Fifth Year Anniversary Gift Guide: Sapphire

Sapphire is the official fifth anniversary gift gemstone, making it a wonderful gift if you want to honor anniversary gift traditions with a twist of luxury. Sapphire is famous for its vivid blue color, but the gem also comes in a variety of colors ranging from a luscious pink to vibrant green. 

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, describing all colors of corundum except red, which are considered to be rubies. These cherished gems were first discovered in Sri Lanka in 500 BC and have been highly sought after ever since. In addition to their exceptional range of colors, sapphires are wonderful fifth anniversary gifts because of their remarkable hardness, second only to diamonds. Sapphires are also believed to represent wisdom, truth, and integrity, highlighting these qualities in your partner.

Brief History of Anniversary Gifts

Wedding anniversary gift traditions originated in the Victorian Era, which saw a shift from arranged or political marriage to marriages based on love. Over time, these traditions evolved into the marriages we know today. According to anniversary gift traditions first published in the 18th century, wood is considered to be the traditional fifth anniversary gift. This can include wooden furniture, picture frames, or other wooden decorations. 

Sapphire Color

When choosing a sapphire for your fifth anniversary gift, color is the most important factor to consider.  Blue sapphire is the most famed color of sapphire, but you can also find the gem in a stunning array of colors including pink, yellow, green, and orange. The only color of sapphire you cannot find is red, as any red corundum gemstone is considered to be a ruby. This means that no matter your partner's personal style, you are sure to find a sapphire to suit their taste. 

Like all colored gems, sapphires are evaluated based on their hue, tone, and saturation. The most important quality in a sapphire is saturation, with highly saturated colors being the most prized. Because they are the most popular, blue sapphires will also fetch the highest prices. The second most popular sapphire color is pink, which is a wonderful fifth anniversary gift for their feminine and romantic color. Lastly, purple and green are the least valuable colors of sapphire, but they are still exceptional fifth anniversary gifts for their stunning colors and durability. 

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Kashmir Sapphires

Kashmir sapphires are some of the most prized gems in the world, making for a truly luxurious fifth anniversary gift. This supply of famous gems was discovered in Kashmir in the late 1800s, where they quickly rose to fame for their intense, velvety blue color and stunning clarity. Because of their popularity, the source was quickly depleted, making them exceptionally rare and very sought after. 

Padparadscha Sapphires

Padparadscha sapphires are the rarest color of sapphire, making for an incredibly unique fifth anniversary gift. They range between pink and orange hues, creating a stunning range of unique colors. Some padparadscha sapphires are evenly colored, but some exhibit a stunning zoning effect with different hues in different regions of the gem. 

Sapphire Bracelets

Sapphire bracelets are a stunning fifth anniversary gift, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. There are many different types of sapphire bracelets to choose from to represent your partner and their unique personality. Tennis bracelets are a timeless choice and can be worn for any occasion from everyday wear to a formal event. Bangle bracelets featuring bold sapphire gems can also be an excellent choice if you are looking for more of a statement piece.

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Sapphire Rings

Sapphire rings are a fantastic choice for a fifth anniversary gift, as the bold colors of sapphire can perfectly complement your diamond engagement ring. A solitaire sapphire ring can make for a classic gift, and a diamond halo can add a touch of luxury to the piece. An eternity ring is also a wonderful choice if you are looking for something stackable that still has a wow factor. No matter the style you are going for, you are sure to find the right sapphire ring to match your pattern's style and complement your engagement ring or wedding band.

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Sapphire Necklaces

If you want to gift a bold piece of jewelry, sapphire necklaces are the perfect choice for your fifth anniversary gift. A sapphire pendant can be a subtle yet elegant choice, adding a pop of color to any outfit and suitable for any occasion. If you are looking for a more intricate design, sapphire and diamonds can pair beautifully together to create unique pendants such as this Pear Sapphire and Diamond Halo necklace or White Gold Double Halo Pink Sapphire and Diamond Necklace from James Allen.

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Sapphire Earrings

Sapphire earrings are a stunning and timeless fifth anniversary gift, pairing well with any outfit to add a unique element of color. There are endless possibilities when choosing your sapphire earrings, ranging from a simple pair of simple sapphire stud earrings to elaborate drop earrings. Diamonds can beautifully compliment sapphires in your earrings to truly add that wow factor to your fifth anniversary gift, creating a truly elegant and luxurious piece. 

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Caring For Sapphire

Sapphires make for a fantastic fifth anniversary gift because of their notable durability, so you know they will last for anniversaries to come. Sapphires are a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them second only to diamonds. Because they are so durable, there is no need to take extra precautions with your sapphire jewelry compared to other pieces. When cleaning your fifth anniversary gift, warm, soapy water is the safest option, although ultrasonic cleaners are unlikely to damage sapphire.