Faceted oval-cut gemstone, 12×8 mm, 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 |
Approx. 12×8 mm |
| Shape and Cut |
Faceted oval, 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 — nr.2 |
This Specific Piece
The citrine in this piece displays a warm golden yellow with a homogeneous tone and remarkable brilliance in the crown. In side light, small flashes are visible across the pavilion facets, an effect that makes it particularly attractive in motion.
The 12×8 mm proportion is the most versatile for solitaire rings or pendants. Second piece of the lot: the tone is slightly warmer towards the edges, providing its own visual character within a uniformly appearing gemstone.
Why Quartz Sparkles in Faceted Cuts
Quartz has a refractive index of 1.54–1.55, allowing for efficient internal reflection. Each facet acts as a mirror that returns light at different angles, producing the characteristic sparkle of faceted gemstones. In the oval cut, the sequence of crown and pavilion facets is calculated to maximize total internal reflection: light enters through the crown, bounces off the pavilion, and returns to the observer multiplied.
What Settings 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 and window setting — an alternative that protects the edge of the gemstone while maintaining good light exposure.
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Bezel in earring or hoop — the oval profile fits minimalist earring settings in 925 silver.
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Wire wrap — possible with thin wire (0.4–0.6 mm); the faceted gemstone 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 jewelry 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 10× magnification, 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. The 7 Mohs hardness distinguishes quartz from glass (5.5 Mohs): a steel blade will not scratch quartz but will scratch glass. Under magnification, 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 setting is this size intended 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.
