November birthstone jewellery is the ideal gift for someone with a birthday in the winter month - and the best news? It’s one of the most reasonably priced of all the birthstone jewellery offerings.
As is the case with anyone born in October, November babies are also blessed with two birthstone options in the form of the brilliantly bright topaz and citrine stones. You lucky things, you.
Topaz comes in a veritable rainbow of eye-catching hues from violet to classic blue, whilst citrine birthstones are yellow and orange. Ultimately, both birthstone options will brighten up both your mood and wintry outfits with aplomb.
Feeling frazzled? Same. As we head into the depths of winter, donning a November birthstone can bring calming energy, as well as fortune and warmth - three things we could all welcome RN (hello, cost of living crisis).
So whether it’s a simple ring, an eye-catching necklace or jazzy pair of earrings, nothing will give the recipient more joy than receiving November birthstone jewellery. Equally, if you’re in the market for a new accessory and your birthday falls in November, why not treat yourself to a piece?
Read on for everything you need to know about the two November birthstones, how they can enhance your life and the very best to buy for all budgets…
Why does November have 2 birthstones?
Birthstones have been worn since ancient times and November’s original gem stone was topaz. Many of the months of the year have, however, acquired two birthstones due to precious gems coming in and out of fashion over time. In November’s case, citrine was later added as a more modern, secondary birthstone because it was the more affordable option. Precious gems often become so rare and expensive that the price tag is simply too much for shoppers, hence cheaper varieties have been introduced. Who’s complaining?
Topaz is the original November corundum and has a plethora of colour options, from light blue and yellow to violet, brown and even colourless. When most people think of topaz, they envision a gorgeous blue hue - and that’s because jewellers have treated colorless topaz with irradiation and heating, which has given it that now iconic light blue hue.
The meaning behind topaz is a little vague. Some believe the word ‘topaz’ derived from the Sanskrit word tapas (meaning ‘fire’), whilst others trace it back to the Greek topazos.
Either way, topaz is thought to have plentiful benefits to those who wear it. The ancient Greeks claimed that topaz gave them strength, the Europeans thought it could thwart magic spells and dispel anger back in the 1300s, and it’s long been worn in India to enhance beauty, brains and longevity. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac (an association that's been around for 230 years and claims an 80% accuracy rate for its weather predictions), a gift of blue topaz is said to be a promise of love and fidelity, which is perhaps why blue topaz is the gem of the fourth wedding anniversary and Imperial topaz is the gem of the 23rd wedding anniversary.
Citrine, believed to derive from the French word for ‘lemon’ (citron), has more recently been added as a secondary November birthstone - but that's not to say it hasn't long been prized for its benefits and aesthetically-pleasing qualities.
The ancient Greeks carved rock crystal ornaments out of citrine, Roman pontiffs donned citrine rings and it was a hugely fashionable gem stone in Victorian Scotland. Today's citrine, which comes in golden shades ranging from pale yellow to deep brownish orange, mostly forms as the result of the heat treatment of amethyst or smoky quartz - and it's one of the most affordable and desired yellow gemstones.
It is also known as ‘healing quartz’ because it's long been thought to promote vitality and energy. In fact, according to Chinese feng shui philosophy, it can also bring the wearer wealth and abundance. Ker-ching.
Is November Birthstone blue or yellow?
Topaz is available in a range of vibrant hues and whilst it's most commonly associated with blue, the signature colour for the November birthstone is actually yellow. Citrine is also most commonly available in golden hues such as yellow.
Is the November Birthstone rare?
Topaz is pretty rare, which makes it an expensive gem. If you're really looking to treat someone special (perhaps you're celebrating that 23rd wedding anniversary), the most valuable and expensive shades of topaz are deep orange with pink undertones. Dubbed ‘Imperial topaz’ their moniker comes from 19th century Russian czars who sourced the gem stone from the Ural Mountains and restricted their ownership to the royal family. Citrine was later added as a second birthstone because it is much more commonplace (and affordable) in the market.
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