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| Symbolic Gems for Anniversaries |
| Mar-20-2008 |
Throughout time, different gemstones have come to represent different meanings. Some are said to ward off evil, bring luck to the wearer, and even protect against intoxication. Some gems are fabled to be favorites of royalty, pirates, or sailors due to their mystical properties. Somewhere along the line, specific gemstones have been chosen for their special meanings to represent the traditional gifts given on specific wedding anniversaries.
The most commonly known milestone anniversaries are the 25th (silver) and the 50th (gold). What many overlook is the numerous gemstone anniversaries; the first of which is the 14th anniversary -- the agate. While many argue that an agate is a rock, it is indeed a gemstone; in fact it is the Minnesota state gemstone.  Ranging in color from browns, reds, and grays, the agate is known for its bands with an eye in the middle; similar to tree rings. Agates can be made into display pieces or fashioned into jewelry and is said to symbolize watchfulness and protection due to the eye in the center. Another lesser known gemstone is given for the 16th anniversary. The peridot is bright olive green in color and is fabled to be the favorite gem of pirates. Geographically, peridot can be found wherever there are volcanoes. This makes them a wonderful symbol for a marriage that has survived trials of the first years together and has come thus far sparkling. Aquamarine is the traditional gift for the 19th anniversary. The gemstone of sailors and mermaids, the word 'aquamarine' literally means 'sea water'. For this anniversary, the gem represents the sea into which the mermaid has called the sailor to remain with her for all time. 
We then skip eleven years and find ourselves at a milestone anniversary, the 30th, for which the traditional gift is pearl. The symbolism of pearls is highly overlooked when given as gifts. Often given to young brides, the pearl is actually the ideal gift for an established marriage because it is one of the very few gemstones that are not 'stones' at all. Grown rather than mined, the pearl forms slowly and its true beauty is only revealed when sought out from deep within the water. This gem is the perfect symbol for the depth of love and understanding that a couple can only reach after a significant amount of time together.
Other milestone anniversaries include the 40th (ruby) and the 45th (sapphire). Actually formed from the same mineral corundum, rubies are the traditional color of love and sapphires the color of serenity. Turquoise is given for the 55th anniversary and is a reminder of an oasis that is couple-hood. Turquoise can only be found in the desert, and only then near water. It is this natural state that reminds the couple of the sanctuary that can be found within their love.
A couple reaching their 60th anniversary is revered for their commitment to grow old together. The gem symbolizing this growth is the emerald; an everlasting emblem of renewal. Known for its deep green color, the gem can be found in almost every region in the world and is a reminder of the beauty of nature and growth of the most basic level that is life on this planet. No matter the trials and tribulations, nature continues to reinvent itself -- as does the couple reaching 60 years together.  The most powerful gemstone symbol of endurance and strength is, of course, the diamond. Representing the 65th and the 75th wedding anniversaries, the diamond is the gem by which all others are measured. No natural substance on the face of the earth can compare to the strength and brilliance of the diamond. A sign of beautiful transformation over time, the diamond represents the aged married couple in a way that is unsurpassable and leads to the affirmation of the quote: "Is there anything more beautiful than young love? Yes; old love." When searching for anniversary gifts, seek out the possibilities that lie within giving a traditional gem. The thought you've put into giving a gift that is symbolic of your love and life together with be treasured always. |
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Posted by Kim G at 12:27 PM - Link to this entry Share this entry |
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