Anniversary Gift Themes

Anniversary Gift Themes

To help you better celebrate your much anticipated anniversary festivities, below is a detailed list of the most common traditional and modern anniversary celebration themes according to their year.

Technically, only the 25th and 50th anniversaries are celebrated in public, and customarily anniversaries are observed according to their traditional themes. With modern times however, some traditions have expended, and nowadays-modern themes can also be found.

Anniversary stones are dominant in most milestones dates, which are the five-year marks. And since there are no official traditional or modern themes for the sixteenth to nineteenth and for the twenty-first to twenty-fourth anniversaries, they should be celebrated according to the anniversary stone.

After the 25th year of marriage, official anniversary themes are only celebrated every fifth year. After the 55th anniversary, they are celebrated every tenth year up to the seventieth year.
Scroll down the list to find your wedding anniversary year or click on the corresponding number below.

1st Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: Gold jewelryCongratulations! You are no longer considered newlyweds. But it's too early to mark this event with a stone -- So go for gold. Symbolize higher goals and dreams by a heart bangle with special engraving. Remember gold is the yang, the sun, good luck, and happiness.

Traditional Theme: PaperYes, you've made it past these twelve months but you're still considered a lightweight, and anything can happen. So paper is the theme, a fragile material that needs care but is very romantic; think of poetry, album photos, etc. Make a book with all the love letters written to one another. Think of the environment and print them on recycled paper. This way your love will never go to waste.

Modern Themes: Plastics and ClocksDefinitely not as romantic as paper, but plastic -- let's face it -- makes our lives a lot easier. Why not a pair of tainted sunglasses to see the world in pink? Or a watch, his has the hour hand and hers the minute hand, this way when you're not together, time stands still.

2nd Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: GarnetEgyptian Goddess Isis adored garnets. They symbolize faith, truth and friendship. Isis being the Goddess of fertility, could this mean that your twosome will soon become a threesome? Or is it just that your relationship is so strong it keeps giving out richness and growth?

Traditional Theme: CottonMay be you're like Penelope who kept weaving her tapestry during the day and unweaving it at night to fight off suitors while waiting the return of her beloved Ulysses. Think of old world bed linens, tapestries, sarongs and the embroided hankie, which can be a powerful and romantic tool as a gift of comfort.

Modern Themes: Cotton / Calico / ChinaThe Fabric of Our Lives-- If your loved-one prefers cotton to silk and satin, go for some eyelet English embroided lingerie. Also, cotton is the only fabric tolerated by a baby's skin. Or may be you'll go on a trip to the Great Wall of China, the only man-made edifice that can be seen from space. Whatever the case, romance is sure to rendezvous.

3rd Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: PearlA symbol of purity, Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, considered the pearl to be sacred. A wonderful treasure of the sea, the pearl comes to life embedded in the finest oysters. Throughout the ages, pearl divers who could dive up to 72 feet were the subject of many stories and legends.

Traditional Theme: LeatherDare we think it? Perhaps another time, for now let's focus on the nobility of the material. How about a western or old-fashioned prairie feel to your celebration? Just round-up close friends and family members, and wine and dine to your heart's content. Or you could just run out, get a couple of travel bags, grab your Stetson Man, and head off to the wild, wild west, just the two of you.

Modern Themes: Leather / Crystal / GlassCrystal is easy to play with during your festivities. It doesn't have to be Baccarat or Lalique either. After all, the great Rene Lalique himself started off as a wonderful jeweler working with glass. May be a beautiful compact mirror that'll always remind her she's the fairest off them all. Another good bet are a pair of matching champagne flutes with engraving.

4th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: Blue TopazA tease, a prelude to next year's big gem, Blue Topaz is available in hues from cool sky blue to deep Swiss blue. This sparkling gemstone symbolizes strength and intelligence.

Traditional Theme: FlowersSometimes, once in a while, tradition doesn't live up to the circumstance. To spice things up -- after all you've been at this for four years now -- think of Blue Topaz flower jewels, or set the stage in a beautiful garden; if you don't have your own, try your local winter garden or throw a flower ball in her honor, and choose the flower of your wedding month, or yours and her home-state or homeland.

Modern Themes: Linen / Silk / Nylon / AppliancesDefinitely, this anniversary's themes aren't great! Appliances? Take our word for it; do not come home with an appliance. Anything battery operated should be banned from your gift list, although your man might enjoy the latest gadget. The only worthy item on this list is silk. Grab yourselves a pair of his and hers silk jamies and only wear them when you must; i.e.: company's coming, trip to the folks, the kids are up, etc.
5th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: SapphireFinally something to write home about! The most popular precious stone, Sapphire is a symbol of faith and goodness. Truly revered, the deep celestial blue hue of this gem is an all time favorite.

Traditional Theme: WoodThe Fifth Anniversary is a very special one. It marks a turn in your marriage years. Statistics show that you are entering a danger zone because most divorces happen in the 5-7 years bracket. Is it boredom, routine, life taking its toll? No one knows but you must make an effort to make this anniversary extra special. After all you've made it this far, which is already an accomplishment according to the same statistics.

Modern Themes: Wood / SilverwareWood and silverware go hand in hand with Sapphire. Think of a beautiful, isolated cabin in the woods, a warm and cozy fireplace, and silver candelabras on the table for a tÕte-Ë-tÕte feast where you'll reveal her Sapphire gift. If you're more the Hollywood type, think of her as the heart of your ocean, or head to deep-blue, silvery seas and a wooden deck.

6th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: AmethystAmethysts have been coveted by royalty throughout the ages as symbols of wisdom, strength and confidence. They are members of the quartz family known to hold mysterious powers, and ward off evil. Remember you're still in the danger zone; this could come in handy.

Traditional Theme: Candy / IronThere's something truly exciting about candy. Is it because it's the first gift a little girl gets from a little boy? Is it the lure of danger (your mother always told you not to talk to strangers even if they gave you candy)? Or is it just a hormonal chain reaction? Sweet nothings go a long way. Plan an Amethyst in a bowl of purple Island Punch flavored jellybeans, and she'll melt.
Modern Themes: Iron / WoodYou have to strike while the iron is hot. And since both iron and wood are used for carving, your goal on this anniversary is to carve your love for one another into anything you can think of. The most committed will get tattoos; the weak-at-heart will get nameplate jewelry.

7th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: OnyxLegend has it that one day Cupid cut the divine fingernails of Venus with an arrowhead while she was sleeping. He left the clippings scattered around on the sand, and the fates (the three Goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis and Antropos, who control human destiny) turned them into Onyx so that no part of the heavenly body would ever perish.
Traditional Theme: Copper / WoolCopper is known for its healing virtues, and since you've made it through the danger zone, it is only fair that you need a little healing. Copper makes a wonderful color for a themed party, with a wide range of hues available. As for wool, think of a warm blanket that you can both cuddle under, or Shetland sweaters that you can take to the Highlands.

Modern Themes: Copper / Wool / Brass / Desk SetsDesk sets are a thing of the past, and letter openers are too dangerous and can be used against you. As for brass, gold is much better. As in gold jewelry, heart of gold, pot of gold, gold mine, gold coast, or how about a gold fish?
8th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: TourmalinePink, orange, green, golden, or red, Tourmaline could be called the mood stone. It can take on any color of the rainbow and then some, thus making it a gemological puzzle. Perfect in any occasion, it resembles the wearer, and takes on its personality and traits.

Traditional Theme: Bronze / PotteryWho could forget the very sensual scene in Ghost where Demi More and Patrick Swaze are loved in an embrace while making pottery? So run to the art store and get your personal beginner's kit, or throw an arts & crafts party and ask all your friends to come ready to create.

Modern Themes: LinensLinens were once the most sought after items in a trousseau. Mothers and grandmothers religiously put together the apparatus of their daughters -- future brides-to-be -- with great care and rational. Modern again, linens are a symbol of cocooning, that very famous movement of the late 80s, which is sure to gain new momentum.

9th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: Lapis LazuliLatin for stone and Arabic for sky-blue, Lapis Lazuli literally translates to azure stone. Second to Onyx, Lapis Lazuli is a favorite among men. Its deep blue hue can easily be worn, and has a masculine deep shade. Most Lapis Lazuli come from Afghanistan, and because of the stone's popularity, there are many imitations or dyed stones out there; so be very careful as to the origin of the stone, and be sure to ask for a certificate of authenticity.

Traditional Theme: Pottery / WillowWeeping willows are some of the most romantic trees to engrave your love onto. Usually close to water, a symbol of life, these trees can blossom most anywhere. If you prefer the timeless factor, opt for a fairy-tale picnic at the foot of a willow oak -- symbolizing romance and strength.

Modern Themes: LeatherDecidedly, this one will not go away! How about a leatherback or leatherjacket? It's not what you think. The first is the largest living sea turtle, and the later a fish of the Balistidae family. Both can be found in tropical waters. So head out to warm seas and go for a swim.

10th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: Diamond jewelryIt is unbelievable that one would have to wait ten years for a diamond. But such is tradition, and while you may have splurged on THE gem before this milestone date, 'tis is the time to hit it big. While it is impossible to ask that each anniversary be marked with a diamond carat -- although it is a nice thought, by now one would be able to claim a 10ct weight stone -- such an important date as the ten year mark should be celebrated in style. A one-carat is a must. Diamonds are especially nice because they can be worn easily both by men and women. Perhaps an up-graded pair of wedding bands with diamonds would do justice to your ongoing commitment to one another.

Traditional Theme: TinRemember the Tin Man who found that he indeed had a heart? Well, this is one explanation for this traditional theme. Another would be the meaning derived from the properties of tin -- a malleable metal often used in coating to help prevent corrosion. After all, 10 years together definitely shows strength, lack of corrosion and most surely malleability.

Modern Themes: Aluminum / DiamondForget Aluminum. Stick to diamonds.

11th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: TurquoiseVery important to the Egyptians and Aztecs, in the US, Turquoise has mostly been associated with Native American Folk Art, and thus has seen its popularity go through many ups-and-downs. Yet, connoisseurs have always associated Turquoise to skillful jewelry artisanry and other decorative arts -- much like Amber and Ivory were used. While most of us think of Arizona as the main producer of this gem, experts look to Persia -- today, mostly Iran and Turkey -- for high quality Turquoise gems.

Traditional Theme: SteelWhile the industry continuously strives to innovate, steel is rarely used in jewelry because most stones cannot be set in steel. With new techniques such as "tension" and the setting of diamonds on watch bezels, it is nowadays possible to find this timeless, resistant metal in fine jewelry making. However, it is still a novelty and precious metals such as gold are the preferred method of setting fine jewelry.

Modern Themes: Steel / JewelryCongratulations! You're above the ten-year mark. A lot has happened in ten years but some things never change. Now would be a good time for a major overhaul, after all not all things are made of steel. It may even be time for a new car. One that can travel the road with you and your loved one on another ten-year journey.

12th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: JadeAlthough the beauty of Jade is reason enough to wear it, most revere its healing and mystical powers. Today, Jade is worn as mush as an amulet as fine jewelry. Its wearers believe in its protective properties and capacity to bring good health and luck. The royal gemstone of China, Jade has a steel-like toughness often associated with the Gods. Nowadays, the most sought after Jade comes from Burma -- today known as Myanmar.

Traditional Theme: Silk / LinenIf your loved one appears jaded, it's a good sign. It means you've done a fantastic job during the past eleventh anniversaries. One of the reasons Jade is so popular is because of its deep translucent green color. Green is the color of hope -- and of the almighty greenback -- so compliment her new Jade talisman with a set of deep green, silk satin sheets.

Modern Themes: Silk / Linen / PearlPearl and Jade are often associated with Asia, where the most beautiful specimen can be found, and where they are most revered and regarded as infinite treasures of beauty and well-being. It is also in Asia that the most sensual silks can be found. So grab your passports and head-off to the Bay of Along to loose yourselves in this legendary sea of Jade.

13th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: CitrineA bolt of energy and light, Citrine ranges in color from lemon-yellow to amber-brown; perfect colors for anyone. Citrine jewelry is especially popular for the flattering glow it casts on every complexion. A member of the quartz family, Citrine symbolizes truth and integrity.

Traditional Theme: LaceHow romantic and feminine! Real lace is actually very hard to find and can fetch astronomical prices. The most famous lace comes from Calais, France; Florence, Italy; and Vienna, Austria. For a couple of years now, it seems that knitting is back in fashion. So, grab some needles and make your own gift.

Modern Themes: Lace / Fur / TextilesA fur can be a very controversial gift, thus making it difficult to know if you're doing the right thing. By now, you know if your loved-one would rather go naked than to wear fur, as the famous ETA saying goes. The problem is that buying fur is as complicated as buying jewelry, so we recommend you stick with jewelry, since you've become an expert. Also, while Alaskan and Canadian men may wear fur to combat the brutal cold of their native land, you rarely see it on any other man. The only other option that could work is a lovely furry bedspread that you can both enjoy at the same time.

14th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: OpalThe most dramatic looking of all gemstones, Opal is known for its dazzling, fiery combination of colors. The unique formation of tiny spheres that make up each Opal creates this magnificent play of colors. Opal is a symbol of hope and inspiration.

Traditional Theme: IvoryIvory is certainly beautiful but, unfortunately, it is also illegal. Since 1989, both African and Asian elephants are protected against poachers looking for their tusks -- since the 1970s, aggressive poaching put these extraordinary animals on the endangered species list (CITES). Only older pieces can now be found mostly in antique shops or museums. If you own heirlooms made of Ivory, be careful when traveling internationally as the customs of different nations may be authorized to seize them.

Modern Themes: Ivory / GoldWhile Ivory jewelry is a thing of the past, the combination of ivory and gold make wonderful colors for a themed party or celebration. Also both call to foreign lands like the Ivory Coast or the Gold Coast. Take a trip to the later, named for the large quantities of gold formerly found in the area and brought to the coast for sale.

15th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: RubyPrized by kings throughout the ages, the precious Ruby is a rare gem. An extremely durable stone, Ruby is loved for its luscious berry-red hues, and is a symbol of happiness and good fortune. Even today, Ruby enjoys a ratio of 2.1 when compared to the price of diamonds.

Traditional Theme: CrystalCrystal is very pure and is one of the most popular gifts on wedding registries. The problem is that by now, you have probably accumulated enough crystal bowls, vases, glasses, flutes, and plates to last you a lifetime. Instead, try some beautiful mouth-blown crystal jewelry. A lot of designers and venerable luxury houses have launched accessory collections using this amazing material.

Modern Themes: Glass / WatchesWatches tell time. Time spent apart and time captured together. Nowadays, it is very common to find watches with adornments such as diamond bezels, ruby cabochons, mother of pearl dials, gold or baguette markers, etc. Dials are a beautiful way to send a personal message with special engraving.

16th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: PeridotPeridot is French for "gem." Ranging in color from light yellow-green to deep-olive, the versatile Peridot is often referred to as the "Evening Emerald." Admired for its sunlit glow, Peridot symbolizes warmth and charity.

17th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: WatchesWatches tell time. Time spent apart and time captured together. Nowadays, it is very common to find watches with adornments such as diamond bezels, ruby cabochons, mother of pearl dials, gold or baguette markers, etc. Dials are a beautiful way to send a personal message with special engraving.

18th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: Cat's Eye ChrysoberylWhen visiting a fine Japanese jewelry store, Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl will most likely be the highlight of the men's jewelry showcase. The gem's almost exclusive identification with men, and the Japanese's passion for it are a mystery. Perhaps it's its translucent honey, milky color. Or it could be the mysterious slit of reflected white light that intersects the stone lengthwise when cut in cabochon form.

19th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: AquamarineBeloved for its cool serene ice blue hues, Aquamarine retains excellent clarity. In ancient times, this gem was thought to be capable of preserving youth and health. Aquamarine is commonly thought to symbolize peace and tranquility.

20th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: EmeraldBeloved by Venus, Roman Goddess of love and beauty, Emerald is one of the most prized gemstones. Precious in every way, Emerald has a rich spring-green color that symbolizes growth and fertility.

Traditional Theme: ChinaLike Crystal, you probably own enough of it by now, that you've started giving it away to your children who are getting married. So on this twentieth anniversary, why not take a long-needed trip. One that will stay with you for many years to come. The land of China holds many treasures and is an exotic destination. Or you could take a trip to France in the region of Limoges to see what the big fuss about China is all about.

Modern Themes: China / PlatinumPlatinum is the other precious metal. Unlike gold, it doesn't need any alloys when made into a jewelry item. Gold at its purest (24K) is too soft for jewelry, but platinum can be used directly as Mother Nature made it. However, it is still very pricey because it is not as abundant as gold, and it doesn't come in the form of nuggets. It is the small particles that are found in the rock that need to be extracted. You sometimes need several tones of rock to produce one single piece of jewelry.

21st Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: IoliteWith the high prices of Sapphire and the rising ones of Tanzanite, Iolite is fast becoming the preferred stone amongst collectors looking for a new affordable blue gem. Greek for violet, Iolite is commonly known as the "water sapphire." Like its fellow blue-bloods, Sapphire and Tanzanite, Iolite transmits light differently when viewed from different angles. By observing the sky through Iolite, Viking navigators were able to locate the exact position of the sun on overcast days. Where, you might ask, did these famous seamen get Iolite? Well, it's been found in, among other Viking haunts, Greenland and Norway.

22nd Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: SpinelSpinel occurs in almost every color, and creates gems of all colors. It is not a well-known gem, although a good specimen can attain a very high price. Bright red Spinel, known as Ruby Spinel, is the most valuable. In the past, there was no distinction between Ruby and Ruby Spinel, as they look identical and are found in the same localities. Nowadays, distinctions can be made through hardness and x-ray tests. Many famous old "Rubies" were found to be Spinel. The enormous "Ruby" that forms the centerpiece of the royal crown of Great Britain (the Black Prince's Ruby) was recently discovered to be a Spinel.

23rd Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: Imperial TopazTopaz naturally comes in several colors, Gold Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Blue Topaz, and Smoky Topaz. Imperial and Gold Topaz are used for prosperity. Topaz is a stone that has been worn and revered for centuries; it is a stone of popes and leaders. Though it works best alone, it does well with Diamonds, and has been combined with Tiger's Eye in many prosperity rituals.

24th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: TanzaniteAs jewelry designers learned to love Tanzanite, this gem has begun to be appreciated for itself rather than as a Sapphire substitute. This isn't to say that the old connoisseur color ideal for this gem, a Kashmir blue, has been abandoned. But now there is greater admiration for Tanzanite that doesn't mimic Sapphire as well. Violetish or periwinkle-blue Tanzanite now receives almost as much praise as pure blue ones.

25th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: EmeraldBeloved by Venus, Roman Goddess of love and beauty, Emerald is one of the most prized gemstones. Precious in every way, Emerald has a rich spring-green color that symbolizes growth and fertility.

Traditional Theme: SilverSilver owes its name to ancient alchemists who called it Luna or Diana after the Goddess of the Moon. Silver conducts heat and electricity better than any other metal, and with the exception of gold, is the most malleable of all natural metals. It has been used as an adornment and coinage metal since ancient times. Silver is usually alloyed with small amounts of other metals to make it harder and more durable.

Modern Themes: SilverAnything silver will look great for a party or a celebration. This metal has become very available in everything from jewelry, tableware, silverware, decorative arts, etc. Unlike Platinum, silver is a lot more affordable, and is as popular as it is accessible. While Silver is commonly used with semi-precious stones, it is never the metal of choice for fine jewelry and the setting of precious stones.

30th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: Pearl JubileeA symbol of purity, Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, considered the pearl to be sacred. A wonderful treasure of the sea, the pearl comes to life embedded in the finest oysters. Throughout the ages, pearl divers who could dive up to 72 feet were the subject of many stories and legends.

Traditional Theme: Pearl / CloisonnÔOriginating in Beijing, China, CloisonnÔ is enamelware, which requires bronze and porcelain-working skills as well as traditional painting and etching, making it the pinnacle of traditional Chinese handicraft. CloisonnÔ is used in home dÔcor, and young women love bracelets and earrings, which make great gifts.

Modern Themes: PearlSee Pearl Jubilee
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35th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: EmeraldBeloved by Venus, the Roman Goddess of love and beauty, Emerald is one of the most prized gemstones. Precious in every way, Emerald has a rich spring-green color that symbolizes growth and fertility.

Traditional Theme: CoralCoral is among the most ancient of gem materials, used for adornment since prehistoric times. Coral inlays and ornaments have been found in Celtic tombs from the Iron Age; it is one of the seven treasures in Buddhist scriptures; and Tibetan Lamas use coral rosaries. Coral was long thought to be a powerful talisman that could stop bleeding, protect from evil spirits, and ward off hurricanes.

Modern Themes: Coral / JadeMost coral is found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific off Japan and Taiwan. When you say the word Coral, most people think of the coral reefs in the South Pacific like the Great Barrier Reef off Australia. However, these coral reefs are formed by a different species than the coral traditionally used in jewelry Corallium rubrum and Corallium japonicum.

40th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: RubyPrized by kings throughout the ages, the precious Ruby is a rare gem. An extremely durable stone, Ruby is loved for its luscious berry-red hues and is a symbol of happiness and good fortune.

Traditional Theme: Ruby / GarnetThe Egyptian Goddess Isis adored garnets, and they symbolize faith, truth, and friendship. Isis being the Goddess of fertility, it is a good sign that after 40 years, your relationship has been fertile in more ways than one.

Modern Themes: RubySee above
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45th Wedding Anniversary
Anniversary Stone: SapphireThe most popular precious stone, Sapphire is known for its brilliance and durability. Although it occurs in every color except red, the stone is best known and loved for its deep celestial blue hue. Sapphire is a symbol of faith and goodness.

Traditional Theme: SapphireSee above

Modern Themes: SapphireSee above
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50th Wedding Anniversary
Anniversary Stone: Golden JubileeAlways a sure value, yellow gold is the most precious material. Complement your treasure chest with chains and slides that can easily work with any pendant or neck styles. A special gift would be a necklace made of 50 gold chains all in variable length that your loved one can easily wear day after day, and from day-to-evening.

Traditional Theme: GoldSee above

Modern Themes: GoldSee above
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55th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: AlexandriteA fascinating gemstone, Alexandrite actually changes color from green in daylight to red in incandescent light. Alexandrite has a distinguished and glamorous past: it was discovered in 1830 in Czarist Russia. Since the Old Russian imperial colors are red and green, it was named after Czar Alexander II on the occasion of his coming of age. Red and green are also the colors of wedding gowns for South Korean and Chinese brides. When evaluating Alexandrite, mostly pay attention to the color change: the more dramatic and complete the shift from red to green, without the bleeding through of brown from one color to the next, the more rare and valuable the stone. The other important value factors are the attractiveness of the two colors -- the more intense the better -- the clarity, and the cutting quality. Because of the rarity of this gemstone, large sizes command very high premiums.

Traditional Theme: EmeraldBeloved by Venus, the Roman Goddess of love and beauty, Emerald is one of the most prized gemstones. Precious in every way, Emerald has a rich spring-green color that symbolizes growth and fertility.

Modern Themes: Emerald / TurquoiseVery important to the Egyptians and Aztecs, in the US, Turquoise has mostly been associated with Native American Folk Art, and thus has seen its popularity go through many ups-and-downs. Yet, connoisseurs have always associated Turquoise to skillful jewelry artisanry and other decorative arts -- much like Amber and Ivory were used. While most of us think of Arizona as the main producer of this gem, experts look to Persia -- today, mostly Iran and Turkey -- for high quality Turquoise gems.
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60th Wedding Anniversary
Anniversary Stone: DiamondDiamonds are a worldwide symbol of love, and the most brilliant gemstone. The ancient Greeks believed that they were splinters of stars that had fallen to Earth. Diamond jewelry is universally treasured as a symbol of everlasting love and perfection.

Traditional Theme: Diamond JubileeSee above

Modern Themes: Diamond / GoldSee above
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70th Wedding Anniversary
Anniversary Stone: SapphireThe most popular precious stone, Sapphire is known for its brilliance and durability. Although it occurs in every color except red, the stone is best known and loved for its deep celestial blue hue. Sapphire is a symbol of faith and goodness.

Traditional Theme: Sapphire JubileeSee above

Modern Themes: SapphireSee above

75th Wedding Anniversary

Anniversary Stone: DiamondDiamonds are a worldwide symbol of love, and the most brilliant gemstone. The ancient Greeks believed that they were splinters of stars that had fallen to Earth. Diamond jewelry is universally treasured as a symbol of everlasting love and perfection.

Traditional Theme: DiamondSee above

Modern Themes: Diamond / GoldSee above

article by : jewelryfinest

Is Sterling silver jewelry a good idea for gifts ?

Jewelry has always been an object of immense fascination for women. The quest for newness in jewelry is one that has been ongoing for ages together as craftsmen strive to create innovations in design, material and styles to satisfy the embellishment needs of women and decorate their beauty. Jewelry was originally made using precious metals and rare gems.

This attribute made people yearn to possess such masterpieces that were rare and unique. Jewelry’s worth was based on the metal, the stones used and the craftsmanship. These factors made jewelry an unattainable aspiration to many and a luxury that only the elite could afford. In recent years there has been a paradigm shift.

The use of sterling silver has made jewelry a dream come true to those who have been just gaping at the windows of jewelry shops. Silver has been used as a metal for jewelry for long, but silver as such is too soft a metal, and pure silver is seldom used for making jewelry. Sterling silver, however, is a harder alloy lending itself for exquisite craftsmanship.Sterling silver is 92.5 percent of silver and the remaining an alloy that is predominantly copper. Sterling silver offers just the right material properties like malleability and flexural strength and allows itself to be crafted into intricate designs.

Another great advantage is that sterling silver can be gold plated or plated with rhodium to make it look like platinum, giving it the appearance of one of the most expensive metals at the price of silver. One more unbeatable feature about sterling silver is that the metal can be given an antique finish to add a touch of nostalgia and a classic look to jewelry.Sterling silver jewelry has now swept the market and one can find an endless collection of beautifully crafted rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pedants and jewelry sets.

Among the most popular of choices is the cubic zirconia studded sterling silver jewelry. Cubic Zirconia or CZ as it is popularly known, so closely resembles a diamond that only the well trained eye can tell the difference between the two.

The combination of platinum like sterling silver finished jewelry studded with flawless diamond CZ is truly ethereal and regal.Though sterling silver came as a cost effective replacement for expensive jewelry, it has found the rich, the elite and the celebrities too building up huge and varied collections of sterling silver jewelry, which otherwise would have not been possible.

Today, sterling silver jewelry designs are celebrity inspired and designer inspired. There is not a single intricate craftsmanship that is not possible to imitate with this wonderful metal. Sterling silver jewelry can now be shopped with just the click of a mouse and right from the comforts of one’s home. There are many jewelry sites that offer wide collection of unique jewelry at rates that are down to earth.

Pearl Jewelry is Forever !

Class, style, timeless, sophistication, intelligence……….these are a few of the words to describe pearls and the women who wear them. With so many actresses and other famous women of modern times sporting bigger and more sparkly pearls, pearls have made a big comeback. And it doesn’t look like they’re going to fade away anytime soon.

Things have changed as today it’s just not the size of the pearl that makes it a statement, so much as it is a combination of the pearls themselves along with the celebrities who are wearing them. Yes, pearls are certainly enjoying resurgence! Celebrities and other famous women influence much of the look and style in today’s fashion world while also setting trends.

Yesterday’s style masters, Jackie O and Princess Diana, come to mind as both projected a glamorous elegance that so many women have strived to emulate. And who could forget Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? These women dressed with flair and accessorized with style and everyone wanted to be just like them. As homage to Old Hollywood glamour, here’s a look at pearl jewelry made famous by some of our most beloved ladies.1. One of the earliest known pearl collections is the Mary Queen of Scots pearls.

The most famous piece within this collection was a six-strand necklace strung as a rosary and consisting of more than 600 pearls. Queen Elizabeth I of England was a collector and lover of these pearls. 2. A legend known for her diamonds, not surprisingly, also loves pearls. Actress Elizabeth Taylor owns one of the world’s most famous pearls, the La Peregrina pearl, which was given to her in 1969 by then-husband Richard Burton. This very large, pear-shaped white pearl was found by a slave in the early 1500s in the Gulf of Panama.

The magnificent gem was owned by a long line of royalty, starting with Mary Tudor, the daughter of King Henry VIII, before Burton purchased it at auction for Taylor. Interestingly, Taylor once misplaced the famous La Peregrina pearl in her white-carpeted home. After an extensive search, guess where the pearl was found? In one of her beloved dog’s mouths.You can be a star!So, here’s a little insight on how you can be a fashion standout. There is an endless supply of imitation pearls and costume Jewelry Pearls on the market.

Playing around with them won’t cost you a fortune, can be very fun… and might even inspire you to be a fashion trendsetter. Why not mix various lengths or sizes of pearls together or entwine a silver or gold chain? How about mixing your real pearls with your imitation pearls? Remember when a new season hits, freshen your wardrobe with the latest pearls!Pearls are available in many hues – you could get several colors, lengths and styles and wear them with your little black dress for many distinct looks.

But this season the popular color is lavender. And the lavender family are various from pale iris to plum. Have you seen pearl rings in the magazines? From small, understated rings to oversized ones, pearl rings are hot.As a result, you can see that pearls will never go out of style - they are always a classy and a traditional wardrobe accessory that will never disappoint. You would not be wrong in saying that pearls are forever.

Articles by jewelryfinest

Basic Glossary of jewelry terms

Basic Glossary of Jewelry Terms

Everyone loves jewelry (especially women!) but jewelry terminology can sometimes sound like a foreign language altogether. Can you tell a baguette from a bezel? A cabochon from a crown?

Following is a list of basic jewelry terms that will allow you to better understand the lingo that so many sales associates speak, and next time you're at the store, you will sound like the expert.

Baguette setting -- A rectangular-shaped stone with rows of step-like facets. If the baguette's two long sides taper inward, it is called a Tapered baguette. Baguettes in long, thin cut rectangles are often used as enhancements to a lager center stone, or on a watch bezel.

Bar setting -- Similar to the channel setting, it is a circular band of diamonds or gemstones that holds each stone in by a long thin bar, shared between two stones.

Barion cut -- This has a traditional step-cut crown and a modified brilliant-cut pavilion. A square barion cut diamond has 61 facets, excluding the culet.

Bearding or girdle fringes -- The outermost portion of the stone, called the girdle, can develop small cracks that resemble whiskers during the polishing process. The bearding can sometimes be removed, if not too dramatic, with slight re-polishing, and if the weight allows.

Bezel -- With a bezel setting, a rim holds the stone and completely surrounds the gem. It is the upper portion above the girdle of a cut stone. Bezels can have straight edges, scalloped edges, or can be molded into any shape to accommodate the stone. A watch bezel is the upper part of the case surrounding the dial. They can be set with diamonds or other gemstones.

Blemishes -- The term blemish is used when the diamond has scratches or marks on the external area of the stone.

Brilliance -- Liveliness, or sparkle in a stone when light is reflected from the surface and from the total internal reflection of light.

Brilliant-cut -- Brilliant cuts are scientifically found to reflect the most light from within the stone, and often are considered to have the most brilliance of all cuts. A round brilliant-cut diamond has 58 facets. Other brilliant cuts include the heart, oval, marquise and pear shaped.

Cabochon -- A facet-less style of cutting that produces a smooth surface. They can be in many shapes, including round with high domes to squares.

Carat -- Unit of measure of weight of diamonds and gemstones. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. One carat can also be divided into 100 "points." A .75-carat stone is the same as a 75-point or 3/4-carat stone.

Certification (or Diamond Grading Reports) -- There are many recognized gemological laboratories that can grade your stones for a fee. The most well known is the GIA, Gemological Institute of America.

Channel setting -- Used most frequently for wedding and anniversary bands, a channel setting will set the stones right next to each other with no metal separating them.

Clarity -- A diamond often has natural imperfections, commonly referred to as inclusions, which contribute to its identifying characteristics. Inclusions are found within the diamond, and can be white, black, colorless, or even red or green. Most are undetectable by the human eye, and can only be seen with 10X magnification. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection called clarity.

Cleavage -- A natural area of the diamond where a weak bond holds the atoms together. The gem will be split along these planes by the cutter.

Cluster setting -- This setting surrounds a larger center stone with several smaller stones. It is designed to create a beautiful larger ring from many smaller stones.

Color -- Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Fancy colors refer to diamonds with hues like pink, blue, green, yellow, and very rarely red. Fancy colors are not included in this color scale and are considered extremely rare.

Crown -- This is the upper portion or the top of a diamond.

Culet -- The bottom point of the diamond. It may be polished in some stones Sometimes, a cutter may choose to make the culet a surface instead of a point.

Cushion cut -- A mixed-cut diamond shaped like a square pillow.

Cut -- Cut refers to the angles and proportions a skilled craftsman creates in transforming a rough diamond into a polished diamond. Based on scientific formulas, a well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to another and, disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone. This results in a display of brilliance and fire. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in less brilliance, and ultimately value.

Cutting style -- Cutting styles are different than diamond shapes. The simplest and most common way to explain cutting style is to categorize it into the following three basic types: Step-cut, Brilliant-cut and Mixed-cut.

Deep cut -- When a diamond is cut too deep, it will lose or leak light through the side or bottom. This results in less brilliance and value.

Diamond -- A diamond is the hardest known natural substance. It is crystallized carbon.

Diamonds are mined in their rough form and then, cut and polished to reveal their brilliance.
Diamond Grading Reports -- There are many recognized gemological laboratories that can grade your diamond for a fee. The most well known is the GIA, Gemological Institute of America.

Dispersion -- When light enters a diamond it reflects off the facets and the angles cut into the stone. This distribution of light is known as dispersion, or the display of the spectral colors.

Emerald shape -- A rectangular or square-shaped cut-cornered diamond. A form of step cutting, this cut is favored for diamonds and emeralds, as well as many other stones, when the principle purpose is to enhance color rather than brilliancy. It is also sometimes used to emphasize the absence of color in diamonds.

Facet -- Any flat polished surface of a diamond or gemstone. This style of cutting gives the stone many small faces at varying angles to one another. The placement, angle and shape of each facet are carefully planned and executed to show the stone's inherent beauty, fire, color, and brilliance to the fullest advantage.

Fancy Cut -- A diamond cut other than round -- such as baguette, emerald, pear, marquise, square, oval, heart, etc.

Fracture Filling -- A process that injects a substance into a diamond to hide inclusions.

Feather -- A type of inclusion or flaw within a diamond. It is described often as a small crack or fissure.

Finish -- Describes the exterior of the diamond. If a diamond is well polished, it has a very good finish.

Fire -- Often a term used instead of "dispersion," it is the variety and intensity of rainbow colors seen when light is reflected from a diamond.

Flat-top setting -- Like the Gypsy setting, this setting has a band that is one continuous piece that gets thicker at the top. A flat-top setting grows broader at the top so that a faceted stone can be inserted into the ring at the broadest part. The stone is held in place by metal chips attached at the stone's girdle.

Fluorescence -- When exposed to ultraviolet light, a diamond may exhibit a more whitish, yellowish or bluish tint, which may imply that the diamond has a property called fluorescence. The untrained eye can rarely see the effects of fluorescence. Diamond grading reports often state whether a diamond has fluorescent properties. Fluorescence is not considered a grading factor, only a characteristic of that particular diamond Gemological Institute of America (GIA) -- A nonprofit teaching institute considered the standard-bearer in the grading of diamonds and colored gemstones.

Girdle -- The outer edge of a cut stone, the dividing line between the crown and the pavilion. Sometimes the girdle is polished and sometimes it is unpolished. Ideally the width of the girdle should be even and proportional to the cut of the stone.

Growth or grain lines -- These can be considered internal flaws, and can often be seen only by rotating the diamond very slowly. They can appear and disappear almost instantaneously. They appear as small lines or planes within the diamond.

Gypsy setting -- The Gypsy setting is predominantly used for men's jewelry. The band is one continuous piece that gets thicker at the top. The top is dome shaped and the stone is inserted in the middle.

Hardness -- Resistance a material offers to scratching or abrasion. Generally measured using the MOHS scale.

Inclusion -- "Internal characteristics" apparent to a trained or professional eye at 10x magnification. Inclusions can be bubbles, crystals, carbon spots, feathers, clouds, pinpoints, or other impurities, or even cracks and abrasions.They are what make a diamond so unique, as a fingerprint does for a person.

Illusion setting -- This setting is more intricate than others in that it surrounds the stone to make it appear larger.

Loupe -- Any small magnifying glass mounted for hand use, to hold up to the eye socket or attach to a pair of glasses.

Luster -- The hue and depth of reflection from pearls, opals or other opaque stones.
Marquise shape -- A double-pointed, boat-shaped stone that is long and thin with gently curved sides coming to a

Mixed-cut -- This cut has both step-cut and brilliant-cut facets. Mixed cuts combine the beauty of the emerald cut with the sparkle of the brilliant cut.

MOHS Scale -- A scale of hardness with numbers from one to ten assigned to ten minerals of increasing hardness from talc to diamonds.

Mele -- Small, usually round diamonds less than .10 carats in size.

Natural -- A diamond characteristic that is part of the surface of a polished diamond that was not cut or polished during the cutting process.

Oiling -- This technique is commonly used on emeralds. The purpose of this technique is for the oil to fill the fine cracks that weaken the green color. The oil fills the cracks making them "disappear" and thereby improving the color.

Pave -- A type of setting where a number of small stones are set together. It literally means paved with diamonds.

Pavilion -- Bottom portion of the stone, under the girdle, measuring to the culet. It is the area below the girdle consisting of 23 facets in the round-brilliant-cut diamond.

Pear shape -- Term used to describe any diamond whose girdle outline resembles a pear shape. Ideally cut pear shapes have 58 facets.

Pinpoint -- An inclusion within a diamond. A gathering of pinpoints is called a "cluster" or "cloud." A cloud or cluster can appear as a hazy area in the diamond, a pinpoint appears as a dot.
Point -- Term meaning one-hundredth of a carat -- approximately the size of one-half a grain of sand.

Polish -- Indicates the care taken by the cutter in shaping and faceting the rough stone into a finished and polished diamond.

Poor cut -- A poorly cut diamond can be either cut too deep or too shallow. A deep or shallow cut diamond will lose or leak light through the side or bottom. This results in less brilliance and value.

Princess cut -- A square or sometimes rectangular-shaped modified brilliant-cut diamond.

Prong or claw setting -- The metal tip or bead that actually touches the stone and holds it into place. This setting usually consists of four or six claws that cradle the stone. Because this setting allows the maximum amount of light to enter a stone from all angles, it sometimes can make a diamond appear larger and more brilliant than its actual weight. This setting can also hold larger diamonds more securely.

Proportion -- The proportions of a diamond are very important, so that the maximum amount of light be reflected off and out of a stone. Proportion is the relationship between the angles of the facets of the crown and pavilion.

Radiant cut -- A rectangular or square shaped diamond with step-cut and scissor-cut on the crown, and a brilliant-cut on the pavilion.

Refraction -- The bending of light rays as they pass through a diamond or gemstone.

Rough -- Uncut diamonds or gemstones.

Scintillation -- When light reflects from a diamond, the sparkling flashes that come from the facets of the gem are known as scintillation.

Shallow cut -- When a diamond is cut too shallow, it will lose or leak light through the side or bottom. This results in less brilliance and value.

Shape -- Form or appearance of a diamond; i.e.: whether the diamond is round, triangular, square, marquise, pear, oval or heart-shaped.

Solitaire -- A single diamond or stone set by itself in mounting.

Step cut -- With rows of facets that resemble the steps of a staircase. The emerald cut and the baguette are examples of the step cut.

Symmetry -- Symmetry is the arrangement of the facets and finished angles created by the diamond cutter. Excellent symmetry of a well-cut and well-proportioned diamond can have a great effect on the diamond's brilliance and fire. Grading reports will often state the diamond's symmetry in terms Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair, or Poor.

Table -- The top surface of a cut diamond or gemstone.

Table facet -- This is the largest facet of a diamond. It is located on the top of the diamond. The table facet is sometimes referred to as the "face."

Table spread -- Term used to describe the width of the table facet, often expressed as a percentage of the total width of the stone.

Tension setting -- A diamond is held in place by the pressure of the band's metal, which is designed to "squeeze" the stone.

Trillion shape -- Is a triangular-shaped diamond with 50 facets. Trillions are commonly used as side-stones.

Well cut - Well-cut proportions ensure the maximum compromise between fire and brilliance. When light enters a properly cut diamond, it is reflected from facet to facet, and then back up through the top, exhibiting maximum brilliance, fire and sparkle.

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Educational Links

World Gold Council -
Founded in 1987, the World Gold Council is an organization formed and funded by the world's leading gold mining companies with the aim of stimulating and maximising the demand for, and holding of, gold by consumers, investors, industry, and the official sector.

Gemological Institute of America -
Established in 1931, the GIA is the world’s largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning.

Platinum Guild International -
Platinum Guild International is funded by leading platinum producers and refiners. Founded in 1975, they have been providing sales support and training to all levels of the jewelry trade for almost 30 years

Wikipedia -
An excellent resource for information on jewelry.

Gold, Platinum, Silver & other Precious Metal FAQs

Gold, Platinum, Silver and Other Precious Metals FAQs

• What is a karat?
• What is the difference between a karat and a carat?
• What is the difference between 14K & 18K gold?
• Can I buy jewelry that is pure gold?
• What is used to change the color of gold?
• What is the difference between platinum and white gold?
• What kind of metal is platinum?
• Why should I consider platinum?
• What is Mokume-Gane?
• What is Shakudo?
• What is Sterling Silver?

Pure gold (fine gold) is softer than pure silver but harder than tin. Its beauty and luster are unmatched by any alloyed gold. The extreme malleability, ductility, and softness of pure gold make it practically useless for jewelry applications. The addition of alloying elements (other metals) to gold are used to increase the toughness and hardness of the metal. While almost any metal can be alloyed (melted) with gold, only a select group of metals will not dramatically change the color or make the metal brittle. For example, we never mix indium with gold because it turns gold purple and gives gold the workability of glass.

What is a Karat ?

Over time, certain percentages of gold have become legally recognized "karats." The karat indicates the amount of gold as a percentage of the total, i.e. 24 karat is 100 percent gold. In karated gold, there is a balance of metals in the non-gold percentage called alloys. These metals provide the various colors and hardness of karated gold. 18 karat gold is 18 parts gold and 6 parts alloys such as copper, nickel, silver or zinc. 14 karat gold is 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy. Gold standards vary around the world. In the United States, 18, 14, and 10 karat gold are the only karats allowed to be sold as karated gold.

What is the difference between 14 karat and 18 karat gold?

18 karat gold means that the metal is 18 parts out of 24 pure gold, or in other words, 75% pure gold. 18 karat gold is the standard for European jewelry. 14 karat gold is 14 parts gold, or 58.5% pure gold. It is the standard for American jewelry.

What is used to change the color of gold?

The addition of alloying elements (other metals) to gold are used to increase the toughness and hardness of the metal, as well as change the color. Adjusting the proportions of coloring agents provides the array of colors on the market. Additional metals enhance properties such as castability, grain size, hardness, corrosion resistance, color, workability, ultimate strength, and others. These additions can dramatically change the properties of the karated metal for better or worse. For example: 18 karat rose gold is 75%, or 18 parts fine gold and 25%, or 6 parts copper. It is the rich red copper combined with the pure yellow gold that creates a warm rosy tone. 14 karat white gold is 14 parts gold and 10 parts white metal, either nickel or palladium. These white metals dominate the color, creating a warm gray tone.
Typical alloying elements and their color effect : Copper - Reddening Silver - Greening Zinc - Bleaching Nickel - Whitening Palladium - Whitening
Examples of the compositions of different colors are: Yellow Gold: copper, silver, zinc White Gold: copper, nickel, zinc Red (Rose) Gold: copper Green Gold: silver

What is the difference between a carat and a karat?

A carat is a unit of weight for gemstones, where one carat equals 1/5 of a gram, or 200 milligrams. 142 carats equals one ounce. Carats are divided into 100 units, called points . For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50 points. The important thing to note is that carat is a unit of weight, not a unit of size. A one carat stone that is dense will be smaller than a one carat stone that is less dense. For example, sapphires are denser than diamonds, so a one carat sapphire will be smaller than a one carat diamond.
A karat is not a unit of weight. The word karat refers to the amount of gold in a particular item. Karats are measured in units of 24, where 24 karat gold is pure gold. 18 karat gold is 18 parts gold and 6 parts alloys such as copper, nickel, silver or zinc. 14 karat gold is 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy.

What is the difference between Platinum & White Gold?

Platinum is a precious metal that costs more than gold. It usually is mixed with other similar metals, known as the platinum group metals: iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium. All of the platinum jewelry sold by diamond.com is the highest grade platinum, which is 95% platinum. Platinum is extremely dense, and is much heavier than gold or silver. Platinum has a remarkably high level of durability so it does not wear or tarnish like other metals. White gold is rhodium plated to give it the same white look as platinum, but eventually the rhodium wears off and the white gold takes on a yellow cast. White gold jewelry should be rhodium plated every few years to maintain its whiteness. Platinum does not yellow or tarnish and maintains its white appearance with little maintenance. Platinum is not susceptible to problems like stress cracking or corrosion as can be the case with white gold. Though platinum can scratch, it is more durable than white gold and does not wear down or abrade like gold. Scratches can easily be removed by buffing, and all that is required to maintain platinum is to soak it in a mild solution of soap and warm water followed by a gently rubbing with a soft bristled brush.

What kind of metal is platinum?

Platinum is considered to be the "most precious" of the precious metals. Platinum is your metal of choice, when only the best will do. Rarer than gold, stronger and more enduring - platinum is also the choice of jewelry designers for fine heirloom quality jewelry.

Platinum History: Platinum evokes the future through the cool gray color and technological uses, but it also recalls the past. In the 1890's the world renowned Louis Cartier introduced the metal as a setting, and made it part of his most exquisite creations for kings and millionaires. During the first 40 years of the twentieth century, platinum was the preferred metal for wedding and engagement rings and was almost always used to enhance the beauty of diamonds and other gemstones. However, for the duration of World War II, platinum was declared a strategic material and its use in most non-military applications was prohibited.

Platinum Statistics:

1. Due to the unusual characteristics of this metal, a platinum smith must have a different set of tools than a goldsmith. For instance, platinum melts at 3225 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to fine gold which melts at 1945.

2. Platinum is more scarce than gold - The annual supply of platinum is only about 130 tons - which is only 6% (by weight) of the total Western World's annual mine production of gold.

3. Approximately 10 tons of ore must be mined to produce one pure ounce of platinum. Furthermore, the total extraction process takes six long months.

4. All the platinum ever mined throughout history would fill a room of less than 25 cubic feet.

5. Platinum is even heavier than gold, 11% more dense. One cubic foot weighs around 1,330 pounds.

6. Platinum has many more industrial uses than either silver or gold. In fact more than 50% of the yearly production is consumed (read destroyed) by industrial uses.

7. Also unlike gold, there are no large inventories of above-ground platinum. Therefore, any breakdown in the two major supply sources would catapult the price into orbit. Palladium is one of six metals in the platinum family. It has similar characteristics of platinum, such as high melting temperature, cool gray color, durability and rarity, however, it is much less dense ( lower specific gravity).

Palladium is the metal of choice to mix with pure gold to create the finest white gold. The color of palladium white gold contrasts nicely with the white of sterling silver.

What is Mokume-Gane?

Mokume-gane is a Japanese technique developed about a century ago of layering non-ferrous, precious metal and patterning it. It originates from the ancient Japanese technique of creating Damascus steel which was used for sword blades. Two or more metals are stacked in alternating sheets and fused together. The billet is then forged and formed and filed to reveal an interesting pattern of the layers of sheet. "Mokume-gane" means wood grain.

Shakudo is a Japanese alloy made of 96% copper and 4% fine gold. It has a natural dark patina and, if worn away by sand or chemicals, it will naturally re-darken through contact with water, air, the skin, and chemicals such as ammonia.

Silver Sterling Silver is the whitest of all the metals. Fine silver is generally too soft for most jewelry applications. Sterling Silver is a mix of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. Silver products sometimes may be marked 925 , which means that 925 parts per thousand are pure silver. 99.9% silver is called "Fine silver." Sterling components and jewelry made in the USA are often stamped "Sterling." Goods made for international trade are often marked "925" indicating the 92.5% fineness. "Coin" silver is used in some countries and could be marked "900" or "800" depending on fineness.

Articles By Jewelryfinest.com

How to take Care Of Gold Jewelry

Whether bought for yourself or as a gift, gold expresses love, permanence, individuality and style more eloquently than words could ever do.

If treated carefully, the gold jewelry item you purchase today could last a lifetime and might even be handed down to future generations. So here are some tips that will help preserve the beauty of your gold jewelry.

First of all, gold is lasting and durable but can get scratched or dented if treated roughly. This is particularly true of items worn on the hands like rings and bracelets that are prone to a lot of knocks. So remove these pieces before any type of strenuous activity.

Second, beware of chemicals. Gold's worst enemy is chlorine. Repeated exposure can weaken gold's structure, eventually leading to breakage. So keep your gold jewelry away from chlorinated cleaning products and out of swimming pools and jacuzzis.

On a related note, acids, abrasives and other harsh chemicals found in some common household cleaning solutions can weaken your jewelry or damage its finish. So it's best to cover up rings and bracelets with rubber gloves while doing heavy-duty cleaning. Or better yet, take them off altogether.

Gold can lose its luster over time if repeatedly exposed to dust, moisture, perspiration and makeup. So make sure to clean your jewelry regularly. You can use a cleaning solution of sudsy, lukewarm water, or bring it to your local jeweler and have it professionally steam-cleaned. After cleaning and rinsing, always dry and polish jewelry with a chamois or soft cloth to avoid scratches and bring out its shine.

Proper storage is as important as cleaning. Protect your gold jewelry by storing it safely in a jewelry box or keeping it wrapped in a soft cloth when not being worn. Furthermore, keeping pieces stored separately will prevent them from getting tangled or scratching one another.

Finally, always inspect your gold jewelry for weakness or damage and bring it to a professional jeweler you trust for immediate repair. Pay particular attention to clasps (to ensure they catch easily but are still secure); prongs (to ensure they haven't cracked, bent or loosened, which could cause the stone to fall out); bracelet and neckchain links (to ensure they don't kink or bend); pin backs and earring posts (to see if they are bent or loose); and wedding bands, pendants and charms (dangling pieces and items worn every day for a long period of time) are subject to wear and can thin out and eventually break.

Your jeweler will be able to handle these and many other repair jobs and ultimately restore your gold jewelry for you.

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