November brings warmth, celebration, and a sense of gratitude that sets the tone for the holiday season. Just like this vibrant time of year, people born in November carry a depth, emotional warmth, and loyalty that deserve something just as meaningful in return. That’s where November’s birthstones come in.
Topaz and citrine—sun-kissed stones in golden and amber hues—embody the heart of November. These gemstones make thoughtful and symbolic gifts for Scorpios and Sagittarians alike. You can create a keepsake that matches their brilliance with the right jewelry design.
Topaz and Citrine Birthstone Meaning and History
Everything You Need to Know About the Topaz Birthstone
Topaz is one of the most popular precious gemstones, and it’s easy to see why. With a wide range of colors, it offers something for every taste. The yellow and orange varieties are in higher demand and are considered the original November birthstones.
Topaz has roots in history—it appears in ancient Vedic texts and rituals, where it's believed to influence careers, finances, and relationships. The warm, golden tones reflect what the stone stands for: unity, hospitality, and gratitude.
Fittingly, people often link yellow topaz to the spirit of Thanksgiving in November. Many also choose Topaz as a 23rd-anniversary gift. They believe it inspires optimism and strengthens faith in the wearer.
Everything You Need to Know About the Citrine Birthstone
Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford helped bring citrine into the spotlight, though it gained recognition later than topaz. Still, this vibrant member of the quartz family now enjoys a strong following.
Known for its warm yellow-orange glow, citrine holds meaning in both healing and romance. Its name—which resembles the word for "lemon" in many languages—makes it the perfect symbol of brightness and optimism.
Citrine also supports emotional and physical well-being. People often call it the "Merchant's Stone" because many believe it attracts financial success. It’s also said to draw in good health, love, and positive energy. It’s a meaningful stone for those looking to improve their lives.
Are you thinking about starting a new chapter with your partner? A citrine ring might be the perfect way to pop the question.
Where are Topaz and Citrine Found?
Ordering a November birthstone from Diamondrensu takes just a few taps. However, have you ever wondered where these beautiful stones come from?
Topaz is found all over the world. Major deposits are in Japan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, the Czech Republic, Australia, Pakistan, Italy, Norway, and Flinders Island. Brazil produces some of the richest yellow topaz in terms of color.
Meanwhile, you can also find yellow topaz in Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. If yellow topaz feels too traditional, you can go for blue topaz, especially popular from Sri Lanka and Brazil.
On the other hand, citrine isn’t as widely distributed. You can find citrine deposits in Russia’s Ural Mountains and across Madagascar. Bolivia and Brazil also hold large reserves of this vibrant quartz gemstone.
Topaz vs. Citrine: Which November Birthstone to Choose?
Comparing citrine and topaz isn’t really necessary—both are stunning choices for November birthdays. Each comes in a range of yellow and orange tones and other beautiful shades.
When it comes to hardness, topaz ranks higher than citrine. That’s why topaz might be the better fit if durability matters most to you. In every other aspect, both stones shine equally. The right design makes either one look incredible in a November birthstone necklace.
In the end, the choice is yours. Which one speaks to you more—topaz or citrine?
If no ready-made designs catch your eye, you can always choose loose gemstones and create something custom. Need inspiration? Take a look at our oval-cut ruby engagement ring. Its classic setting—featuring three moissanite stones on each side—draws all the focus to the center and creates a timeless look.
Diamondrensu’s experts specialize in pairing any style with the right stone. We’ll help you choose the ideal cut, clarity, color, and carat and select the perfect metal to match. Our goal is to create jewelry that feels just as meaningful as it looks.
Topaz and Citrine Birthstone Care and Cleaning
If you have November birthstone necklaces and other accessories in your collection, you must already know how important jewelry care is in keeping the precious stones gleaming. The first thing to keep in mind is careful storage. No amount of maintenance will help if you don’t store topaz and citrine properly.
Caring for Your Topaz Birthstone
Topaz ranks around eight on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it fairly durable. However, that doesn’t mean it’s immune to damage. A hard fall or contact with more rigid materials can still chip or scratch it.
If you don’t store topaz carefully, prolonged exposure to light can fade its vibrant color. This leaves it dull over time. Keep your stone in a velvet-lined case stored in a cool, dry place, and avoid letting it touch other jewelry.
Cleaning your topaz jewelry also matters. A good clean can quickly bring back its original shine. Start by mixing mild soap with warm water. Soak the jewelry briefly to loosen any dirt, then gently rub the stone with a soft cloth. Focus on the edges, where dirt tends to build up the most.
After cleaning, rinse the piece under running water to remove leftover soap. After that, pat it dry with a microfiber cloth. Avoid wearing your jewelry while swimming, working out, or gardening to keep it looking its best. Perfumes and skincare products can also affect the stone’s appearance over time, so try to limit contact with those too.
Caring for Your Citrine Birthstone
There’s a common myth that colored stones chip more easily. However, citrine proves that wrong. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, citrine holds up well against everyday wear and resists typical chipping. Still, regular care and cleaning are key if you want the stone to keep its shine.
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners when cleaning citrine jewelry. If you wear it often, dust can build up without noticing. Furthermore, too much sunlight can fade its color. Like many gemstones, citrine doesn't handle extreme heat well. Wearing it while sunbathing or sitting in a sauna can cause cracks or fractures.
One important tip—never expose citrine to X-rays, as it can turn dark brown. Oils, bleach, hairspray, and similar chemicals can also affect the stone’s color and clarity. Make it the last thing you put on to protect citrine before heading out.
Let a professional handle the cleaning if soap and water don’t restore its shine. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners and ultrasonic machines, as both can damage the stone.
Finding gifts for someone born in November is tricky because they have particular tastes. Yet, you cannot disappoint them with a subpar gift because they mean so much to you. An elegant piece of jewelry is one way to express your feelings for someone. Birthstone jewelry is even better when you look at it. Customized jewelry always trumps scented candles and artlessly curated hampers. Make sure your gifts stand out this time around.
Wait no longer and head to Diamondrensu to find the perfect November stone!
