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What causes citrine to be yellow or golden?Citrine is a yellow to golden-orange variety of the mineral quartz, and its color comes from trace amounts of iron within the crystal structure. The specific shade depends on how the iron atoms are arranged and how they interact with light. These small amounts of iron absorb certain wavelengths of light and allow warm yellow and golden tones to be reflected back to the eye. The color range can vary from pale lemon yellow to deep amber or reddish orange. In general, the richer and more saturated the tone, the more desirable the citrine. This warm color, often associated with sunlight and positivity, is part of what makes citrine such an appealing gemstone for jewelry. At MyJewelrySource.com, citrines are selected for their even color, strong saturation, and exceptional clarity. Whether set in a ring or pendant, each piece is chosen to showcase the warm, uplifting glow that citrine is known for. Are citrines natural or treated?Citrine does occur naturally in the Earth, but most of the citrine available on the market today has been heat treated. This is a widely accepted practice in the gemstone world, and it allows gem dealers to produce consistent and attractive golden colors from more commonly found amethyst or smoky quartz. The heat treatment process mimics the natural conditions that can also create citrine underground over long periods of time. Heat treated citrine is still considered a natural gemstone because the underlying material is genuine quartz. The only difference is that heat accelerates a transformation that might otherwise take thousands or even millions of years. In fact, many citrines on the market labeled as natural have undergone this type of enhancement. Citrines offered at MyJewelrySource.com are chosen for their beauty and long-term stability, whether the color formed naturally or was gently enhanced through heat. Treatment information is always disclosed, so customers can make confident, informed decisions. What should I look for when buying a citrine gemstone?When choosing a citrine, color is the most noticeable and important factor. The most desirable stones have a warm, golden to orange hue with strong saturation and minimal brown or dull overtones. Lighter shades can still be beautiful, but richly colored citrines, especially those with reddish or amber undertones, tend to stand out more and are considered more valuable. Clarity is also important. Citrine is usually cut from crystals that are quite clean, so most high quality stones are free from visible inclusions. A stone with strong color and excellent clarity will appear brighter, livelier, and more refined in any jewelry setting. Finally, pay attention to the cut. Well cut citrines will reflect light evenly and showcase their warm tones with brilliance and sparkle. Each citrine at MyJewelrySource.com is hand-selected for color, clarity, and precision cut. That level of care ensures the stone will appear vibrant, well-balanced, and full of life in its finished setting. Is citrine a good gemstone for everyday wear?Yes, citrine is generally a good choice for everyday jewelry. It ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it is resistant to scratching and hard enough for rings, earrings, and pendants that are worn frequently. That said, citrine is still a natural gemstone and should be treated with care to avoid accidental damage, especially in rings that are more likely to come into contact with hard surfaces. Citrine does not have perfect cleavage, so it is less likely to split or fracture than some other stones. Still, it can chip or abrade if struck with enough force, especially along facet edges or corners. Removing your citrine ring before heavy lifting, gardening, sports, or using tools is a good idea. Citrine is not only durable and practical, but also easy to replace if ever needed. At MyJewelrySource.com, we find that citrine offers a perfect balance of beauty, wearability, and practicality for everyday enjoyment. |
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When will my order ship? In stock orders, without ring sizing, received by 5pm EST (2pm PST) are shipped the Same or Next Business Day. If ring sizing is ordered, please allow 1-3 weeks weeks for shipment. 4-Day RUSH ring sizing is also available. Also, note that nearly all of our rings can be sized by your local jeweler or we would be happy to size and return your ring for FREE within 30 days (in stock, unsized ring orders only). For privacy, shipping boxes are plain and unmarked. See also: Shipping Transit Times.
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