If you’ve ever seen a citrine gemstone's warm, golden glow, then you know how special it feels. As a jeweller, I can’t help but gush about its rich color, energy, and live in awe of how the earth makes something this cool.

Citrine’s Magical Side

Citrine is often called the ‘sunshine stone,’ as people say it’s packed with the sun’s energy, bringing warmth, positivity, and good vibes into your life.

In the world of crystal lovers, citrine is tied to the solar plexus chakra, which is all about confidence and self-worth. Some believe wearing or carrying citrine can:

• Attract wealth and prosperity (it’s nicknamed the ‘merchant’s stone’).
• Boost creativity and motivation.
• Clear out negative energy and help you feel emotionally lighter. (It transmutes the negative and turns them into positive).

For me, making jewelry with citrine feels like bottling up a bit of sunlight for you to carry around. It’s a reminder that the sun’s always there, even on cloudy days.

A little science behind nature’s crystal sunshine

Now let’s geek out a bit because citrine’s story is just as fascinating as its sparkle! As a type of quartz, its yellow-to-orange hues come from tiny amounts of iron in the crystal. 

But did you know that while some citrine forms naturally in the earth, it is incredibly rare, so much of what you’ll find today is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. It is an exact process to heat at the correct temperatures to bring out that gorgeous golden glow.

Some facts I think are fun

1. Tough enough for daily wear: Citrine scores a seven on the Mohs scale, which means it’s durable and perfect for everyday jewelry.
2. From pale to bold: Natural citrine is usually soft, pale yellow, while heat-treated stones can have deeper orange tones (sometimes called ‘Madeira citrine’).
3. Where it’s found: Brazil is famous for its citrine, but you’ll also find it in places like Russia, Madagascar, Mexico, Spain, and Uruguay.
   
   

Wearing citrine

What makes citrine so exciting to work with is how versatile it is. Its warm tones look amazing with just about any metal. Pairing it with yellow gold gives a sunny vibe, while sterling silver offers a more modern look.

I’ve designed everything from bold cocktail rings to delicate pendants with citrine, and no two stones are ever the same. 

How to keep your citrine looking gorgeous

• Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Steer clear of harsh chemicals.
• Store it separately from harder gemstones like diamonds to avoid scratches.
• Don’t leave it in direct sunlight or heat for too long - it might lose some color. The UV rays can break down the crystal's iron, giving it its color.
  
  

Why citrine is close to my heart

At the end of the day, citrine is like a little piece of sunshine you can wear. Whether you’re drawn to its mystical powers or just love its sunny glow, this stone is undeniably uplifting. 

For me, working with citrine reminds me why I fell in love with gemstones in the first place. It’s a connection between the tangible and the magical, and really, isn’t that what fantasy jewelry is all about?!

So the next time you spot a citrine sparkling in a shop window or tucked into a jewelry box, take a moment to appreciate its story - from deep within the earth to a little ray of light in your life.