14 Karat
Two is better than one! Those born in November have two birthstones to choose from: topaz and citrine. Topaz comes in an abundance of different colors, and citrine has beautiful orange and yellow hues. These stones are said to bring calmness, fortune and warmth to the wearer. Your custom jewelry Omaha experts are here to show you why November’s birthstones are so special!
Topaz
Topaz is perfect for those who don’t have a favorite color. You can find topaz in just about every color of the rainbow including clear, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, purple, brown and sometimes even red. Here are some facts about topaz!
History & Meaning
The word topaz comes from the Sanskrit word “tapas,” meaning “fire.” It has also been traced back to the Greek word “topazos,” and Ancient Greeks believed this stone made them strong. Europeans thought it could prevent magic spells and get rid of anger. Those living in India thought that wearing a topaz above the heart lengthened your life and gave beauty and intelligence to the wearer.
Most topaz comes from Brazil. Brazil is home to yellow, orange, pink, purple and blends of red topaz. Northwestern Pakistan is where a lot of pink topaz comes from. Other places the gem can be found include Namibia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the United States and parts of Russia.
Care
Caring for a topaz correctly is necessary to prevent any chipping. It has an eight on the Mohs scale of hardness, but high heat and sudden temperature changes can cause the stone to crack. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may also cause the color to fade. A mild soap solution should be used to clean these precious stones.
Citrine
Citrine has been seen in jewelry for years. The yellow, orange and brown hues of this stone make for exquisite fall colors, which is perfect for November. So why are both of these stones November birthstones? It’s believed that citrine and topaz have similar powers.
History & Meaning
Citrine comes from the French word “citron,” meaning “lemon.” This stone is believed to soothe and calm the wearer. We have seen ancient Roman jewelry with citrine and amethyst. Scottish jewelry from the Victorian era also included lots of citrines. Citrine is a very affordable and sought-after gemstone for jewelry.
We can find citrine in Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico and Uruguay. In the Anahí mine in Bolivia, miners have found a combination of citrine and amethyst in the same crystals; this citrine tends to be orangish and brownish and fades into the purples of amethysts.
Care
Citrine comes in at seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. Citrine is tough enough for everyday wear. Extreme heat can cause the stone to crack. It is recommended to clean it with warm, soapy water.
Visit your custom jewelry Omaha experts
Topaz and citrine tend to be decently priced. Lots of people, including those not born in November, want to add this stone to a piece in their jewelry collection. They make for a perfect birthday present for those with November birthdays and are often gifted as a 14th wedding anniversary gift. Your custom jewelry Omaha experts can help you find the perfect piece! Visit us today in the Shops of Legacy in Omaha, NE!
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