Quick Summary
Both citrine and topaz are official November birthstones—citrine delivers warm golden-to-amber tones, while topaz offers a wider color spectrum including blues, pinks, and rare imperial orangy-red shades.
Imperial topaz and saturated citrine are most collectible—London blue topaz provides budget-friendly color impact, while rich golden citrine gives you classic autumn warmth.
Treatments are standard and don't automatically lower value—most blue topaz is treated to achieve color, and citrine is often heat-treated; focus on even saturation, clean cuts, and buying from reputable sellers.
Metal choice amplifies each stone's personality—pair golden citrine with yellow or rose gold for vintage warmth, and set blue topaz in white metals for crisp, modern contrast.
Choose by color story and jewelry type—citrine works beautifully in cocktail rings and warm-toned pendants; blue topaz excels in line bracelets, hoops, and contemporary settings where cool tones shine.
November gets two birthstones—citrine and topaz—and while they can look similar in their golden forms, they're distinct minerals with different color ranges, personalities, and styling opportunities.
Citrine is a variety of quartz that delivers warm, honeyed tones from pale lemon to deep amber, perfect for anyone drawn to cozy, autumnal hues.
Topaz spans a much wider spectrum: it's best known for its blues (Sky, Swiss, and London), but also comes in pinks, colorless, yellow-orange, and the rare, collectible imperial tones in orangy-red. Whether you're shopping for a November birthday, building out your jewelry wardrobe, or just love these stones, understanding the differences in color, treatments, and styling helps you choose pieces you'll actually wear. This guide covers what makes each stone valuable, how to style them across different metals and settings, and what to look for when buying earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Table of Contents
Is topaz or citrine the November birthstone?
Both are official November birthstones. They're often mixed up because yellow topaz and golden citrine can look similar, but they're different minerals with distinct personalities. Topaz spans a wide spectrum—cool blues, pinks, colorless, yellow-orange, and rare orangy-red "imperial." Citrine is quartz known for warm lemon-to-honey tones.
If you want the broadest color range, topaz delivers; if you love cozy fall hues, citrine is the easy pick. For styling, think of citrine as your golden-hour glow and topaz as your full color wheel. Whether you're drawn to the saturated warmth of a golden citrine or the crisp cool of a London blue topaz, both stones bring November birthdays plenty of options that work across different metals, settings, and occasions.
What colors of topaz and citrine are most sought-after?
Imperial topaz (orangy-red to reddish orange) is the rare, collectible outlier in the topaz family. Blue topaz shows up in trade names—Sky (light), Swiss (medium), and London (deep)—and it's widely available and approachable. Citrine ranges from pale lemon to deep amber; richer, evenly saturated stones are the crowd-pleasers.
Vintage pieces often pair golden stones with yellow gold; modern designs lean into cool blue topaz set in white metals. If you want color impact on a budget, London blue topaz gets you there fast. For a classic autumn palette, pick a saturated golden citrine. The color you choose sets the tone for how the piece will style—warmer stones feel nostalgic and cozy, while cooler blues read clean and contemporary.
Are topaz and citrine treated—and does it affect value?
Many blue topaz gems start colorless and are routinely treated (irradiation + heat) to achieve blue shades. Citrine is commonly heat-treated—sometimes starting life as amethyst—to reach those golden hues. Treatment isn't automatically a negative; value still hinges on color quality, cut, clarity, and rarity.
Imperial-toned topaz is naturally scarce and commands a premium; common blues are more accessible thanks to treatment. For citrine, look for lively, even color and a clean, well-proportioned cut. Ask for disclosure on treatments and shop with reputable sellers—easy peace of mind. Understanding treatments helps you make informed choices without getting hung up on whether a stone is "natural" in every sense—what matters most is how the finished gem looks, wears, and fits your style.
How do you style citrine and topaz jewelry?
Start with metal color. Golden citrine loves yellow gold for a warm, vintage-leaning look; it pops against rose gold for a cozy, sunset vibe. Blue topaz skews modern in white gold or platinum, especially in clean bezels and line settings. Lean into contrast and textures—pair a London-blue topaz pendant with a chunky paperclip chain for balance, or stack a citrine cocktail ring with slim yellow-gold contour bands.
In earrings, citrine studs brighten everyday looks; blue topaz drops or hoops give crisp, tailored polish. Build around occasions. For daytime, layer a small citrine pendant with simple chains and add petite gemstone studs. For evening, go bolder: a cushion-cut citrine cocktail ring or a graduated blue topaz line bracelet reads dressy without feeling fussy. The key is choosing one standout piece and letting the rest of your look support it rather than compete.
What should I buy - citrine or topaz - for earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets?
Choose citrine for warm, golden glow; choose topaz for range—especially cool blues. Earrings work beautifully in both stones—citrine studs or drops feel bright and cozy, while blue topaz hoops or dangles read crisp and modern. For rings, citrine makes a bold cocktail center in shapes like oval, emerald, or cushion cuts; imperial-toned topaz is collectible, and blue topaz offers budget-friendly color in larger sizes.
Necklaces let you spotlight a single stone: a citrine pendant in yellow gold brings warmth, while a London-blue topaz solitaire in white gold gives sharp contrast. Bracelets benefit from repetition—blue topaz line or station styles are versatile and wearable, while golden citrine bezel links skew earthy and elegant. Think about how each piece fits into your existing wardrobe and whether you want something that blends or stands out.
Quick Compare: Topaz vs. Citrine (drop-in callout)
Color range: Topaz = very wide (esp. blues; rare imperial). Citrine = warm yellows/oranges.
Treatments: Blue topaz commonly treated; citrine often heat-treated.
Style notes: Yellow gold amplifies citrine's warmth; white metals sharpen blue topaz.
Final Thoughts
There's no wrong November pick—go with the color story you'll actually wear. Choose citrine if you love golden, cozy hues; pick topaz for options from airy sky blue to saturated London blue (or chase rare imperial tones). Keep your styling simple and intentional, then add one statement piece for impact.
When you're ready, explore Filigree's citrine and topaz selections to find a match that fits your everyday and occasion looks. Both stones offer durability, versatility, and color options that span moods and seasons—so whether you're buying for yourself or gifting a November birthday, you're working with gems that actually get worn.
