Teardrop Citrine Necklace

The Stone: Citrine from the Quartz Family

Citrine is the yellow to orange-brown gem variety of the mineral quartz, made of silicon dioxide with a trigonal crystal system. Its warm color comes from traces of trivalent iron in the crystal lattice, which is why it ranges from light lemon yellow to deep amber orange. Its name goes back to the French word citron, meaning lemon. With a Mohs hardness of 7, citrine is durable enough for everyday wear. Naturally yellow citrine is rare, so by far most of the material on the market is made from amethyst that is heated under controlled conditions. Your stone was made this way too: genuine quartz, a stable color, honestly declared.

Material and Craftsmanship

You can choose between 925 sterling silver and a warm 14K gold-filled setting. 14K gold-filled is a real, thick layer of gold that is firmly bonded to a base metal. Unlike simple gold plating, which is applied only wafer-thin, wears off over time, and fades fairly quickly, 14K gold-filled keeps its warm gold tone for years. The polished teardrop is set by hand, one at a time, so the setting follows the shape of your stone. The pendant hangs on a fine chain whose square links interlock closely, so it lies smoothly against your neck. You choose the length when you order: 45 cm (17.7 in) or 40 cm (15.7 in).

Meaning of the Stone

The Romans already saw captured sunlight in citrine and wore it as a gemstone. Later, the trade gave it the nickname "merchant's stone." By tradition, it stands for a zest for life, optimism, and abundance. As a birthstone for November, alongside topaz, it is an especially personal gift for anyone born in November.

Caring for Your Citrine Necklace

The pendant and chain are water-resistant and suitable for everyday wear. To make your necklace last as long as possible, you should avoid prolonged contact with salt water and chlorinated water, as well as perfume, lotions, and harsh cleaning products. After swimming in the ocean or a pool, it's best to rinse the necklace with clean water and dry it carefully.

Citrine shouldn't be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner or with steam, and it should be protected from high heat. Constant direct sunlight can also make the color paler over time. So store your necklace in a dry, dark place, apart from harder pieces of jewelry. This way, the warm orange of the stone and the surface of your necklace will stay beautiful for a long time.