5 mm round citrine cabochon with mirror-polished finish. Golden-yellow quartz for small 925 silver settings: low-profile solitaire rings, stud earrings, and pendants with a central detail.
Item details
| Mineral |
Citrine (Quartz, SiO₂, yellow variety) |
| Dimensions |
5 mm Ø round · tolerance ±0.3 mm |
| Shape and back |
Round, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror-polished |
| Hardness |
7 Mohs — we recommend a closed bezel or thin claw setting |
| Origin |
Material purchased from a wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Item type |
Stock — uniform pieces; color may vary between pale yellow and golden-yellow |
This specific piece
The 5 mm is the second most used round format in silversmithing after the 4 mm, and the one-millimeter difference means 56% more visible surface (the area of a circle increases with the square of the radius).
The golden-yellow tone of citrine in this format responds well to both artificial and natural light. Under warm light (tungsten or 2700K LED), the yellow saturates and tends towards gold.
How the yellow color of citrine is formed
Citrine is quartz (SiO₂) whose yellow color is due to traces of Fe³⁺ in the crystal lattice through charge transfer with lattice vacancies: absorption in the blue-violet spectrum allows yellow light to pass through.
What setting it works for
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Bezel setting (925 silver) — The 5 mm is the standard size for micro bezel settings in silversmithing. With a 0.5-0.7 mm high bezel, the stone is well framed with minimal visible metal. The 7 hardness resists bezel pressing with a standard tool.
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Solitaire stud earrings — The 5 mm round is the classic choice for stud earrings: visible from a distance, proportionate on the earlobe, and in harmony with thin chains of 42-50 cm. The warm yellow of citrine visually contrasts with the cool white of silver.
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Small size solitaire rings — For finger sizes ≤17, the 5 mm is proportionate without dominating. For larger sizes, 6-8 mm is more balanced. It works well in low-profile settings (under bezel or 4-prong setting).
Citrine in jewelry history
For centuries, yellow quartz was sold in Europe as "Spanish topaz" — genuine topaz (silicate mineral) was much rarer and more expensive.
In crystal tradition, citrine is associated with optimism, clarity, and prosperity.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
How to recognize genuine citrine
Natural (untreated) citrine has a pale yellow to honey tone, uniform, without gradient. Treated quartz may have more intense tones or a slight gradient towards orange.
Frequently asked questions
Is it natural or treated citrine?
No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
Are the dimensions compatible with 5 mm settings?
Yes. The nominal 5 mm diameter with ±0.3 mm tolerance is compatible with standard 5 mm micro bezel and channel settings. Verify the exact opening of the setting before mounting.
What is the difference between 4 mm and 5 mm?
The 5 mm has 56% more visible surface than the 4 mm (the area of a circle increases with the square of the radius).
Does the tone vary between pieces?
Pieces from the same batch are uniform. Between different batches, there may be tone variation (pale yellow to golden-yellow). We do not guarantee an exact tone.
Can it be used in everyday earrings?
Yes. With Mohs 7, citrine resists everyday wear well. Avoid direct impacts on the stone and periodically check the bezel. Consult jewelry care guide.
How do I care for it?
Soft cloth; avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Intense heat (such as from nearby soldering) can affect color in temperature treatments. See care guide.
See also: complete cabochon collection · silversmithing supplies.
