Gems for anniversaries
114 GEMS FOR ANNIVERSARIES
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tones have been assigned to planets, days of the week, and, most
enduringly in modern times, to anniversaries. Many of the well-known gems
and precious metals linked to five-yearly landmarks in longevity, such as
50 (gold) and 60 years (diamond) are also associated with anniversaries in the
first 20 years. Like most lists of gems, definitions and interpretations can vary
from one country to another, and likewise from dealer to dealer.Garnet (2nd year)
A popular modern-day choice for
the second year, garnet replaced
the traditional gift of paper.Gold (1st year)
Gold is also commonly
associated with the
50th anniversary.Pearl (3rd year)
Once associated with the 30th
anniversary, pearls are now the
principal choice for the third year.Blue topaz (4th year)
Blue topaz was once rare, but with
modern processes like irradiation,
this is no longer the case.Sapphire (5th year)
In addition to the fifth anniversary,
sapphires are also an alternative
choice to mark the 23rd year.Amethyst (6th year)
In more frugal times, the traditional
gift for a sixth anniversary was iron.
Amethyst is now the popular choice.Onyx (7th year)
A popular stone,
onyx is commonly
used in both men’s
and women’s jewellery.Tourmaline (8th year)
Its extraordinary range of colours
makes tourmaline a wonderful
anniversary stone.Lapis Lazuli (9th year)
Prized for its stunning blue colour,
lapis lazuli is the gem commonly
used to mark the seventh year.Diamond (10th year)
The diamond’s link with the
10th anniversary is a modern
idea, promoted by jewellers.Turquoise (11th year)
Few gems have a longer
pedigree than turquoise,
which dates back to
ancient Egypt.114-115_FEA_Anniversary_stones.indd 114 07/06/2016 16:13