Citrine is the lovely yellowish gem belonging to the quartz species. The warm hues are reminiscent of the sun, health and vitality, and bring out the richness in many different people's amber-colored or darker skin tones. Its name is derived from the French word "citron," meaning lemon.

VARIETIES, QUALITIES & ORIGINS
Citrine is available in colors ranging from pastel yellows to wonderful orange hues. The finest quality citrine is actually medium to medium dark in tone, vivid in intensity, and is yellowish-orange in hue. Most citrine purchased, however, is medium light, to medium yellow. It is plentiful in nature and represents an incredible value for those who appreciate its color. Citrine is mined principally in Brazil, Bolivia and Spain.

GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENTS
Citrine is routinely subjected to heat as a normal part of the processing phase to improve the color. Citrine is heat sensitive. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

Topaz is available in a rich rainbow of colors. This gemstone has been associated with religious teachings representing one of the gems in the breastplate of the high priest of Israel, and one of the foundation stones of Jerusalem. The name may have come from the ancient isle of "Topazios" in the Red Sea, or from the Sanskrit word meaning "fire."

VARIETIES, QUALITIES & ORIGINS
The most valuable is called "Imperial," after the Russian Czars of the 1800s, and features a magnificent orange body color, with pinkish-red undertones. Topaz also comes in yellow, pink, purple, orange, and the popular blue hues. It is mainly mined in Brazil, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Africa, and China.

GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENTS
Most topaz is commonly subjected to enhancement by heat and/or irradiation as a normal part of the fashioning process to improve its color. Generally, no special care is required.