Citrine: Ray of Joy and Vitality

The hue of citrine is in the yellow spectrum. Most of the citrines found are a light yellow color, as yellow as lemon. But the most valuable citrines are darker, orange-gold in color. Although the name can indeed be traced back to the yellow lemon (Latin: citrus), citrine can vary from light yellow to brown orange.

Citrine is mainly found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia and Madagascar. In addition, the yellow color of citrine arises after heating amethyst and smoky quartz. When these stones rise above a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius, the hue changes from purple and brown to bright yellow, respectively. Because citrine is a very rare stone, the heated form is often used in jewellery. You often see that these gemstones are given derivative names such as 'Madeira Citrine' or 'Bahua Citrine'. Also, citrine and amethyst can occur together in one stone. This combination is called ametrine . The combination of citrine and smoky quartz is then called smoky citrine (or 'smoke citrine').

After 1930

Other names for citrine include Topaz Quartz and Pseudotopaz. All these different names stem from the period before 1930. Jewelers then massively renamed yellow gemstones into 'topaz'. It was not until after 1930 that more serious research into gemstones was carried out. It is therefore around this time that people began to distinguish between yellow topaz and yellow quartz – or citrine. Pure topaz, on the other hand, is often referred to as precious topaz.

Happy gemstone

In the Middle Ages, citrine was sometimes prescribed as an antidepressant. The bright yellow color brought positivity in dark winter months. It would also ensure a long and happy marriage. Reason enough, therefore, to fully process citrine in the most beautiful pendants, necklaces and earrings. We also see rings with citrine passing by every now and then, and the warm yellow hue certainly doesn't make us grumpy!

Citrine was found in Scotland in the 19th century. Queen Victoria was introduced to the gemstone 'gold' and fell in love immediately. She had various jewellery made with citrine as the radiant center. Her husband Albert was also very enthusiastic about the radiant gem, with the result that citrine was used in the National Scottish costume. To this day, citrine is worn in traditional Scottish clothing.

Hollywood chic

The biggest '30s Hollywood stars were dyeing Citrine fans. Think of influential women like Greta Garbo (a great jewellery wearer anyway, she even started her own jewellery line!) and Joan Crawford. Both wore many rings, earrings and citrine brooches.

And of course we all know Kate Middleton, known for her refined taste and appearance. Kate is also a big fan of citrine and wears both rings and earrings with the yellow stone. The positive and creative stimulus of citrine would also apply most strongly to earrings. Discover our citrine jewellery here .