November Birthstone Jewellery: Antique and Vintage Topaz and Citrine Guide
November brings warmth to the darker days. Its two birthstones, topaz and citrine, cover a generous colour range from golden and honey tones to fresh sky and deep London blues. Both appear across antique and vintage jewellery, from Art Deco step-cut cocktail rings to sculptural mid-century pieces. This guide explores what they are, how the colours came to be, the symbolism people attach to them, and how they show up through the eras.
Modern lists pair citrine and topaz for November. Earlier jewellery often used colour-based names, which is why some older descriptions call yellow quartz “topaz”. As gem testing improved, these stones were classified correctly while both traditions remained in use.
Table of Contents
- A Short History and Origins
- Symbolism and Colour
- Topaz, at a Glance
- Citrine, at a Glance
- Varieties and Trade Names
- Through the Eras
- Famous and Notable Mentions
- FAQs
- You Might Also Like
- Final Thoughts
- About Ps Its Vintage
- References
A Short History and Origins
For much of history, gem names followed colour more than chemistry. Yellow gems in older pieces might be described as “topaz” even when they were quartz. As gem testing improved, topaz and citrine were recognised as different minerals that share warm hues. Modern lists now pair them for November, reflecting both tradition and the practical variety people enjoy wearing. Topaz occurs naturally in colourless, yellow, brown, pinkish and, rarely, red; citrine is the yellow to orange variety of quartz. Vivid blues in topaz rose to popularity in the late twentieth century as stable colour enhancements became common. Natural citrine exists but is less common than heated amethyst or smoky quartz used to create yellow to orange tones.
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Symbolism and Colour
Symbolism is traditional rather than scientific, but many people enjoy choosing by meaning and palette.
- Topaz meaning: clarity, confidence, friendship. Golden and sherry tones feel warm and autumnal. Blue topaz (Sky, Swiss, London) reads calm and modern.
- Citrine meaning: joy, optimism, abundance. Lemon to honey citrine feels fresh and uplifting. “Madeira” citrine (a trade term) gives deeper orange-brown notes for evening.
Colour and styling snapshot:
- Golden or imperial-hued topaz and deeper citrine glow in yellow or rose gold and suit retro and mid-century silhouettes.
- Sky and Swiss blue topaz look crisp in sterling silver and platinum for daytime wear.
- London Blue topaz pairs beautifully with old-cut diamonds for a dressy feel.
- Art Deco citrine loves geometric bezels, stepped shoulders and long rectangular cuts.
Topaz, at a Glance
Mineral: aluminium fluorosilicate. Hardness: about 8 on the Mohs scale. Toughness: modest because topaz has perfect cleavage, which means a sharp knock can split it. That is why protective settings are a sensible choice for bigger rings.
Colour language and trade names: “Imperial topaz” is a trade description for saturated orange to pinkish-orange hues. There is no single legal definition; value follows the actual colour and quality rather than the label. “Sherry” or “precious” topaz refers to warm yellow-brown through orange shades you may see in older catalogues. Blue topaz is typically produced by irradiation followed by heat to bring out stable blues. The names describe depth of colour: Sky (light), Swiss (bright), London (deep). These are accepted and common in modern jewellery.
Where you’ll see it: Brazil remains a classic source for warm topaz colours, notably around Ouro Preto. Antique and vintage jewellery features topaz in many cuts: old oval and pear shapes for warm hues, and brilliant modern faceting for blues.
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Citrine, at a Glance
Mineral: quartz. Hardness: about 7 on the Mohs scale. Tough and durable enough for everyday wear with sensible care.
Colour language: Lemon citrine sits at the fresher, lighter end. Honey and amber citrine offer richer depth that flatters yellow gold. “Madeira citrine” is a trade name for deeper orange to reddish-brown tones often seen in vintage cocktail rings.
How it appears: Citrine loves generous step cuts, emerald cuts and navette shapes. It is a staple of Art Deco geometry and mid-century statement rings, often bezel-set or claw-set with sweeping shoulders.
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Varieties and Trade Names
- Imperial topaz: saturated orange through pinkish-orange; scarcer and more collectable.
- Blue topaz: accepted irradiation and heat produce Sky, Swiss and London Blue shades.
- Madeira citrine: deeper orange-brown citrine often seen in vintage cocktail jewellery.
Through the Eras
Victorian: warm yellow gold, sentimental motifs and foliate engraving. Yellow topaz and paler yellow quartz in lockets, brooches and rings.
Edwardian: refined platinum or gold filigree. Smaller topaz and citrine accents in openwork designs.
Art Nouveau: flowing lines with enamel and nature themes. Warm topaz and glowing citrine complement organic silhouettes.
Art Deco: crisp geometry, stepped shoulders, long rectangular stones. Citrine shines in glamorous cocktail rings; blue topaz appears in pared-back, modern settings.
Mid-century: sculptural gold and confident scale. Large citrine and blue topaz solitaires star in bold rings and pendants.
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Famous and Notable Mentions
- Imperial topaz from Brazil is long prized for rich colour and classic oval and pear cuts.
- London Blue topaz surged in popularity in the late twentieth century as colour control improved, giving a deep, inky blue that photographs beautifully.
- Art Deco citrine remains a collector favourite because step cuts show colour evenly and the designs are highly wearable today.
FAQs
Why does November have two birthstones?
Historically, yellow stones were often grouped under one name. As testing improved, topaz and citrine were distinguished, and modern lists kept both to reflect tradition and colour choice.
Is London, Swiss or Sky Blue topaz natural?
The topaz is natural, the blue is usually created by irradiation and heat. The names simply describe how deep the blue looks.
Is citrine natural or treated?
Both exist. Natural citrine is less common. Much citrine in the market is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz to achieve stable yellow to orange colours.
Is topaz good for a ring?
Yes with sensible wear. It is hard, but because it has cleavage it prefers protective settings and a little extra care compared with quartz.
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You Might Also Like
- September Birthstone Jewellery: Antique and Vintage Sapphire Guide
- Birthstones by Month: Complete Guide
- Jewellery Symbolism Guide: Meaning Behind Popular Motifs
- How to Tell if Vintage Jewellery Is Real
- Ring Size Calculator
Final Thoughts
November’s birthstones offer colour and character in equal measure. Golden topaz feels warm and refined. Blue topaz is fresh and bright. Citrine adds joyful glow from lemon to deep Madeira. Whether you are marking a birthday or choosing a meaningful gift, there is a November stone to match your style.
When you are ready to explore, visit New Arrivals or browse gemstone rings when available.
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About Ps Its Vintage
Ps Its Vintage is independently run and specialises in preloved, vintage and antique jewellery. Every piece is chosen for its character, quality and symbolism, with a focus on hallmarks, makers and meaningful design. Whether you are celebrating a November birthday or exploring gemstone history, this guide is here to help you choose with confidence.
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References
- GIA — Gem Encyclopedia
- GIA — Gem Treatment Overview
- International Gem Society — Hardness & Wearability
- GIA — Birthstones by Month
