Warm glow

Fondly known as the 'Merchant's Stone', Citrine resembling the glorious shades of sun is as warm as a Van Gogh painting of sunflowers.

The sunny colours of citrine make it a much cherished stone

Fondly known as the 8216;Merchant8217;s Stone8217;, Citrine resembling the glorious shades of sun is as warm as a Van Gogh painting of sunflowers. Citrine, a semi-precious stone in jewellery is a mineral variety of crystalline Quartz family. It is named after the French word 8216;Citrin8217; meaning yellow. Citrine8217;s colour palette ranges from a straw to sun yellow to sparkling honey tones and reddish Madeira wine colour. Natural bright yellow citrine is the rarest of Quartz family. It has a vitreous lustre and carries the warmth and glow of a golden sunset. Most commercial citrine is Amethyst or Smokey Quartz artificially heated to attain permanent citrine colour, hence it is abundant and inexpensive availability. Typical cutting styles are faceted, cabochons, beads and carvings. Most of citrine8217;s world supply comes from Brazil. Other sources include France, Madagascar and Russia.

Citrine is both the traditional and modern birthstone of November. The Naphtali tribe of Israel is associated with citrine. It has been used in Greece since the Hellenistic Age 323-146 BC. Dionysis, a famed Greek poet, historian, geographer and author of 8216;Description of the inhabited earth8217; wrote about Indian gems and claims that every one of the gems he noted including citrine was at least once found in Southern India. Beginning of 17th century witnessed citrine8217;s use as pure decoration e.g Scottish daggers. Advent of Romantic Period c.1837-1860 citrine was more widely available and set in jewellery and it was this Romantic Period that citrine started gaining its modern day popularity. But it was Queen Victoria c.1837-1901 who instigated the fashionistas towards romantically Scottish jewellery settings showcasing citrine. It may be safely concluded that prized jewellery pieces with gracious notes of citrine have been admired right through the Georgian Period across the Victorian era, the Art Deco Period up till today8217;s Modern Period.

Besides Hollywood biggies like Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford8217;s love for citrine jewels many of us till date enjoy citrine also for the rich legacy of its positive attributes and beliefs. The sunshine personality of the stone promotes financial growth and protects against depression and unnecessary introspection. Tough enough for everyday wear one must protect all stones from scratches. Citrine should be avoided from heat and prolonged sunlight. Natural citrine becomes dark brown when exposed to X-rays and white when heated. Citrine may be cleaned with soap, warm water and soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry. Citrine weighing three carat and more demands higher price. It looks glorious set solo in basket setting and equally luxurious and chic set with diamonds or other complementing stones. Diwali might be over but you may ignite your attire with citrine accessories any night and shoot like a proud, sparkling cracker.

The writer is a city-based researcher specialising in jewellery art and can be contacted at sameeraahaan02gmail.com