Marriage is a long-lasting commitment and celebrating each anniversary is a significant milestone, so what better way to do it than with a representative gemstone? Gifting a piece of jewelry as a wedding anniversary gift is a time-honored tradition. The list of gems used to mark the anniversaries have been endorsed by the Jewelers of America, The American Gem Society, The American Gem Trade Association, and the Gemological Institute of America.
If you are looking for the perfect gift for your spouse on your wedding anniversary, take a look at our complete guide of significant gemstones. In our few blog posts, we have discussed anniversary gemstones from years one through twenty-five, in this post, we finish the list throughout the years of further marriage.
30th Year: Pearl Jubilee
Cultured pearl begins with the insertion of a shell bead nucleus, irritating the oyster to produce the layers of nacre. The natural pearls occurred accidently when an irritant gets into the soft tissue of the mussel in an oyster. Since the pearl also represents 3 years of marriage, this might be a perfect time to upgrade or get a matching piece. There are four types of cultured pearls: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and Freshwater, so you have many fine choices.
35th Year: Emerald
Emerald is a classic gemstone, and this is the second time we see it on our list. This may be the perfect chance to get a matching piece for the 20th year anniversary emerald that you gifted your spouse earlier. From pharaohs to Incan kings, emerald has long enchanted royalty, a perfect complement to the royal one in your marriage.
40th Year: Ruby
Ruby is also given on the 15th year wedding anniversary, and we may see it appear on our list again before we are done. The color, cut, clarity and carat weight determines its value. In Asian countries, rubies are highly regarded. Red rubies represent love and passion which is why it is a popular gemstone to give on wedding anniversaries.
45th Year: Sapphire
If you didn’t get a sapphire for your spouse 40 years ago on your 5th anniversary, then now is your second chance. Sapphire has traditionally symbolized nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness much likened to any relationship after 45 years of marriage.
50th Year: Golden Jubilee
Congratulations, you have officially been married for half a century! What better way to celebrate with none other than traditional gold, your choices are endless. Gold conveys timelessness and was fashioned into jewelry in ancient Egypt, Crete and other cradles of civilization, it is fit for royalty, and of course, your spouse.
55th Year: Alexandrite
Alexandrite’s most striking feature is its ability to change color, it is purplish red in incandescent light, but under fluorescent light or outside light it’s teal or greenish blue. The color change in this gem is so dramatic that the phenomenon is called “the alexandrite effect.” This unusual color changing gem makes for a unique gift on your 55th wedding anniversary.
60th Year: Diamond
Gifting your spouse the hardest mineral on earth is a good symbol for the six decades you have spent together. A diamond is commonly known as an unchanging symbol of love and commitment. After 60 years of marriage, your spouse deserves a diamond.
65th Year: Sapphire Jubilee
Sapphire appears on the list once again! If you are celebrating your 65th wedding anniversary this is a huge achievement and a great opportunity to spoil your spouse with a sapphire.
70th Year: Platinum Jubilee
Platinum is a hard and rare white metal that was largely unavailable at the time anyone celebrating a 70th anniversary got married. Today, there are many fine options when choosing platinum jewelry.
75th Year: Diamond Jubilee
A piece of diamond jewelry to complement your spouse’s jewelry collection makes a fine gift to celebrate 75 years of wedding bliss. Make this milestone one to remember.
80th Year: Ruby
This is the last year on our list, if you exceed 80 years of marriage then any gemstone or jewelry would be worthy to celebrate such a significant event. For eight decades of marriage gift your loved one a ruby, after all, they have earned it!
If you are searching for the perfect gemstone for your spouse, visit Precious Metals Refinery and talk with our professional experts to help you find the perfect gift.