Citrine is the yellow to orange variety of quartz. I have two different kinds in my shop: a ring set with natural citrine and a pair of earrings set with heated citrine. I like being clear about the difference, because heat-treated citrine is common and there’s no need to dress it up as something else.

Quartz is made from silicon and oxygen. Its colours can come from trace elements and the conditions in which it formed. In citrine, iron is responsible for the yellow-to-orange colour. Natural citrine is relatively rare, so much of the citrine sold today has been heat-treated. Heating amethyst can change its colour to yellow or orange. This is a treatment of natural quartz, not an imitation, and I name it where it applies.

Citrine is fairly hard, measuring 7 on the Mohs scale, like other quartz varieties. It has been used in jewellery for a long time. Its warm colour was once confused with topaz, and it remains a popular choice for rings and other pieces where a golden stone suits the design.

Traditionally associated with

Citrine is traditionally associated with abundance and good fortune. Its sunny yellow colour has also made it a familiar symbol of warmth and prosperity in modern crystal traditions.

How I look after it

I wipe citrine jewellery with a soft, dry cloth and keep it away from perfume, hairspray and household cleaners. I store each piece separately when I’m not wearing it, to avoid scratches and knocks.

Quartz is durable, but it can still chip if it’s dropped or struck against a hard surface. I take rings and earrings off before doing anything where they could catch or be knocked. I also keep coloured quartz out of prolonged direct sunlight, as a precaution against the colour fading over time.

In my shop

The Citrine Ring With Heart Detail is £85. It has a 6mm round natural citrine cabochon set in sterling silver stamped 925, with a twisted rope bezel and a small silver heart detail. The ring is adjustable and handmade by me in Luton.

The Citrine (Heated) Drop Earrings are £45. Each has a naturally rough, 2cm piece of heated citrine on a sterling silver fishhook wire, with a 3cm drop. The stones have irregular shapes and a pale yellow colour.

Free UK shipping on orders over £50. Everything is sent from Luton, and collection is available if you are local.