Warm as a sunbeam and glowing with golden hues, Citrine is a gemstone that brings light, energy, and optimism into every piece of jewellery. Known as the birthstone for November and beloved for its vibrant colour and accessibility, citrine is more than just a pretty gem—it’s a radiant expression of joy and abundance. At Prins & Prins, we honour this captivating quartz by transforming it into timeless jewellery that celebrates life’s golden moments.
A Glimpse Into Citrine’s Origins
Citrine is a variety of quartz, one of the most abundant minerals on earth. Its distinctive yellow to orange hue comes from traces of iron in its crystal structure. While natural citrine is relatively rare, much of the citrine found on the market today is the result of heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, which transforms into the golden colour associated with citrine.
The leading source of natural and heat-treated citrine is Brazil, though fine stones are also found in Madagascar, Bolivia, and the Urals in Russia. Whether naturally formed or enhanced, citrine remains a genuine gemstone with all the physical properties quartz is known for—making it a durable and affordable choice for jewellery.
Natural vs. Heat-Treated Citrine
At Prins & Prins, we believe in educating our clients about the origins of their gemstones. It’s important to understand the difference between natural citrine and heat-treated citrine:
Natural citrine forms in the earth over millions of years and is prized for its subtle colour variations and rarity.
Heat-treated citrine, made by gently heating amethyst, displays a deeper orange or reddish tone—sometimes referred to as “Madeira citrine.”
While both types are considered authentic citrine, natural specimens tend to be more expensive due to their scarcity. Heat-treated citrine, however, is widely accepted in the industry and offers affordable luxury without compromising on beauty or brilliance.
Colour, Clarity & Durability
Citrine’s colour ranges from pale lemon yellow to deep amber and burnt orange, with the most valuable stones exhibiting a rich, saturated golden hue. Most citrines are eye-clean, meaning they lack visible inclusions, and they boast a vitreous luster that enhances their natural glow.
With a Mohs hardness of 7, citrine is resistant to scratches and suitable for everyday wear, making it a favourite for rings, pendants, and bracelets. At Prins & Prins, we hand-select citrines for their clarity, colour consistency, and cut precision—ensuring your jewellery stands the test of time.
The Symbolism of Citrine
Often referred to as the “Merchant’s Stone” or the “Stone of Abundance,” citrine has been cherished throughout history for its positive energy and wealth-attracting properties. In ancient times, it was carried as a protective talisman against evil thoughts. Today, it symbolizes:
Joy and Optimism
Manifestation and Prosperity
Mental Clarity and Vitality
These uplifting associations make citrine the perfect gift for milestones, new beginnings, or as a personal token of success and empowerment.
Citrine Through the Ages
Citrine enjoyed peak popularity during the Art Deco era, when bold cuts and warm colours were all the rage. Hollywood icons like Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford were known to wear elaborate citrine jewellery, helping cement its place in high fashion.
Today, citrine continues to charm with its versatile aesthetic—equally at home in modern minimalism or vintage-inspired designs. At Prins & Prins, our skilled jewellers honour this rich history while infusing contemporary flair into every citrine piece.
Choosing the Perfect Citrine Jewellery
When selecting a citrine gemstone, consider the following tips:
Colour: Look for a stone with even, vibrant colour across the entire gem. Rich gold and orange hues are the most prized.
Cut: An expertly cut citrine will maximize its brilliance. At Prins & Prins, our citrine gems are crafted into classic and custom cuts that showcase their natural beauty.
Setting: Citrine pairs beautifully with both yellow gold and white gold, creating warmth and contrast that complements all skin tones.
Whether you’re looking for a statement cocktail ring, a delicate pendant, or a bespoke engagement ring, we’ll help you find or design a citrine piece that reflects your style and story.
How to Care for Citrine
Citrine is durable, but like all gemstones, it deserves proper care:
Clean your citrine jewellery with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the stone or setting.
Store citrine separately from harder gems like diamonds to prevent scratches.
Keep away from prolonged exposure to high heat or direct sunlight, which may alter its colour over time.
At Prins & Prins, we offer professional cleaning and jewellery check-ups, ensuring your citrine stays as radiant as the day you received it.
Radiate Joy with Prins & Prins Citrine Jewellery
From its golden warmth to its uplifting symbolism, citrine is more than just a gemstone—it’s a celebration of life’s most joyful moments. Whether you’re gifting a November birthstone, marking a milestone, or treating yourself, a citrine piece from Prins & Prins in Cape Town will bring sunshine to your jewellery box and brilliance to your every day.
Let our team guide you in creating or selecting the perfect citrine ring, pendant, or earring set—designed with intention and crafted with precision.
