Make Mine Madeira: Gorgeous Citrine Jewels For November

By Brittany Siminitz | November 02, 2022

November is here, and the birthstone it brings with it couldn’t be more well suited.

A richly golden yellow-orange, citrine is like autumn in a gemstone, a harvest of warm hues that match the fall leaves. Its shades—most of them the result of being heat-treated—range from yellow to orange to brown, much like the changing scenes many witness during this time of year.

One of the most wonderful things about citrine is its bang for buck—even in high-carat sizes, the price tag isn’t often overwhelming. Don’t mistake this for being cheap, though: Many designers today are using citrine in handcrafted designs that give them endlessly classic, heirloom-worthy status. The stone’s reputation has reached cool status as more consumers seek those earthy tones, and this summer’s obsession with orange has probably given it a leg up too.

In a deep reddish orange—which, as is evident here, can also vary greatly—madeira citrine has a buzzy name and an exciting look. Its sought-after shade typically draws a higher price, but again, we can see a wide range depending on size, style, and materials used in each piece’s creation.

The name madeira comes from the Brazilian meaning “wood” or “wood colored,” which paints an image that lends itself well to fall’s most prevalent shades: brown, burgundy, olive, cream. These colors have our attention as we continue through the fall season, and they’ll keep us cozy and warm well through the winter.