Citrine

Yellow as a lemon?

The colour of citrine lies in the yellow spectrum. Most citrines that are found are pale yellow, as yellow as a lemon, but the most valuable citrines are darker, an orange gold. So although the name can indeed be traced back to the lemon (Latin: citrus), citrine can range from pale yellow to brownish orange.

Citrine is found mainly in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia and Madagascar. The yellow colour of citrine can also be created by heating amethyst or smoky quartz: above around 200°C their purple or brown changes to a bright yellow. Because natural citrine is very rare, heated stones are often used in jewellery, sometimes under trade names such as ‘Madeira citrine’ or ‘Bahia citrine’. Citrine and amethyst can also occur together in a single stone, a combination known as ametrine, while the combination of citrine and smoky quartz is called smoky citrine.

After 1930

Other names for citrine include topaz quartz and pseudo-topaz. These names date from the period before 1930, when jewellers routinely called yellow gemstones ‘topaz’. Only after 1930 was gemstone research carried out more rigorously, and it was around this time that a distinction began to be made between yellow topaz and yellow quartz, or citrine.

A cheerful gemstone

In the Middle Ages citrine was sometimes recommended to lift the spirits, its bright yellow bringing cheer to the dark winter months. It was also said to bring a long and happy marriage. Reason enough to set citrine in the loveliest pendants, necklaces and earrings, and in the occasional ring, too: its warm yellow certainly never puts us in a bad mood.

In the nineteenth century, when citrine was found in Scotland, Queen Victoria fell in love with this golden gemstone and had several jewels made with citrine as the centrepiece. Prince Albert was equally enthusiastic, and citrine became part of traditional Scottish dress, where it is still worn today.

Hollywood chic

The great Hollywood stars of the 1930s were keen admirers of citrine. Think of influential women such as Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford, who both wore rings, earrings and brooches set with citrine.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, known for her refined taste, has also been seen wearing citrine rings and earrings.

Care

Citrine is fairly easy to look after. Clean it with lukewarm water and a little mild soap, using a soft brush to remove dirt. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid strong heat and bright sunlight.

Discover our citrine jewellery.