November sets the timing for the autumn leaves to fall and fades for the coming of winter breeze. Along with preparing for the holidays, this is the birth month for the Sagittarius people. And what better way to commemorate their special day than a personalized birthstone gift? 

Birthstones are commonly used in various types of jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, or rings. It is a personalized way of expressing your utmost feelings to someone special to you.

Read on as we will present you with the ultimate guide for November birthstones.

November babies can choose between two sunny gemstones, namely Topaz and Citrine, to brighten up this chilly month.

Throughout history, Topaz and Citrine are mistakenly considered as one and the same because of their similar appearance. Though they are unrelated minerals and it seems that Topaz appears to be more yellow in color.

Back in the days, almost all yellow gemstones are called Topaz. Now, Topaz is classified as the mineral aluminum flouro-hydroxy silicate. It is considered as the hardest silicate mineral. It is naturally found in igneous rocks.

On the other hand, Citrine is a form of pale yellow to dark amber quartz. It acquires its yellow hue because of its iron properties and has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Citrine belongs to the quartz family and is known to be the most recognized quartz gemstone.

Keep on reading to know more about each November’s birthstone. And how these two November birthstones keep its significance and value up to this modern day.

Topaz

Its Name

The name topaz has two versions of its origin. One is that it comes from a Sanskrit word, "tapas," meaning fire. Second is that it comes from the Old Greek name, “Topazios,” given to Zabargad, a small island in the Red Sea. Though historically speaking, there is no Topaz found on that island. The island is rich with peridot stone, which back then is mistakenly considered as Topaz as well.

Its History

Ancient Greeks have long believed that Topaz can give them strength. They also thought that wearing Topaz can make them invisible.

During the 1300s to the 1600s, Europeans believed that Topaz has magical benefits that can repel evil and suppress anger.

Indians, for centuries, worn it above the heart, believing that it will provide long life, beauty, and intelligence.

In Ancient Egypt, they believed that Topaz is an embodiment of their Sun God, Ra, because of its intense yellow, vibrant color. Therefore, few ancient talismans and artifacts contained Topaz.

Its Folklore

• During 500-1500 AD, Topaz has been turned into powdered form and mixed with wine to achieve a good night's sleep.
• Topaz is believed to have healing properties that can cure fevers, asthma, improve vision, and prevent premature death.
• Dreaming of Topaz means the problem that you have been struggling with will soon be resolved.

Its Location

Brazil, specifically Minas Gerais, is producing high-quality Topaz for 200 years now. Pink Topaz is made in Northwestern Pakistan. Topaz's other significant sources can be found in Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States.

Different Varieties of Topaz

• Naturally, Topaz is colorless, but due to the impurities present in nature, its hue changes and ranges from yellow to amber colored tone.
• The rarest is the Blue Topaz. This is the gem for the fourth wedding anniversary. The ones that are available for sale on the market today seem to be treated.

• The colorless Topaz is exposed to gamma rays within an irradiator made of cobalt.
• The colorless Topaz is bombarded within an accelerator with electrons.
• The colorless Topaz is bombarded within a nuclear reactor with neutrons.
• Pink Topaz is also a variety of Topaz produced by heating Yellow Topaz by irradiation or heat treatment.
• The most valuable Topaz is the Imperial Topaz with reddish-orange gem with pink undertones. Its name is commonly known to have a Russian royal history. A Russian royal family insisted on having this finest color gem for their exclusive use, which is then mined from the Ural Mountains. This is the gem for the 23rd wedding anniversary.

How to take care of Topaz Jewelry

Topaz has an 8 hardness rate based on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it prone to chipping or cracking. Here are the following tips for maintaining your Topaz jewelry.

• Clean it with warm and soapy water. You should not use any steam cleaning.
• Sudden room temperature or extreme heat temperature may cause internal breaks to your precious Topaz gemstone.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight might cause fading to some yellow-to-brown colored Topaz gemstones.
• Keep it away from any chemical substance because it may slightly damage or affect the Topaz.

Citrine

Its Name

The name Citrine is officially used in 1556, cited by Georg Bauer, a German metallurgist. The name comes from the Latin term “citrus,” meaning citron tree, or the Old French word “citrin,” meaning lemon-colored.

Its History

Citrine became a popular gemstone in Ancient Greece and has been used as a decorative gem.

During the 17^th century, a Scottish weapon manufacturer used Citrine to decorate its dagger handle. It gained popularity from then, so it was also used in making Scottish brooches and kilt pins. Citrine’s popularity in Scotland was because of the immense attraction to it by Queen Victoria.

In Roman jewelry, you can find that Romans pontiffs wore rings set with massive purple amethyst and Citrine.

In the year 1930, Citrine had a massive demand that many European jewelry-makers have relocated its manufacturing industry in South Africa.  South Africa produced an excellent quantity of this stone. Citrine's massive shipments have been shipped from South Africa to Europe to be polished and fashioned into jewelry and other ornaments. 

Its Location

It is mainly produced in Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Namibia, Scotland, Argentina, Russia, Mexico, Uruguay, Myanmar, and the United States. Heat-treated amethyst turned to citrine gemstone comes mostly from Brazil. They are also considered one of the primary producers of Citrine.

How to Take care of your Citrine Jewelry

According to the Mohs scale of hardness, Citrine has 7 hardness rates that make it durable for everyday wear and tear.

However, you have to clean it with warm and soapy water, but it is quite okay to clean it using an ultrasonic machine. Keep in mind that steam cleaning is risky because extreme heat temperature may cause Citrine stone to crack.

Symbolisms and Healing Properties of November Birthstones

Topaz

Wearing Topaz is believed to give you strength and intelligence. In modern days, Topaz symbolizes love and affection, which means a gift of a blue topaz may express your love and devotion to that special someone.

According to some, Topaz has healing properties such as it is useful in stimulating metabolism, digestive system, and nervous system. It will significantly help you with your eating disorders such as anorexia.

In Ancient times, Topaz was used by some individuals to treat eye disorders and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

In Modern times, Topaz is considered useful healing stones for our emotional well-being. This gemstone shows us the true meaning of forgiveness as it transforms negative feelings into good faith and hope.

Citrine

Many people are quite attractive to Citrine because they believe that this gemstone embodies the sun’s power. It will help them brighten up their mood, just like the sun's light and warmth. It is believed to keep someone appreciate its surroundings more, making it an ideal birthstone for November, a month for Thanksgiving.

Citrine is reputed as one of the most effective energies and stamina supporters that helps our endocrine system. This gemstone will boost your metabolic processes and help reverse any degenerative disease.

Citrine stimulates our digestive system, pancreas, and spleen and will help minimize skin allergies and chemical usage problems.

Final Thoughts

Topaz and Citrine both create attractive options for November birthstone jewelry. With both relatively similar durability, it can be used in any type of jewelry setting.

Both of these fantastic November birthstones present a history rich in physical, spiritual, and cultural significance.

Topaz, in particular, has inspired our artisans to offer their best craftsmanship in creating the best collection of Topaz Sterling Silver Jewelry meant for ladies born in November. 

Our Blooming Anemone Flower Collection:

• Blooming Anemone Flower Earring

• Blooming Anemone Flower Stud Earring

• Blooming Anemone Flower Pendant

• Blooming Anemone Ring

This fantastic flower collection will bring color to your sterling silver jewelry collection. Each piece of jewelry is inspired by nature, made of sterling silver, 18k Gold plated. The middle of the anemone flower is a Topaz—a perfect collection for all November-born floral ladies out there.