Faceted gemstone in an oval cut, 12×8 mm, made of citrine quartz with a warm golden yellow color. The full crown and pavilion allow for maximum internal light play. Selected for silversmithing in 925 silver and contemporary settings.
Item details
| Mineral |
Citrine (quartz, yellow variety) |
| Dimensions |
12×8 mm approx. |
| Shape and cut |
Oval faceted, full crown and pavilion |
| Finish |
Brilliant polish |
| Hardness |
7 Mohs — suitable for rings, pendants, and earrings; resistant to daily wear with basic care |
| Origin |
Material selected in gemological wholesale market |
| Treatment |
Heat treated — standard process for commercial citrine; yellow color is stable and does not fade over time |
| Item type |
Unique piece — no.1 |
This specific piece
The citrine in this piece displays a uniform warm yellow with a slight golden hue, with no cloudy areas or inclusions visible to the naked eye. In natural light, the oval cut concentrates the brilliance in the center of the crown, creating the characteristic sparkle of well-faceted quartz.
The 12×8 mm proportion is the most versatile for solitaire rings or pendants: large enough to be a visual centerpiece without exceeding the scale of everyday wear pieces. First piece in the lot, with slightly more intense color saturation in the center of the crown.
Why quartz sparkles in faceted cuts
Quartz has a refractive index of 1.54–1.55, which allows for efficient internal reflection. Each facet acts like a mirror that returns light at different angles, producing the characteristic sparkle of faceted gemstones. In an oval cut, the sequence of facets on the crown and pavilion is calculated to maximize total internal reflection: light enters through the crown, bounces off the pavilion, and returns to the observer multiplied.
What setting it works for
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925 silver claw setting (solitaire) — the oval cut calls for a 4 or 6-prong setting that exposes the maximum surface to light; ideal for a statement ring or solitaire pendant.
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High bezel setting with window — an alternative that protects the gem's edge while maintaining good light exposure.
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Bezel in earrings or hoops — the oval profile fits minimalist earring settings in 925 silver.
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Wire wrap — possible with fine wire (0.4–0.6 mm); the faceted gem requires wrapping at the girdle to avoid scratching the pavilion facets.
Citrine in jewelry tradition
Citrine took its name from the Latin citrus (lemon) and has been part of European goldsmithing since the 17th century, when it was valued as an affordable alternative to imperial topaz in Victorian and Georgian collections.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to recognize genuine quartz
Genuine quartz has a hardness of 7 Mohs: a steel blade (5–5.5 Mohs) will not scratch it, while imitation glass will yield to the edge. Under a 10× loupe, quartz may show fluid bubbles or crystalline growth veils; glass is usually perfectly homogeneous.
Frequently asked questions
Is it genuine quartz or imitation glass?
It is genuine quartz. A hardness of 7 Mohs distinguishes quartz from glass (5.5 Mohs): a steel blade will not scratch quartz but will scratch glass. Under a magnifying glass, inclusions or growth veils characteristic of natural quartz can be seen.
What treatment does it have and is the color permanent?
The yellow color is the result of controlled heat treatment from amethyst — a standard process in the gemological market for commercial citrine. The color is stable and does not fade over time, with daily use, or exposure to normal light. The mineral remains jewelry-grade quartz.
What type of setting is this size designed for?
The 12×8 mm oval cut is compatible with solitaire ring or pendant settings of those measurements. There may be a variation of ±0.5 mm; the jeweler should check the exact fit or adjust the setting to the specific stone.
See also: faceted gemstones · handmade silver rings · 925 silver pendants.
