Citrine, Topaz, and The Golden Hour

November brings us fully into the "golden hour" of the year. The days shorten, light becomes precious, and the focus shifts toward gratitude, gathering, and rich, deep colors. Jewelry style for this month is all about adding a touch of luminous warmth and enduring elegance.

November is blessed with two magnificent, radiant birthstones: Citrine and Topaz. Both stones are known for their spectacular clarity and ability to hold light, which is crucial as daylight diminishes.

1. Citrine: Bottled Sunshine
   Citrine, with its gorgeous golden-yellow to reddish-orange hues, truly captures the warmth of a setting autumn sun. It’s often nicknamed "the healing quartz" and is associated with optimism and prosperity.
   
   A little bit of trivia for you...natural citrine is actually quite rare. Most citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst (another form of quartz). Heating amethyst to high temperatures turns its purple color into the rich gold of citrine. This is a common and accepted practice in the jewelry industry!
   
   
2. Topaz: The Stone of Fire
   While topaz comes in many colors (including the popular Swiss Blue and London Blue), the most relevant for November is Imperial Topaz, known for its vibrant orange, pinkish-red, or sherry-yellow color. It is a much harder stone (scoring an 8 on the Mohs scale), making it an excellent choice for heirloom quality rings and daily wear.

Layering in Gold

The biggest trend for November is embracing all things gold. This isn't just about big, flashy pieces; it's about sophisticated, effortless layering, especially around the neckline and wrist.

• The Chain Renaissance: Invest in a few different types of yellow gold chains—a delicate cable chain, a trendy paperclip chain, and a bolder herringbone chain. Layer them at varying lengths ($16"$, $18"$, $20"$) to create a multi-dimensional look. This layered chain look is both a major current trend and an evergreen foundation for any jewelry collection.
• Adding Warmth to Outerwear: November often requires scarves or bulkier collars. A long, single gold necklace (perhaps with a citrine pendant) worn over a dark sweater or coat can add vertical interest and a flash of light, preventing your outfit from feeling heavy.

The Timeless Appeal of Classics

As we approach the holiday season, it's the perfect time to focus on pieces that define sophistication.

• Hoops & Huggies: Small, chunky gold hoop earrings (often called huggies because they "hug" the earlobe) are universally flattering and a huge current trend. They provide an understated but luxurious pop of gold that is polished enough for any gathering.
• Baroque Pearls: Moving away from perfect spheres, Baroque pearls (irregular, organic shapes) offer a modern twist on a classic. Paired with gold hardware, they add a soft, elegant texture to your November look.

This coming month, let your jewelry shine brightly against the deeper palettes of the season. Gold and the luminous warmth of citrine and topaz are the perfect combination to carry you gracefully into the holidays!