Citrine’s tangy name comes from its warm vivid color. Citrine is one of the most aptly named gemstones for its appearance. Hues of bright, sunshine yellow to umber in color are a part of the citrine family. Our citrine stones bring out their rich, luxurious quality and strength that might draw them closer to your heart as well.
Citrine is an affordable and significantly durable stone (ranked at a level 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness). But however strong it may be, it’s still one that should be chosen carefully to ensure a suitable financial investment. Find the perfect ring you’re looking for by remembering “The Four Cs of Gemstones”:
Color: According to Gemological Institute of America, the most prized citrine is a saturated yellow- to reddish-orange color, free of any brown or ashy tints –although in the contemporary market, the most popular shade of citrine is an earthy, deep brownish or reddish brown. The gem is a golden-orange variety of quartz, occurring in (or heated to achieve) shades of light to dark yellow, orangey gold and golden brown. Since naturally produced citrine is quite rare to find, a good portion of citrine is, in fact, heat-treated amethyst – a gemstone that turns golden brown when heated – sourced from Minas Gerais in Brazil. These stones that have been produced by artificial means usually have much more of an orange-brown color.
Clarity: In terms of clarity, citrine is valued most when there is no color zoning, internal imperfections or visible inclusions. Most faceted citrine stones in the market today is eye-clean, meaning it lacks these inclusions. Good clarity allows for the most amount of light reflected on the faceted gem, and it valued much more highly than others.
Cut: As with many gemstones, there are an assortment of shapes and styles used to create citrine jewelry. However, there are several cuts that best display the gem’s sparkle, which include: octagon, oval, pear, square octagonal, rectangular cushion, round, square cushion and trillion.
Carat: Citrine is found in many different sizes, with the price per carat ranging from about $10 to $40. Citrine of up to 20 carats is typically very available and affordable for jewelry pieces, and some gems of up to 50 carats can be purchased for less than $100.
