November’s Birthstones: Celebrating Citrine & Topaz

November babies are fortunate to claim two dazzling birthstones – citrine and topaz. Both gems radiate warmth and positive energy, and each carries its own rich history and meaning. From their vibrant colours and metaphysical symbolism to style tips for pairing with outfits and jewellery, we’ll explore what makes citrine and topaz shine. We’ll also highlight some exquisite Latelita pieces featuring these gemstones and how to wear them for any occasion.

Citrine is the transparent yellow to reddish-orange variety of quartz, prized for its sunny hue reminiscent of citrus fruits. Ranging from pale lemon to deep amber, citrine’s colour comes from trace minerals and is often enhanced by gentle heat treatment for a richer golden tone. With a Mohs hardness of 7, citrine is reasonably durable for everyday wear. Its sparkling clarity and warm glow have made it a favourite for jewellery for thousands of years.

Symbolism & Metaphysical Meaning Of Citrine: Often called the “success stone,” citrine has long been associated with prosperity, joy, and energy. Legends say it carries the power of the sun – promoting vitality, creativity and confidence in whoever wears it. Citrine is thought to attract abundance and good luck, earning it a reputation as a Feng Shui gem for wealth. It’s also believed to soothe tempers and dispel negativity, thanks to a history of being mistaken for (and thus sharing folklore with) topaz. In crystal healing, citrine is connected to the solar plexus chakra, boosting self-esteem and optimism. Little wonder that citrine is associated with warmth, positivity, and clear-minded ambition in the wearer.

History & Cultural Associations: The name “citrine” derives from citron, the French word for lemon, a nod to its sunny colour. Citrine adorned jewellery in ancient Greece and Rome – Roman jewellery dating back to the 1st century featured this golden quartz. It gained major popularity in the Art Deco era and in Victorian Scotland, often set in colourful kilt pins and brooches. Because of its historical mix-ups with topaz, many early wearers believed citrine could ward off evil, calm anger, and ensure peace. Today, citrine is a modern birthstone for November and the traditional gemstone for the 13th wedding anniversary – a gift symbolic of a loving life full of light and success.

Styling Citrine – What It Pairs Well With: The cheerful golden hue of citrine makes it incredibly versatile for styling. Its warm colour looks especially radiant set in yellow gold, creating a harmonious, monochromatic golden glow. For example, Latelita’s Florence Round Gemstone Necklace in Gold Citrine features evenly spaced round citrine charms on a fine gold chain, a delicate piece that catches the light with every move. This kind of necklace layers beautifully with other gold chains or pendants, and can elevate a simple white blouse or a black dress by adding a pop of sunshine at the neckline. Citrine also pairs well with autumnal tones – think deep greens, earthy browns and rich oranges that echo the fall foliage. Yet it’s equally striking against neutral palettes: a pair of citrine earrings can be the singular bright accent to a little black dress or a chic all-white suit.

Latelita Citrine Jewellery Highlights: One gorgeous option is the Sorrento Triple Drop Earrings in Gold Citrine, which showcase three petite pear-shaped citrine drops dangling from each polished gold hoop. These earrings provide a lively splash of colour and movement. Style-wise, they transition effortlessly from day to night – wear them with a casual knit and jeans in the daytime for a hint of glamour, then pair them with a cocktail dress or even bridesmaid attire for evening elegance (they make an ideal gift for November-born friends or bridesmaids). For everyday wear, citrine studs or citrine petite drops can brighten up your work outfits without overwhelming your look, bringing a subtle cheeriness to even the gloomiest winter day. On special occasions, don’t shy away from larger citrine statement pieces – the stone’s warm sparkle exudes confidence. The key is to let citrine be the star: it shines best when not competing with too many other colours. A matching citrine pendant and earring set with a simple beige or navy outfit, for instance, creates a cohesive and sophisticated style. In essence, citrine jewellery adds a touch of sunshine that can refresh and energise your wardrobe year-round.

Colour & Properties: Topaz is renowned for its remarkable colour variety – from pure colourless and icy blue, to honey yellow, fiery orange, pretty pink, and even earthy green and brown. This rainbow of colours means topaz can suit any style or season. For November birthstones, the traditional choice is a golden to amber yellow topaz (sometimes called Imperial Topaz when it has a pinkish-orange hue), while modern tastes have also embraced blue topaz for its serene, cool tone. 

Topaz is a silicate mineral that ranks 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it harder than citrine and durable enough for regular wear. In fact, its name may come from “Topazion” in Greek or the Sanskrit “tapas,” meaning fire – a nod to the gem’s brilliance and perhaps its ancient source on the fiery island of Topazios. Good-quality topaz is relatively abundant and affordable, so November-born folks have plenty of options without breaking the bank – from understated white topaz studs to show-stopping London blue topaz chandeliers.

Symbolism & Meaning: Topaz has been treasured as a stone of strength and protection through the ages. It symbolizes friendship, loyalty, and healing in many cultures. The ancient Greeks believed topaz could grant the wearer great strength, even making them invisible in dire straits. In medieval Europe, topaz was thought to break spells and calm anger, essentially serving as a talisman against bad moods and black magic. Similarly, Indian folklore holds that wearing topaz above the heart assures long life, beauty, and intelligence. 

Modern crystal lore often focuses on topaz’s calming energy: both topaz birthstones are said to have a soothing, stabilising presence. Blue topaz in particular is known as a gem of clarity and communication – connected to the throat chakra to help one express themselves and speak truth – as well as a promoter of relaxation and mental focus. It’s reputed to relieve stress and negative energy, helping to unlock inner wisdom and creativity. No matter the hue, topaz is thought to bring joy, generosity and good health to its wearer. Fittingly, topaz is often exchanged as a symbol of love and devotion; it’s a traditional gift for a 16th wedding anniversary, signifying the strength and confidence of a mature relationship.

History & Lore: Throughout history, topaz has been linked to the life-giving energy of the sun, likely due to the golden varieties discovered early on. Ancient Roman scholars even claimed a topaz could detect poisoned food by changing colour – an intriguing bit of lore that speaks to topaz’s mystical reputation. Perhaps the most storied variety is Imperial Topaz (the rich orange-pink type): in 19th-century Russia, the finest specimens from the Ural Mountains were reserved for the Czar’s family and named in their honour. Large and famous topaz gems were often initially mistaken for diamonds or other gems; for example, the enormous “Braganza Diamond” of Portugal is now believed to have been a colourless topaz. Topaz has also found its way into royal collections and red-carpet jewellery in modern times – even Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is known to don sparkling blue topaz and diamond earrings on occasion. All these tales reinforce topaz’s image as a stone of prestige and charm. Today, blue topaz is celebrated as the gem of the 4th wedding anniversary (with golden/Imperial topaz marked for the 23rd), and of course topaz remains one of November’s cherished birthstones, sharing the month with citrine.

Styling Topaz – What It Pairs Well With: Thanks to its array of colours, topaz is a dream to style. The gem always carries a certain sophistication and sparkle, whether you choose a subtle clear topaz or a vivid hue. Blue topaz, with its sky-blue or Swiss blue shades, lends a refreshing pop of colour that can brighten winter and summer outfits alike. It looks stunning set in white metals like sterling silver or white gold, enhancing its icy brilliance – imagine a pair of blue topaz drop earrings peeking out from a silver-grey cashmere scarf in winter, evoking “blue ice” glamour. Latelita’s Erviola Gemstone Cascade Earrings in Gold Blue Topaz, for instance, cascade with multiple faceted blue topaz teardrops set in gold, creating an opulent chandelier effect (pictured above). Despite their dramatic length, the Erviola earrings are noted as “suitable for all occasions” and even simple day-to-day styling. You can let such statement earrings be the hero by wearing your hair in an elegant updo and pairing them with a sleek monochrome outfit – the earrings will instantly elevate a little black dress or even a minimalist white blouse and trouser combo for evening.

For those who prefer a more understated sparkle, white topaz is a fantastic diamond substitute that pairs with virtually anything. A dainty white topaz pendant or stud earrings can add just the right touch of brilliance to workwear or a casual ensemble, without straying from a neutral palette. Meanwhile, golden or yellow topaz echoes the look of citrine and complements warm-toned clothing. Try a yellow topaz ring or pendant with earth-toned outfits – think olive greens, chocolate browns, or a mustard blouse – to enhance that autumnal vibe of November. Mixing topaz colours is another way to create interest: because topaz often comes in blended shades (like the famed Mystic Topaz with its rainbow iridescence), you can find pieces that playfully shift colour and thus match multiple wardrobe pieces.

Latelita Topaz Jewellery Highlights: One standout design is Latelita’s Crested Love Bird Pendant Necklace (London Blue Topaz) – a whimsical yet elegant piece where a little gold-plated bird motif perches atop a rectangular-cut London blue topaz, accented by marquise-cut white zircons for extra sparkle. Despite its artistry, this necklace is quite versatile in length and style. You could wear it to dress up a casual outfit (picture it adding personality to a simple sweater dress or bringing a talking-point to a basic tee and blazer), or use it as the finishing touch to a more formal ensemble at a dinner or event. Because the pendant itself is detailed and vivid, it works best with solid fabrics and uncluttered necklines – let that gorgeous blue gem draw the eye without distraction. If you prefer rings, Latelita also offers showstopper cocktail rings featuring blue topaz (such as the Baroness or Duchess ring designs). A blue topaz cocktail ring on your finger can be the ultimate statement – wear one with an elegant navy evening gown or even a tailored black suit; coordinate your accessories by picking up the blue tone in a clutch or shoes for a cohesive look. And of course, classic stud earrings with clear or sky-blue topaz are perfect for everyday wear, adding a sparkle of serenity to any outfit.

Whether you gravitate towards citrine’s warm, golden glow or the dazzling spectrum of topaz, November’s birthstones offer something for every style. Both gems have an uplifting energy – citrine brings sunny optimism and abundance, while topaz offers calm strength and joyous creativity. In jewellery terms, they are easy to mix and match: you can wear citrine and topaz together (their November connection makes them a harmonious duo) or let each stone shine on its own. For example, a citrine pendant paired with blue topaz stud earrings can create a lovely contrast of warm and cool tones that still feels complementary. When styling, let the gemstones guide you: citrine might inspire you to choose gold accessories and a bold colour pop in your outfit, whereas blue topaz might steer you towards sleek designs and cooler shades.

In the Latelita collection, citrine and topaz take centre stage in many beautifully crafted pieces – from artisan drop earrings to delicate necklaces – all designed to elevate your style with a touch of personal meaning. As you incorporate these birthstones into your wardrobe, you’re not only adding visual appeal but also carrying forward a rich legacy of lore, healing symbolism, and celebration. November’s gems truly shine: wear citrine to channel sunshine and success, or don topaz to exude tranquil confidence and connection – either way, you’ll be adorned with the very essence of what November represents: warmth, strength, and radiant beauty.