My Jewelry-Store Beginnings & Why Citrine Still Inspires Me

My connection to jewelry started early. At sixteen, I worked in a jewelry store inside the Sun Valley Mall in Concord, California. That experience shaped the way I see gemstones and craftsmanship today. It was also where I discovered earring jackets — and became completely obsessed with them.

If you’d like to read the full story of how that moment sparkled into a lifelong passion, you can find it here: My Story About Discovering Earring Jackets.

My mother, who also worked in the jewelry industry, later surprised me with a pair of dainty 14k gold earring jackets. I wore them nonstop — experimenting with new styles, outfits, and ways to express myself. That early excitement still inspires my MONOLISA designs today, including the citrine collections featured here.

What Exactly Is Citrine?

Citrine is a yellow-to-golden variety of quartz — the same mineral family as amethyst. Its warm color develops from trace elements and natural or applied heat within the crystal structure. Because it is part of the quartz family, citrine offers beauty, sparkle, and durability at an accessible price point.

• Mineral Family: Quartz
• Color Range: Pale yellow to honey gold to deeper amber tones
• Hardness: 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale (strong enough for everyday wear)
• Rarity Note: Natural citrine is uncommon; many stones begin as amethyst or smoky quartz that is heat-treated to achieve a golden color.

Citrine Color, Quality & What to Look For

Citrine can appear in a variety of tones, each offering a different style expression:

• Soft pastel yellow
• Classic golden hues
• Rich honey or amber tones
• Deep orange-brown shades sometimes referred to as “Madeira” citrine

When evaluating citrine, jewelers often consider:

• Color: Smooth, even color that compliments the design.
• Clarity: Citrine is typically eye-clean, offering excellent transparency.
• Cut: Well-cut stones show crisp sparkle and brightness.

Symbolism & Meaning of Citrine

While interpretations vary, citrine has long been admired for its uplifting and energizing qualities. It is associated with:

• Optimism & Joy
• Confidence & Creativity
• Prosperity (“merchant’s stone”)
• November Birthstone

Is Citrine Durable for Daily Wear?

Yes — citrine is a practical choice for everyday jewelry, especially earrings and pendants. With a Mohs hardness of 7, it resists scratches better than many colored stones. Like any gemstone, it benefits from mindful wear:

• Avoid contact with harsh chemicals.
• Remove jewelry during strenuous activities.
• Store away from harder gemstones (like diamonds and sapphires).

How to Clean & Care for Citrine Jewelry

Cleaning Tips

• Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Ultrasonic cleaners are often safe, depending on treatments.

Avoid

• Harsh chemicals
• Steam cleaning or extreme heat
• Direct sunlight for extended storage

Storage

• Store in a soft pouch or lined box.
• Keep separate from harder gemstones.

Styling Citrine – Warm, Versatile & Modern

Citrine naturally complements a wide range of metals and styles. Its golden glow pairs beautifully with:

• Yellow Gold – classic and warm
• Rose Gold – soft and romantic
• Argentium Silver – modern and bright (a MONOLISA signature)

Citrine also layers beautifully with clear stones, purples, and deep blues. Citrine studs with earring jackets offer endless styling options.