that any treatments are disclosed by the seller.
   
• Look for lab-certificates for transparency. 
  
  

Did You Know?

For years people were confused and believed Topaz as diamonds! 

Treatments:

1. Heat Treatment: Exposing topaz to high temperatures (400°–500°C) enhances its natural colour, making it more vibrant. This process can also transform yellow topaz into pink gems. As heat treatment mimics natural geological processes, treated topaz is still considered natural.

2. Irradiation: This treatment utilises radiation to alter the stone's colour, producing stable hues such as blue, green, or pink. Colourless topaz can be transformed into blue or yellow through gamma-ray irradiation. Ensuring proper treatment is crucial to prevent colour fading.

3. Coating: A thin layer of colour or microscopic metallic oxide compound may be applied to the stone's surface for enhancement. However, this coating can deteriorate over time, affecting the gemstone's durability.

[Note: Disclosure of treatments is vital for transparency and authenticity. Seek lab-testing certificates to gain better knowledge and confidence of your purchase. ]

Caring For Topaz Jewellery:

Step-by-Step Cleaning:  

• Dip the accessory in a mild soap-water solution for a few seconds to loosen surface dirt.
  
  
• Gently wipe the gemstone clean with a soft cloth, focusing on edges where dirt accumulates.
  
  
• Rinse the jewellery under running water to remove soap residue.
  
  
• Dry and clean the piece with a lint-free, smooth cloth.
  
  

Tips:

• Use mild soap only to avoid damaging the stone or setting.
  
  
• Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or ultrasonic cleaners.
  
  
• Regular cleaning maintains your topaz jewellery's sparkle and longevity.
  
  

All About Citrine: 

Packed with bursts of sunshine and tanginess, Citrine is the alternative November birthstone. It's a yellow variety of quartz, and its name comes from the Old French word for lemon. With its sun-kissed color, Citrine embodies the warmth of the sun, making it the perfect gemstone to illuminate the typical autumn chills.

History

Once known as Spanish Topaz, Gold Topaz, and Madeira Topaz, Citrine has evolved into a distinct gemstone with a rich history.

In the Victorian Era, Citrine adorned Scottish jewellery, while ancient Egyptians harnessed its power as talismans. The ancient Greeks intricately carved images into Citrine stones.

Benefits of Citrine:

Emotional Balance:

• Soothes emotions
  
  
• Calms temper
  
  
• Relieves anger
  
  

Prosperity and Positivity:

• Manifests desires, particularly prosperity
  
  
• Fosters positive esteem
  
  
• Encourages vibrant energy flow in and around the body
  
  
• Enhances bearer strength
  
  

Historically Acclaimed Health Benefits:

In ancient times, Citrine was used to:

• Improve blood circulation
  
  
• Purify the body's toxins
  
  
• Strengthen the immune system
  
  
• Ward off diseases
  
  
• Guard against snake poisoning
  
  

Citrine Characteristics:

Mineral: Quartz

Chemistry: SiO₂.

Crystal Structure: Trigonal

Color: Ranges from pale yellow to brownish-yellow, often with shades of orange.

Mohs Hardness:  7 on the Mohs scale of hardness

Popular Shapes: Typically found as hexagonal prisms with pyramid crowns. Can be crafted into oval, emerald, round and pear shaped jewellery. 

Places Mined: Spain, Brazil, and other U.S. locations such as North Carolina, California, etc.

Gift: 13th Wedding Anniversary!

Zodiac: Leo

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire 

Did You Know? 

The largest citrine in the world has a weight of 20,200 carats!

The 4 C’s

Colour

Citrine's colour spectrum ranges from pale yellow to deep brownish-orange. The most desirable shades are:

• Vivid yellow
  
  
• Reddish-orange
  
  

Uniform colour distribution without zoning enhances its aesthetic appeal.

Clarity

High-quality citrine should be mostly free from visible inclusions. Any present inclusions can diminish its value. Transparency is crucial; clearer stones are generally preferred.

Carat

Unlike other gemstones, citrine's price per carat does not increase dramatically with size. Larger citrines are relatively affordable.

Cut

Citrine can be cut into various shapes to enhance its beauty, including the brilliant cut for maximum sparkle, the step cut for showcasing color and clarity, and the mixed cut that combines both styles. Other popular options are the oval cut, round cut, cushion cut, pear cut, and radiant cut.

Additional Considerations:

Certification: Reputable laboratory certification (e.g., GIA, AGS) ensures authenticity.

Provenance: Knowledge of the gemstone's origin and history can impact its value.

Treatments:

The most common treatment for citrine is heat treatment, which transforms purple amethyst or smoky quartz into the desirable yellow citrine. This process not only intensifies the colour but also improves clarity, making the stone more aesthetically pleasing.

Heat-treated citrine is widely accepted in the market, whereas natural citrine is extremely rare. As a result, it is essential for buyers to inquire about any treatments, as untreated stones typically command a higher value.

Caring For Citrine Jewellery:

Fortunately, citrine requires minimal cleansing, making it a low-maintenance gemstone. Interestingly, citrine is also believed to possess purifying properties, allowing it to cleanse other crystals placed on it. Regular handling and storage can maintain citrine's brilliance, ensuring it remains a stunning addition to any jewellery collection.

Be it a simple citrine halo ring or a statement citrine cocktail ring keep these in mind: 

Do’s:

• Clean citrine jewelry regularly with warm, soapy water using a soft cloth
  
  
• Store citrine pieces separately in soft pouches or padded containers
  
  
• Remove jewelry during activities that may expose it to knocks or harsh conditions
  
  
• Handle citrine jewelry with care to avoid scratches and damage
  
  

Don'ts:

• Expose citrine to harsh chemicals or abrasive substances
  
  
• Leave citrine in direct sunlight for extended periods (may fade color or cause fractures)
  
  
• Wear citrine jewelry while swimming in chlorinated water
  
  
• Subject citrine to extreme temperatures
  
  

Whether you choose a Topaz or Citrine piece or opt for a combination of both, Angara offers an extravagant customisation feature! Every piece is BIS hallmarked, certified and absolutely customisable available as November birthstone rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings and more!  You can also add engravings and decide the gem carat weight, setting quality and even the metal type! 

So go ahead and pick your unique November birthstone jewellery! Get exploring right away! 

FAQs

1. What is the birthstone for November?
Topaz and Citrine perfectly pack the season’s vibe as November Birthstones. 

2. What are the benefits of wearing a November birthstone?
The Topaz and Citrine duo packea sunshine in a stone to spread joy and positivity, inner strength to boost confidence and resilience, protection to ward off negative energy, and abundance to attract prosperity and good fortune.