November Birthstones And Why They Make Thoughtful Holiday Gifts

November's birthstone is topaz and citrine. As such, these two gems could arguably be the most welcoming pair to give as holiday gifts. Both types of gems provide a warm glow in hues of gold, honey, and amber. The glow of both types fits the cozy atmosphere of December more than many other gems. If you have someone who was born in November and you would like to purchase them a gift with some significance, this article provides information regarding what each type of gem is, how well it holds up over time, and how diamonds provided by a Hatton Garden Jeweller such as Divour Diamonds would complement each type of gem.
 

What Are the November Birthstones?

Most people know only one, but there are actually two. The traditional birthstone is Topaz, which can be found in a variety of colours ranging from clear to sky-blue, as well as the deep golden tones often associated with autumn. On the other hand, the modern birthstone is Citrine, a yellow-to-orange quartz that appears as though a droplet of late-day sunlight was captured within a crystal.

When buying gifts for others, choosing one that matches who they are, rather than just the day, can be a great benefit. In addition to matching the recipient, both stones complement gold so well that you can find something for both individuals who enjoy classic jewellery and those who prefer something a little less formal.
 

Why Topaz Makes Such a Thoughtful Holiday Gift

Topaz is associated with warmth, strength, and clarity of thought, making it a great message to include in a gift box. It is a relatively hard gemstone, so it withstands everyday use much better than softer gemstones. Blue topaz is known for its cool, ice-like brilliance, evoking winter. Golden topaz, however, is generally seen as warm and traditional.

As a starting point, a topaz pendant is an ideal option, as it sits at the base of the neck and complements many items in a woman's wardrobe. If you're buying this for someone who currently wears a lot of diamond jewellery, adding a topaz piece to their collection will add colour while still contrasting with the other pieces.
 

Citrine, the Sunshine Stone for Winter

Citrine has been called a positive stone, whether you agree or not, but it's hard to dislike. Its colours range from light yellow to rich honey, and when set in yellow gold, both the metal and the gemstone appear to radiate together.

Citrine is generally larger and less expensive than most other coloured gemstones on today's market, making it an ideal candidate for large pendant necklaces and cocktail ring designs. Additionally, if you are looking for a gift that looks impressive but won't break the bank, Citrine is the right choice, especially in December, when prices seem to double.
 

Gemstone Jewellery Ideas for Her

Before choosing a piece of jewellery, think about what she usually wears. If she prefers simple, delicate chains each day, she will likely enjoy a small gemstone pendant. However, if she prefers more dramatic styles, she may find a gemstone bracelet, or even a ring with a large center stone, more appealing. Another option is a gemstone eternity ring. An eternity ring is a great choice because it creates a celebratory, intimate line of golden stones around the finger.

Earrings should also be mentioned here. Citrine or Topaz Drop earrings will look great under the soft light from candles during your Christmas Dinner. If you want a mix of colour and sparkle, consider a set of halo earrings with a Centre stone surrounded by a ring of Diamonds.
 

Pairing Birthstones With Diamonds

That's where a diamond specialist can help. Because of its white sparkle, a diamond can make a coloured stone appear more vibrant by contrasting with the warmer colours around it. For example, a diamond halo around a citrine or topaz center, or a diamond drop pendant with a gold gemstone above it, creates an elegant look without being over the top.

Yellow gold diamond bracelets and yellow gold eternity rings are great companion pieces for the golden tones found in November's birthstones; therefore, these items can be combined to create a cohesive gift package. For example, when a stackable eternity ring is paired with a topaz ring, the wearer will be able to display both her birthstone and a diamond band as a single unit. Also, if the recipient prefers tennis bracelets, a sapphire or diamond tennis bracelet paired with a citrine ring can look surprisingly balanced.
 

Choosing Between Natural and Lab Grown

Everyone has different tastes in jewellery, and that's okay. People appreciate the rich history of natural diamonds; however, lab-grown diamond jewellery looks just as beautiful and sparkles just as much as natural diamonds, but usually for less money. When you want to combine a birthstone with diamond accents, lab-grown diamonds can let you spend more on the coloured gem or a better setting. For this reason, ask your jeweller to display both types of diamonds side by side.
 

Practical Tips Before You Buy

Check the size and colour in person if you can, because citrine and topaz can look quite different under shop lighting and daylight. Ask about the setting too, since claw settings show off the stone best while bezel settings protect it a bit more, which is handy for someone who’s hard on their jewellery.

It also helps to think about metal. Yellow gold flatters golden stones, white gold or platinum makes blue topaz look crisp and cool, and rose gold gives citrine a softer, blush-toned feel. Ordering early is smart as well, because a resized ring or a bit of engraving takes time, and December gets busy fast.

Anyway, the best holiday gifts are usually the ones that say you were paying attention, and a November birthstone does that quietly, so maybe start by noticing which colours she reaches for most when she gets dressed.