Wedding Anniversary Year-by-Year Gift Guide

Gemstones are not only tied to birthdays, but they are tied to wedding anniversaries as well. And not just the biggest anniversaries like the 25th and the 50th, but there is a special gemstone/metal for each anniversary. This makes perfect sense since every wedding anniversary is a momentous occasion that deserves a special gemstone and/or metal for each one! Keep reading to learn about each respective anniversary year’s designated jewelry type. Year One: Gold Gold may not be a gem, but it is a precious metal! This is usually recommended for the very first wedding anniversary. Gold is not the only acceptable first year anniversary gift. Gold-colored gems are also acceptable as they symbolize the glow of a couple’s first year together. Some gemstones that can have a beautiful gold hue are yellow topaz, yellow sapphire, amber, zircon, citrine, and two very specific garnet types: grossularite and spessartine. Gold has been used in decorative objects as far back as 4000 B.C. The color was probably a representation of the sun as well as a representation of the strength of life to our ancestors. Ancient Egyptians and Sumerians used the precious metal to create beautiful treasures. Year Two: Garnet Garnets have a long royal history. They were used by Egyptian pharaohs and Russian czars. Additionally, this gem is the January birthstone. So, if your anniversary falls in January, this is the perfect stone. Garnets do not only come in red. They come in a range of colors including red orange, red, purple, green, and yellow to name a few. In addition to their wide range of colors, they are also used in a wide variety of jewelry. Pyrope garnet is a medium to dark red orange garnet that around 1500 to the late 1800s was mined in Bohemia. Year Three: Pearl Pearls is a gem that comes in many styles: classic strands, sophisticated earrings, unique rings and showstopping necklaces. They immediately add a touch of class to any outfit. La Peregrina, a natural pearl that is roughly the size of the egg of a pigeon, is a very popular pearl. It belonged to many royal figures including King Ferdinand V of Castile, King Philip II of Spain and Dame Elizabeth Taylor. The June birthstone is Pearl so this is a gift that offers many wear uses. Pearls are 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This means they are a softer, more fragile gem than others. Year Four: Blue Topaz Most blue topaz are treated in order to turn them blue, though they are naturally occurring in nature. Colorless topaz and radiation produces the blue we all love. The Ancient Greeks believed topaz gave the wearer strength, and Europeans during the Renaissance thought it held the power to hinder spells and angry thoughts. Topaz does not only come in blue, but it comes in many beautiful colors. It is an 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness with poor toughness, so it’s important to care for it to avoid chipping. Additionally, topaz is the November birthstone. Year Five: Sapphire Most think of blue sapphire when they think of sapphire, but like many other gemstones, it comes in an array of colors except red. Because of its 9 rating on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, it is very tough, meaning it is one of the most durable gems. The Ancient Roman and Greek royalty thought the gem sheltered them from danger. For the clergy of the Middle Ages, it was thought to symbolize heaven and others though it brought blessings. Year Six: Amethyst Amethyst is the gemstone that goes with year six of being married. St. Valentine, the saint of romantic love, is believed to have worn an amethyst ring engraved with the image of Cupid. This is fitting, since it is the February birthstone. It ranges from bluish purple, to reddish purple. Amethyst is found in designer as well as mass-market jewelry, so it is a possibility for all budgets. It has a Mohs Scale of Hardness of 7. Year 7: Onyx Onyx is a variety of chalcedony whic is cryptocrystalline or microcrystalline quartz and is composed of straight layers of different colors. Naturally occurring chalcedony is rare, so basically all black chalcedony has been treated. This gemstone has been found as far back as Mesopotamia and Ancient Greeks put it in amulets to stop sailors from drowning. Being that it ranks 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, it is tough, meaning it is perfect for everyday wear. Year 8: Tourmaline Tourmaline was first discovered in Brazil in the 1500s by a conquistador from Spain. For three centuries, it was mistakenly considered an emerald until scientists realized the mistake that had been made. The Chinese Dowager Empress Tz’u Hsi was passionate about tourmaline, and the tourmaline that was found in California mines was supplied to her as well as her court. Tourmaline is a October birthstone that comes in many colors, with a 7-7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Year 9: Lapiz Lazuli The perfect anniversary stone for 9 years together is lapis lazuli. It mainly is sourced from Badakshan which is a province in Afghanistan. Lapis is the oldest commercial gem source, and was mined as far back as 700 BCE. Lapis lazuli is a mix of multiple minerals. The lapis lazuli that probably comes to mind is a medium dark, violet blue stone that is used in jewelry, beads, combs, game beads, and amulets. It is a 5-6 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Year 10: Diamond Diamonds are the hardest minerals on earth that are formed under high pressure and temperature. Then they’re cleaved, cut, and polished. With a hardness of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, diamonds are considered the hardest material on earth. Some historians say that diamonds were found as early as the 4th century BC in India. Eventually, they made their way to Western Europe and the diamonds were used by the elite of Europe by the 1400s. India’s diamond inventory began to decline, then Brazil became the main source. Explorers later had their first significant South African diamond discovery in the 1800s. Year 20 & 35: Emerald Anniversary year 20 and 35 both share the gemstone emerald. Emeralds range in color from a blue green to green variety of beryl the mineral, and traces of the chromium, iron or vanadium that cause it color. It is said that Cleopatra had a reputation for loving emeralds. This May birthstone can be found in Colombia, Brazia, Namibia, and Afghanistan. Year 25: Silver Jubilee This anniversary, also known as your “silver anniversary”, is your chance to surprise your spouse with something as beautiful as them. In addition to silver jewelry, metal watches, platinum and white gold are creative takes on the silver anniversary. Year 30: Cultured Pearl Cultured pearls are grown in pearl farms and are the pearls mainly found on the market. Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and freshwater are the four types of cultured pearls. Pearls naturally come in every hue, they can also be treated to alter their appearance. Dying is the most common treatment for freshwater pearls. Though they come in many colors, they are not usually dark and are a warm purple, pink, orange and yellow. If you find any freshwater pearls that are grey, black, bright purple, bright pink, dark red or orange, or green or blue, there is a possibility they were treated and are not natural. This allows for many pearl options come gift giving time especially since pearls are the June birthstone. Year 50: Golden Jubilee Gold conveys permanence and eternity, making it the perfect choice for such an important wedding anniversary. Gold was a significant part of Ancient Egyptian jewelry especially with Egyptian royalty. It was believed to have many properties including the ability to protect the wearer. Golden South Sea cultured pearls are a great gift for this anniversary especially since it’s known as the “golden anniversary”. These pearls can be found between Indonesia and the Phillipines in the Celebes Sea. These pearls are dyed sometimes in order to attain a deeper golden color.