November has two birthstones: citrine and topaz. Both come in warm golden shades, and both have long been tied to warmth, clarity and good fortune. Citrine is the more affordable everyday stone; topaz is harder and comes in a wider range of colors, from clear to sky blue.
Citrine: the honey-colored quartz
Citrine is a yellow-to-amber variety of quartz, named from the old French word for lemon. Its color comes from traces of iron. Natural citrine is rare, so much of the citrine sold today is heat-treated amethyst, a standard and accepted practice. It rates 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, durable enough for daily wear. Traditionally it is called the merchant's stone, linked to optimism and prosperity.
Topaz: the harder, older stone
Topaz rates 8 on the Mohs scale, harder than quartz. The name is often traced to Topazios, an island in the Red Sea described by the Roman writer Pliny. Pure topaz is colorless; golden and orange tones are the classic November shades, and most blue topaz is clear topaz treated to deepen its color. Ancient Greeks were said to believe it gave strength.
The Amber Hour
The Amber Hour is built around these two stones: warm citrine and topaz in burnished gold, named for the last light of the day. It is our November collection by nature.
November birthstone pieces in 14k solid gold
- 14k Yellow Gold 17 inch Necklace with Round Citrine ($220)
- 14k Yellow Gold 17 inch Necklace with Round White Topaz ($220), also in rose gold
- Drop Earrings with Citrine and Amethyst Briolettes ($350)
- Drop Earrings with Blue Topaz Cushion Briolettes ($400)
Each stone is natural, ethically sourced and set by hand.
FAQ
What is the November birthstone? Citrine and topaz. Either is correct.
What color is the November birthstone? Usually golden yellow to orange.
Can citrine be worn every day? Yes. At 7 on the Mohs scale it resists everyday scratches; remove it for heavy work.