Did You Know Each Anniversary Has a Special Gemstone?

An anniversary is a joyous occasion, a time to honor and celebrate the love that you and your spouse share. Whether you’ve been married for years, or are just beginning your journey as newlyweds, there’s no better way to mark your time together than with breathtaking anniversary jewelry. Jewelry is romantic and everlasting, a gift that can be cherished long into the future.

Best of all, each anniversary is traditionally marked by an alluring colored gemstone or precious metal, so shopping for anniversary jewelry is that much easier! If you’re in need of a little inspiration before you shop, we’ve put together a quick list of anniversary jewelry gift ideas that are certain to make your sweetheart swoon.

First Anniversary

The traditional gift for first anniversaries is gold, while the modern alternative is green peridot. Gold is commonly used for jewelry and watchmaking, meaning your options will be plentiful if you decide to go the traditional route. A gold bangle bracelet or gold hoop earrings is a gift that she can wear every day or give him a gold link chain that he may never take off. Set the gemstone peridot into gold jewelry, and you’ve got both anniversary markers in one. This enchanting green gemstone can be found in all types of anniversary jewelry. Surprise her with an elegant pair of peridot stud earrings for a unique gift that she surely won’t expect.

Fifth Anniversary

To mark the 5th wedding anniversary, you can give the gift of sapphire or pink tourmaline. Both richly colored gemstones make a spectacular surprise for the loved one in your life. A pink tourmaline pendant is a vibrant accessory to compliment her favorite outfit. Maybe he’d love a deep, blue sapphire ring that makes him look and feel like royalty. If blue is not their best color, not to worry! Sapphires come in a spectrum of colors like warm, golden yellows and enchanting, rich purples, so there’s something for every taste!

Tenth Anniversary

10th anniversaries are traditionally celebrated with every woman’s favorite gemstone – the diamond! There is a wealth of options to choose from when it comes to diamond anniversary jewelry. Dazzle her with a delicate diamond pendant that she can wear with anything. Or perhaps a vintage diamond ring to symbolize your continued love and commitment to her. One or two diamond stud earrings make an elegant gift that any pierced man is sure to love. No matter what you choose, you can never go wrong with sparkling diamond anniversary jewelry.

Fifteenth Anniversary

Romantic red rubies are the traditional gemstone to mark 15th wedding anniversaries, while alexandrite is the modern alternative. If you’re celebrating 15 years with your sweetheart, these two popular gemstones make a superb gift. She’ll look ravishing in a ruby bracelet, or even a charming ruby brooch. If he’s a sharp dressed man, give him ruby cufflinks. Rubies look great on their own but are exceptionally beautiful when paired with diamonds.

Alexandrite, on the other hand, has unique color changing properties that make it especially attractive in anniversary jewelry. This exotic gemstone is known as the “emerald by day, ruby by night,” appearing to be a greenish blue color in daylight, and a deep red to purple in darker environments. If she loves pieces that are uncommon, she’ll be mesmerized by a piece of alexandrite anniversary jewelry.

Twentieth Anniversary

20 years of marriage is quite an accomplishment, and a wonderful excuse to spoil your loved one. The traditional gemstone for 20th anniversaries is emerald, and the contemporary alternative is yellow diamond. These vibrant, colorful gemstones look beautiful when they’re set in jewelry, and will surely brighten every day. A vintage emerald cocktail ring is an eye-catching statement piece that she’ll love to accessorize with, and his yellow diamond ring will be the envy of his friends. Or give her a special glow in a pair of brilliant yellow diamond earrings. What better way to show them just how much you’ve cherished the last 20 years than with splendid emerald and yellow diamond anniversary jewelry?

Thirtieth Anniversary

The 30th year of marriage is celebrated with pearls and is known as the pearl jubilee. Pearls are classic and timeless, a fitting representation of your love that has endured for so long. An elegant strand of pearls makes a charming gift, one that she’ll wear for many years to come. If she prefers something with a bit of sparkle, opt for a pair of pearl earrings with diamond accents.

Pearls may be traditionally worn by women, but famous men in music and film are now wearing pearls, from chokers to earrings. Pearls come in a variety of colors besides the conventional white. Golden pearls, for example, have a warm, champagne colored glow that looks especially glamorous. She’ll be itching to get dressed up and show off her new pearl anniversary jewelry!

Fiftieth Anniversary

Not many couples can boast that they’ve made it 50 years with their better half. Imagine all the tender moments you’ve undoubtedly shared with someone after so many years living as one. 50 years should be celebrated spectacularly, which is why it’s known as the golden jubilee. For your first gold anniversary, you may not have been able to afford anything extravagant. After half a century together, you’re able to splurge on something truly special for your loved one. A luxurious gold watch always makes a wonderful gift for the man of your life, and a gold diamond bracelet is one perfect gift to completely dazzle your woman.

Anniversary Jewelry in San Diego

Shopping for an upcoming anniversary with your loved one? We can help you to make it an event to remember! Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is your go-to San Diego jewelry store for beautiful, one-of-a-kind anniversary jewelry. Our selection of gemstone jewelry is vast, so there’s no shortage of options when choosing the perfect gift!

Celebrate May Birthdays with Emerald

Yellow and white gold emerald and diamond necklace, ring, and tennis bracelet.

Those April showers have finally brought us May flowers! Springtime offers endless beauty and bounty, with flowers and lush greenery everywhere you look. What better gemstone to symbolize the splendor of spring than vibrant green emerald, the captivating May birthstone?

History of Emerald

Emerald belongs to a group that industry insiders often refer to as the “Big Three.” These are the three most expensive and alluring precious colored gemstones that have been sought after for centuries: emerald, ruby, and sapphire. In fact, this captivating May birthstone has been worn in jewelry for more than four thousand years.

Ancient civilizations from the Inca to the Egyptians revered emerald for its many powerful properties. Pliny the Elder, a Roman philosopher who lived in the first century A.D., wrote that emerald was the only gem that delighted the eye without fatiguing it. Early gem cutters kept emeralds on their work bench to gaze upon from time to time to rest their tired eyes.

Modern science confirms Pliny’s claim with findings that prove green is the most restful color for the human eye, as it relieves stress and strain. Besides being easy on the eyes, green emerald was believed to give its wearer the power to see into the future and to recognize the false promises of others. It’s no wonder emerald was a favorite of ancient leaders like Cleopatra, who famously wore them in many of her royal adornments.

Emerald's Meaning

Besides their obvious beauty, emeralds are treasured for their meaning. In ancient Roman mythology, the emerald was the gemstone of the goddess of love, Venus. Though rubies are generally considered the gemstone of romance and passion, emeralds were once held in the same regard. Emeralds are said to stir feelings of passion, euphoria, and intense love.

They are thought to bring love that is deep and unconditional, making them the perfect romantic gift. The vibrant green hue of emeralds represents vitality, renewal, and starting anew. It’s only fitting that emerald marks the dawn of springtime, a time of rebirth and regeneration.

May Birthstone Colors

The ideal shade for spring, emeralds range in color from yellowish to bluish and can vary from pale mint to deep forest hues. Vivid, deep green emeralds are most prized, while those with too much yellow or blue are less valuable. An ideal emerald will have color that is evenly distributed with just the right touch of transparency.

Most emeralds contain eye-visible clarity characteristics called “inclusions” that result from their formation deep within the earth. These inclusions give each gemstone its own personality and character, an everlasting testament to the natural history of the emerald. When a single stone contains a wide variety of inclusions, gemologists call is the “jardín” effect, which is French for “garden,” because they resemble flowers and foliage.

Because of their inclusions, emeralds are delicate despite their relative hardness. Never put emeralds into an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner and avoid steam cleaning. Ring re-sizing or re-tipping of prongs should only be performed by an accomplished jeweler.

Where to Find Emerald

Columbia has been the most fruitful source for fine emeralds for over 500 years, with the Muzo mine producing the most stunning jewels in terms of both color and clarity. Brazil also produces stones from the abundant Belmont mine that are typically a little darker in color. Emeralds of very fine color can be found in parts of Africa, though they typically only occur in small carat sizes. Pakistan and Afghanistan are also important producers, though on a much smaller scale.

At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you will always find a wide variety of luscious green emeralds to fit every style and budget. Whether you’re celebrating a May birthday, anniversary, or engagement, Leo Hamel’s has a wealth of exquisite emerald jewelry that is sure to bring joy to your loved one. Choose from new designs or opt for something truly unique like an antique emerald ring or bracelet.

Do you have a beloved piece of emerald jewelry in need of repair? Our full-service jewelry store boasts master jewelers to help ensure that your precious jewelry last a lifetime and beyond! What’re you waiting for? Visit us today!

2022 Christmas Gift Guide from Leo Hamel’s

Are you still looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Christmas shopping later in the season can be extremely stressful, and we’re to help! We have gifts for everyone that are sure to leave a lasting impression this Christmas.

Here’s a peek into our jewelry, watch, and handbag collection. All of the items are available to view at our San Diego showroom at 1851 San Diego Ave., Suite #130.

Christmas Gifts For Her

Need a shiny gift for her this Christmas? We have a huge collection of jewelry, new & pre-owned watches, and handbags for all your gifting needs.

Lab-Grown Diamond Gifts

Looking for an ethical, earth-friendly Christmas gift? Our collection of lab-grown jewelry is sure to wow. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and visually the same, the only difference is the price!

Christmas Gifts For Him

Want to dazzle him with the perfect Christmas gift? You’re sure to find an amazing gift for any man in your life in our large selection of new & pre-owned watched, including Rolex, IWC, Tissot, Hamilton, Omega, and more!

Engagement Rings

Planning a proposal this holiday season? We have a wide variety of engagement rings to make your moment perfect. Our team is happy to assist you in finding the perfect piece for that special woman!

Extraordinary Christmas Gifts

If you’re looking to go big this Christmas season, we have the perfect selection for you! These extravagant pieces are just a peek into our collection.

The Leo Hamel team is here to help you find the perfect gifts this holiday season. We have an extensive collection, if you would like to see any of the above pieces, please visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue or contact us here. Our knowledgeable team is excited to help you make this Christmas the one that special someone in your life will remember.

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