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November Birthstones Topaz and Citrine
A Little Sunshine for November Birthdays
As the days get shorter here in Toronto and the grey November skies roll in, it’s nice to have something warm and golden to hold on to. And that’s exactly what November birthstones topaz and citrine bring.
Topaz and citrine are both glowing, cheerful stones that seem to catch the light of autumn’s last sunshine. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, looking for a gift or just love these rich golden gems, November birthstones make beautiful jewellery.
Yellow Topaz: The Traditional November Birthstone
The traditional birthstone for November is yellow topaz, a gem known for its golden radiance and incredible clarity. Throughout history, topaz has been seen as a stone of warmth, strength, and good fortune. Ancient Egyptians even linked it to the sun god Ra, believing it carried the energy of the sun itself, perfect for brightening the darker days of late fall.
Topaz is found in many parts of the world including Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Pakistan. The most famous golden topaz comes from Brazil’s Minas Gerais region. This is also where the most coveted variety, Imperial Topaz, originates.
Imperial Topaz : The Rare Royal Gem
Imperial Topaz is the crème de la crème of the topaz family. With its deep golden-orange or blush-pink tones, it seems to glow from within. The name dates back to 19th-century Russia, where it was reserved for the Czar’s family, hence “Imperial.”
Today, natural Imperial Topaz is rare and sought-after, making it a beautiful choice for custom jewellery that feels truly one-of-a-kind.
A Rainbow of Topaz Colours
While the birthstone for November features topaz in its sunny yellow shade, this gem actually comes in a whole spectrum of colours, blue, pink, champagne, green, and even colourless.
These colours form naturally due to tiny trace elements and natural irradiation in the earth, though some are gently enhanced with heat to bring out their most vibrant hues.
That means if yellow isn’t your colour, there’s a topaz for you, from cool London Blue Topaz to soft pink champagne tones. All of them can be lovely alternatives for November birthstone jewellery, especially if you aren’t a big fan of yellow.
Citrine: A Cheerful Alternative
The other birthstone for November is citrine, a gem that seems to hold sunshine inside it. Citrine is actually a variety of quartz, and its name comes from citron, the French word for lemon.
Its warm yellow and amber tones are caused by traces of iron in the crystal. While natural citrine exists, most citrine you’ll find today is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. The heat gives it that deep, golden colour that ranges from honey to amber to sunset orange.
Citrine is found in Brazil, Spain, Madagascar, and Uruguay, and it’s known for being bright and budget-friendly. A lovely option for November birthstone gifts if you want something warm, sparkly, and meaningful.
Finding Your November Birthstone Jewellery in Toronto
Whether you fall for the rare fire of Imperial Topaz or the soft, golden glow of citrine, both gems carry a warmth that feels so fitting for November.
They shine beautifully in rings, necklaces, earrings, and make thoughtful birthday gifts. Or even just a little self-care sparkle before winter sets in.
If you’re looking for November birthstone jewellery in Toronto, we’d love to help you create something that captures your story. From a golden citrine pendant to a warm topaz pair of earrings that feels like a little bit of sunshine you can wear.
