Anniversary Gifts – Jewelry Fills the Bill Beautifully

What we give our loved ones for special anniversaries deserves special attention, for it will be a treasured gift and symbol of our love for a lifetime.

A favorite birthstone, talisman, or zodiacal symbol set in stone or a precious metal is likely to become a favorite keepsake, and a much-loved conversation piece. Each anniversary, as the years pass, has its own stone associated with it. While you may not want to make it a yearly tradition, perhaps choosing a milestone year and marking it with a special gift of jewelry would make a lasting impression on your beloved.

Here are a few suggestions to ponder. The first year calls for gold, and year 7 equals onyx while year number 9 suggests Lapis Lazuli, and the 25th anniversary traditionally calls for silver for the Silver Jubilee. Turquoise jewelry is appropriate for the 35th year together, and Sapphire for 45 years. When the 50th rolls around, it’s gold again.

Owing to the immense popularity of gold for gifts of jewelry, a short lesson on buying gold jewelry may be in order. Remember first that “gold is not gold”, that is, gold-plated jewelry is not 14 karat gold. Eventually, even quality gold plating wears off, while solid gold is good for a lifetime. The designation of karats refers to the percentage of gold in the alloy. Fourteen karats indicates that the alloy is 14 parts gold and 10 parts base metal, making a total of 24 parts. Twenty-four karat gold is pure gold, and is too soft to fashion jewelry from.

If you are in the market for gemstones, educate yourself on the differences between laboratory-produced and natural stones. Visually, you will not be able to tell the difference, but your wallet will appreciate the lower cost for the manmade stones. If you are buying the stone with an eye to its investment potential, be sure to ask if the stone has been treated, such as bleaching, heating or dyeing. While these treatments may improve the appearance, you might have to take special care of your treated gemstone.