All About Citrines: B.P.’s Guide to the Golden Gemstone

The world of coloured gemstones offers a wealth of captivating beauty, and today, we shine the light on one of nature’s most cheerful treasures in terms of colour: the Citrine.

This radiant gemstone is instantly recognisable for its vibrant spectrum of sunny hues, which range from light yellows to a luxurious, deep amber-orange tones.

With its inherent association with joy, abundance, and warm, uplifting energy, Citrine's popularity in fine jewellery continues to grow exponentially. It is a gem that signifies light, prosperity, and positivity to its wearer. This guide will illuminate the captivating world of Citrine, exploring its origins, deep symbolism, and factors that determine its value.

What is a Citrine?

Citrine is a variety of the mineral, Quartz found deep within the Earth. crust. The very name 'Citrine' is derived from the French word 'citron', meaning lemon, a direct reference to its colour.

Its unique and beautiful colour is a result of trace amounts of iron within the quartz crystal structure. 

This gemstone boasts a fascinating history, having been prized since ancient times. Both Roman and Greek cultures revered the Citrine, often using it in intricate carvings and jewellery. The Romans, in particular, valued it for its vibrant colour and believed it held the power of the sun.

Citrine jewellery was also particularly popular during the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s, where its bold, warm tones perfectly complemented the era's sophisticated aesthetic. Today, it stands as a beautiful, durable, and meaningful choice for contemporary jewellery.

How is Citrine Formed Naturally?

The geological process of natural Citrine formation is a fascinating yet relatively rare occurrence. Natural Citrine forms when quartz crystals are exposed to natural heat deep within the Earth. This heat exposure alters the iron impurities within the crystal lattice, transforming the typically colourless quartz into a vibrant golden hue. The slow, intense processes required for this transformation explain the scarcity of truly natural Citrine.

Consequently, some commercially available Citrine can actually turn out to be heat-treated Amethyst or Smoky Quartz. Amethyst, which is a purple variety of quartz, turns yellow or reddish-orange when heated to high temperatures (around 480°C to 560°C). Similarly, Smoky Quartz can also take on a warm yellow hue under similar thermal conditions, closely resembling natural Citrine.

Natural Citrines typically exhibits a softer, more uniform pale yellow colour. Trusted jewellers should be able to disclose a gemstone’s treatment, if any. 

What is Citrine Crystal Good For?

The Citrine is widely explored for its various symbolic and spiritual meanings.

Foremost among its associations is its reputation as the "gemstone of abundance." Citrine is famously believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and success.

The Citrine is also celebrated for its association with joy, positivity, and a warm, uplifting energy. It is often referred to as a "success gemstone" because it is thought to promote mental clarity, creativity, and enthusiasm, helping to dissolve negative energy and foster a more optimistic outlook.

How Valuable is Citrine?

Like most gemstones in the jewellery world, the value of a specific Citrine stone is determined by its colour saturation, clarity, cut, and size.

Colour is the most critical factor in determining the value of a Citrine. Citrines with a deep, saturated orange-yellow to reddish-orange colour are the most valuable. 

High-quality Citrine should also be eye-clean, meaning it has no inclusions visible to the naked eye. Given its formation, Citrine is often found in large, relatively clear crystals, making high clarity a standard expectation for fine jewellery.

A well-executed cut is also essential to maximise the gemstone's inherent brilliance and display its colour effectively. Because Citrine crystals can be large, they are often cut into unconventional or bold shapes that highlight their size and colour.

When it comes to size, a Citrine’s price per carat does not increase as dramatically with size. However, large, well-cut, and highly saturated Citrine gemstones still carry a significant value.

Finding Your Perfect Citrine at B.P. de Silva

The Citrine's allure and its suitability for a wide range of jewellery styles, from delicate necklaces to bold cocktail rings, make it a versatile and increasingly desirable gem. 

B.P. de Silva prides ourselves on our expertise and discernment in sourcing high-quality, natural Citrine, ensuring each gem radiates with genuine warmth and brilliance. For instance, our renowned Deco Pop line features magnificent Citrine pieces, where the gem's vibrant colour perfectly complements the sleek, geometric lines of the Art Deco aesthetic.

Whether you seek a piece from our ready-to-wear collections or wish to commission a magnificent bespoke fine jewellery creation, we are dedicated to crafting a piece that not only resonates with your style but also brings the symbolic joy and abundance of Citrine into your life.

Visit our flagship boutique today or book a virtual concierge appointment to schedule an appointment for personalised guidance with one of our expert jewellers.

For those eager to delve deeper into the realm of coloured gemstones, we invite you to explore our posts on Tourmalines and Sapphires.