Some people associate certain gemstones with particular months of the year. These are called birthstones. It is believed that these birthstones have special properties during the months they are associated with. For example, some people believe they can bring health, good luck, and good fortune. People born in a particular birthstone’s associated month are also thought to be in the best position to receive the birthstone’s gifts.🎁
According to Jewish folklore, the origin of birthstones can be traced back to the twelve stones on Aaron’s breastplate, which symbolized both the twelve months of the year and the twelve tribes of Israel.
November birthstones are gemstones that are associated with the month of November. People who are born in November are thought to have a special connection to these birthstones. In this article, this relationship shall be highlighted and explored.
👉🏻What are some popular November birthstone meanings? How can these birthstones make the perfect gift ideas? All these questions and more will be answered here.
What is the birthstone for November?
Traditionally, each month had only one birthstone associated with it. However, over the years, more birthstones have been added to the list. Today, several months have more than one birthstone associated with them.
The idea of having multiple birthstones in a month was likely introduced to give people more options in color preferences and affordability. This way, more people can afford them and use them to make style and fashion statements at whatever price point they can afford.
November is one such month with multiple birthstones associated with it. According to the modern birthstone list, November has two birthstones; topaz and citrine.
November birthstone: Topaz
Topaz used to be the only November birthstone. It is believed to be a tranquil gemstone, thought to have a calming effect on its wearer. As such, some people believe it can help you get a good night’s sleep by putting your mind at ease.🛌🏻
Origin
The name ‘topaz’ comes from “tropazios”, the Greek word for St. John’s Island.
Before, any yellow gemstone was called topaz, whether or not they were even actual gemstones. However, with modern methods and composition studies, genuine topaz has been found to be a silicate material with a distinct composition that can differentiate it from any other random yellow gemstone.
Topaz was first found in Russia, where it was mined in the Russian Ural Mountains. Shortly after, a lot of it was also discovered in Brazil. Today, Brazil remains the largest producer of topaz in the world.
Color
The color of topaz varies widely. Colorless in its purest form, it adopts the color of the impurities present in its structure. It can also get its color from some external treatment such as heat or pressure. This is why topaz is available in a wide range of colors, including green, violet, brown, red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue.🌈
Blue topaz is formed when topaz is treated with heat or radiation. It is the most popular form of topaz, commonly used to make November birthstone necklaces and November birthstone bracelets, among other jewelry pieces.
The most common form of topaz, however, is a sunny yellow. This makes it the most prominent November birthstone color.
Composition and properties
Topaz is the hardest silicate mineral, scoring 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. However, despite the hardness, it is not a tough gemstone. Therefore, care should be taken to avoid chipping it. Its hardness makes it very durable, though, which is why it is suitable for daily use.
🔬Topaz is composed of aluminum, fluoride, silica, and hydroxyl elements. This is why its chemical name is aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide.
Symbolism
Some ancient cultures believed that topaz symbolizes calmness and tranquility. They believed that it had a calming effect on the wearer in moments of anger.
In other cultures, it was a symbol of health and revitalization. As such, it was a major element of healing rituals in many Indian and African cultures.
Today, the meaning behind topaz and its symbolism is varied. It is seen as a symbol of honor, strength, and wisdom in some circles. It can also be used to symbolize love and affection, especially when given as a gift.
When you give gifts of November birthstone rings or November birthstone earrings or other November birthstone jewelry pieces to someone, it shows your love and affection for them.
Maintenance
It is recommended to clean your topaz jewelry pieces every three to four months with some warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals as you clean them to avoid damaging this beautiful stone.
Citrine: Another birthstone for November
Citrine is an affordable alternative to topaz, but it is just as stunning🤩, and provides a different option if you would like to stick to a different type of color palette, and also if you’re looking for something that is still semi-precious, but won’t break the bank. This makes it perfect for you if you are on a budget but still wish to buy a piece of November birthstone jewelry.
Origin
Citrine gets its name from “citron”, the French word for “lemon”, describing the yellow or "citrus" appearance of the gemstone. Citrine has a lemony yellow hue, but it can also look warm; with orange undertones—meaning it can be earthy as well as "zesty" in terms of its own particular aesthetic. It was named by George Bauer, the father of modern mineralogy.
Natural citrine is abundant in Brazil. However, before its discovery in the country, citrine used to be rare and somewhat pricey. It was popular in the Victorian period—and is a key feature of many Victorian pieces of jewelry. It is a firm favorite among early Victorian Romantic period jewelry, and is a central component of many pieces—such as more common items like Victorian citrine brooches. Today, it is mined from the naturally occurring mineral, quartz, and is usually found together with amethyst. However, amethyst is usually more abundant than citrine.
Because citrine and amethyst have similar chemical compositions, it is actually possible to convert amethyst to citrine through the process of heating. When you heat amethyst, the heat reduces the number of iron impurities to fade, causing its natural purple color to fade. What remains is the yellow-orange color of citrine. This has made citrine more abundant, reducing its price and making it more affordable than ever before.
Color
Citrine is naturally yellow-orange. It has a lovely sunny, golden color that is mesmerizing to look at.💛 This color is caused by the natural impurities that are present in its structure.
This November birthstone’s color can also be artificially made by heating amethyst. Heat fades the purple color of amethyst and turns into the golden yellow-orange color of citrine. It does this by breaking down the iron impurities in the stone, reducing their quantity.
Composition and properties
Citrine is quite hard and durable. It has a score of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for everyday use. It also has a beautiful crystalline structure that gives it a luxurious look.
Citrine is composed of silicon (IV) oxide. It is a variant of the mineral quartz.
Symbolism
Citrine is a symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts.🏃🏻 The November birthstone meaning is comfort and healing. It is believed that anyone who wears it will be calm and at peace with themselves.
Maintenance
It is recommended that you clean your citrine birthstone using some warm, soapy water and let it air dry. Keep it away from harsh chemicals to avoid damaging it.
⚠️Exposing the birthstone to extreme temperatures or long periods of sunlight may also cause it to fade or even to crack.
How to choose your November birthstone jewelry?
Here are the most important things to pay attention to when choosing your November birthstone jewelry:
- The color of the stone
- The shape of the stone
- The price of the piece
- Your reasons for buying it
For example, when choosing a November birthstone necklace, the deeper and richer the color of the stone, the more exquisite and beautiful it will look on your necklace. However, this also means that it may be more expensive.
Why are November birthstones perfect components for autumn jewelry?
Because of their color, November birthstone jewelry pieces make the perfect accessories for autumn.🍂 They share the same golden yellow that’s the season’s theme. Therefore, pairing these jewelry pieces with autumn brings out the best features of both.
The golden yellow color is a nostalgic color that evokes feelings of warmness and openness. It is a cheerful color that encourages friendliness from everyone around the wearer, a feeling that goes perfectly with the season’s spirit and atmosphere. This is why they are such a perfect match.
When you put on November birthstone jewelry in autumn, it also enhances your individual look by making you seem warmer, friendlier, and easier to approach.
Bonus tips to style November birthstone jewelry
When styling your November birthstone jewelry, try to pay attention to tiny details if you want to enhance your look. Take into account not just the symbolism and meaning of the stone—but also the way that it can play into the season and all of the aesthetics that go along with fall.
This means you can watch out for citrine that leans on the warmer side of the color yellow, and pair it with other warm and earthy fall colors. Or, if you’re opting for blue topaz, this can be a light and fresh addition to the typical greens and browns of the season.
Long story short—you can use your jewelry to add subtle highlights to your overall look:
- You can pair a Pandora November birthstone charm bracelet with a tweed dress or a gypsy skirt for that casual, warm, laid back look.
- Alternatively, you can accent vibrant yellow dress pants with Pandora birthstone rings in November for a cool, stylish look.
- Men can wear November birthstone jewelry pieces (such as cufflinks) with colorful dress shirts for a relaxed casual look.
- You can also opt for statement pieces of jewelry with more neutral-colored clothing—such as monochrome skater dresses with opaque tights and knee boots. Citrine and yellow Topaz pairs well with rusty browns and forest greens, while blue Topaz stands out against rusty red fall colors.
Are there any choices beyond yellow?
If you are not a big fan of yellow, does it mean that November birthstone jewelry is not for you? Not at all.
The good news is that there is a wide variety of colors to choose from. Topaz is available in almost any shade of any color of the rainbow. You can choose from violet, red, pink, purple, blue, brown, or any other color you wish without being limited to yellow at all.
Final Thoughts
If you were born in November, then it goes without saying that November birthstone jewelry pieces would make the perfect addition to your collection. They are imbued with personal meaning, and serve as a glittering tribute to the month that you were born!
Alternatively, if you know someone for whom this month holds a special meaning, getting them November birthstone jewelry as a gift is the perfect way to make them feel loved, appreciated, and special.❤️ Also, don't miss this birthstone guide, you can learn birthstones for other months.
