Hetty Lintell dives into citrine, November’s birthstone
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FROM the Latin citrina, meaning yellow, the coloured stone (formerly known as yellow quartz) naturally enhances yellow gold, so they are often paired together. The most valuable citrines are the natural gems in saturated colours, known as Madeira Citrine after the Portuguese fortified wine. Found in various countries around the world, from Brazil to Scotland, both citrine and smoky quartz were once called Cairngorm, after their source in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland. Scottish weapons featured citrine adorning dagger handles or even a single large citrine crystal could be made as the handle itself. Antique pieces are now highly sought after by collectors.
18-carat yellow gold and citrine ‘Serpent Bohème’ large ring, £7,450, Boucheron (020– 7514 9170; www. boucheron.com)
Indian Ocean honey-coloured Citrine drop earrings, £765, Minka (www. minkajewels.com)
Citrine and silver necklace, £900, John Lloyd Morgan (020–7828 6011; www. johnlloydmorgan.com)
Bee Gold citrine bracelet, £624, Bee Goddess (020– 7052 9138; www. beegoddess.com)
Topaz and diamond earrings, £9,750, Bentley & Skinner (020–7629 0651; www.bentleyskinner.co.uk)
Bracelet, £240, Louise Sinclair (020– 7846 0272; www. louisesinclair.com)
Lovelock recycled 18-carat yellow gold and diamond Birthstone Locket Pendant with citrine, £2,900, Annoushka (0800 138 1659; www.annoushka.com)
Citrine and gold ring, £1,460, John Lloyd Morgan (as above)
Citrine and ruby owl brooch, £4,060, Martin & Co (01242 522821; www.martin-andco.com)
Prism bowl citrine, £4,950, Asprey (020–7493 6767; www.asprey.com)
Mashrabiya Trellis cornelian and citrine interchangeable earrings, £3,015, Cassandra Goad (020–7730 2202; www.cassandragoad.com)
Citrine three-stone cocktail ring, £3,750, Pragnell (01789 267072; www.pragnell.co.uk)