Although the National Association of Jewelers created a standard list of the twelve birthstones that would represent each month of the year, not all countries follow that list and it is for that reason that the month of Novermber has three different known stones. The citrine being one of them. Learn about why citrine jewely is very popular and what makes the stone of the citrine jewelry so special to its wearers. The History and features of this gem are found to be quite interesting to all jewely lovers. Travel from ancient times when the citrine was thought to ward away snake’s venom to modern times of wonderfully crafted citrine jewelry.
Citrine jewelry is not made easily. The gemstone of citrine ranges in color; it can be a very light yellow or it can be a brown color. There are not many yellow gemstones in the world and if one finds one, you can be sure it most likely will be expensive! The feature about Citrine jewelry is that its gem is very rarely found in nature. When citrine is mined, it almost always has high levels of iron in it. It is for that reason, that what some may think is natural citrine jewelry is actually amethyst that is heated to look like the color that we believe citrine jewelry should be.
If one wants to find natural citrine, they must travel to the mines of Brazil. It is in this country that one may find citrine without the high levels of iron. Long ago, citrine jewelry was made from the gem when it was found in Spain, France and Hungary. There was a rise in the demand of citrine jewelry in Europe during the 1930’s when enormous quantities of citrine was shipped in large boats overseas from Brazil and Uruguay. At the time, it was the only real known gem that was yellow. Citrine jewelry was very popular as men’s cuff links and as rings.
Many people may not be able to tell by eye, the difference between topaz and citrine jewelry; this make citrine jewelry even more rare; however it can often be misleading as topaz may be sold as citrine jewelry and the buyer may be in the dark. Topaz is most usually found in its yellow form and is used quite often in making jewelry; one can easily be confused between topaz and citrine. It usually takes a trained and professional eye to know the difference. If other gems are used instead of topaz to make yellow gem jewelry, a skillled jewelry professional will be able to know by looking at signs to see if the gem had been heated. Again, most people would not be able to do so.
Citrine will always be a special gem and one reason is because its name does not often spring to mind when thinking about gemstones. However true, real and natural citrine is very rare; this making it very valuable. Buyers must take care that if they are looking for one hundred percent real citrine jewelry, it may very well be amethyst that is heated or smoky quartz, as well. The jewelry will still be wonderful, but it will be a bit more orange that natural citrine. It is for that reason, that many people are very happy with jewelry that appears to be citrine; espeically when they are in need of citrine jewelry for a birthday and there is simply no citrine to be found!
Citrine is one of my most favorite gemstones, – you have an amazing display!