Know All About Citrine Jewellery

by John S Stewart
Globe Jewellery Ltd

The Citrine gemstones that are present in that such as Citrine Rings, Citrine earrings and Citrine Pendants, are superbly translucent gemstones that are closely related to amethyst because they are mined in proximity to each other naturally. Citrine has also been once thought to be a topaz, and was so known as "Topaz Quartz".

Citrine is the least common of the quartz gemstone family.

Citrine Poem

Citrine is our 'Sunny' stone

Novembers' birthstone, but not alone

Talisman against evil forever known

Citrine is the 'Sunny' stone

Citrine Make Up

Citrine is a gemstone variety of quartz that is present in all sorts of jewellery. Although relatively rare, it is made up from the earths most abundant mineral called silica (SiO2).

Hardness (Mohs) 7

Specific Gravity 2.65

Refractive Index 1.543-1.545

Insoluble in water

Colour of Citrine

The amount of iron oxide contaminants present in citrine dictates the colour shades. If it had no contaminants it would be totally clear, more like quartz. The colours usually show pale yellow to bright yellow and "Madeira red" shades.

If there are relatively larger amounts of iron oxides present, then the stones will take on the dark red wine colour hues, alternatively if there is less oxide present, then the more sought after "sunny" bright yellow tones are presented.

As usual, no matter what shade of yellow or even red is required, the stones showing more vivid and intense hues will be more valuable and sought after by the jewellery trade.

Citrine Clarity

Again, as with all other gemstones the clearer the individual gemstone is, the more valuable it is. The amount of internal imperfections (inclusions) present within the gemstone, determines how clear the clarity is. Very poor clarity will impede the transition of light through the stone and therefore reduces clarity dramatically. Clear examples of citrine are by no means rare, so there is no need to except anything but pure clarity examples.

Most clear citrine gems will be faceted because they are clear, and therefore are not generally made into beads or cabochons, unless of exceedingly poor clarity. These products will be remarkably inexpensive in any case and not sought after usually within the jewellery trade for setting in to jewellery designs.

Cut of a Citrine

When gemstones are cut deeper than normal they will show greater colour depth but will look smaller than their true size.They will also have greater weight for their size of crown (top of gemstone). Likewise, stones that are cut shallower than normal will look bigger than they actually are, but will not have as much depth of colour.

So light is reflected evenly through and around the stone, they should when viewed from the side show appreciable symmetry.

Brilliance of Citrine

A citrine that is relatively free from inclusions will transmit more light and therefore appear more brilliant and sparkle more. This is in reality almost as importance as its actual colour hues and intensity. This can only be achieved by professional cutters who show fine attention to detail just as if it was any other type or colour of gemstone.

Sources of Citrine

Most of the best quality examples of citrine are mined nowadays from Brazil, Uruguay and many African countries. Naturally pieces are also found in the Dauphine region of France, Madagascar and the Ural Mountains.

Citrine Prices

Citrine should be easily found in abundance with perfect cut, clarity and sumptuous colour, even large sizes if required, and so because large quantities of citrine are available, it should not be difficult to get a gemstone at a truly reasonable price.

Citrine Enhancements

The heating of citrine to enhance their colour shades, especially the darker red tones, has been accepted by jewellers and trade bodies because it is permanent and will last its lifetime. Citrine respond well to this process.

Cleaning of Citrine

If you want to clean your Citrine Jewellery so as to maintain its magical luster and "newness", then the best and easiest (as well as cheapest) way, is to clean them gently with a soft toothbrush in mild soapy, and warm water. After washing off any left over residues your gemstones should be as "new" again!

I suggest that if you do indeed purchase an item of Citrine Jewellery, especially those marvellous examples of Citrine Rings, then please be sure to wear it, show it off, and enjoy as much as possible!

John S Stewart recommends visiting Globe Jewellery and with thirty yrs experience, he suggests a beautiful range ofCitrine Rings and other amazing Citrine Jewellery, are available today!

Article submitted Tuesday, February 07, 2012 & read 2 times.

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