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About Sapphires - According to Wikipedia, "Sapphire is any gemstone-quality corundum that is not true red. (The red variety of corundum is also known as ruby.)" Different colors are caused by various chemical impurities, and if the color isn't mentioned, the sapphire is assumed to be blue.
"Star" sapphires are the result of needle-like inclusions in the stone that are visible only when the stone is cut as a (non-faceted) cabochon.
Scoring 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are second only to diamonds in hardness, and they're out of most people's price range for 45th anniversary gifts. However, lab-created synthetic sapphires are an excellent and far more affordable choice. Our research suggests that Chatham stones are well worth your attention.
Do not confuse the term "synthetic" with "simulated" or "simulant."
- Synthetic gems are composed of the same material as natural gems.
- Simulated gems or simulants are imitations - often very well made and very pretty, but usually made of crystal (the best are cubic zirconia) or glass (more info).
So... shop for sapphire 45th anniversary gifts with care. Many retailers use the term "synthetic" when the stones are actually simulants or imitations. Be sure to deal with a reputable jeweler and insist on knowing the chemical composition of any gemstone you purchase.
Now, let's leave jewelry and think creatively about 45th anniversary gifts that the couple can share. You'll find gift ideas to consider with imitation sapphires, gifts that depict sapphires, gifts in sapphire colors, and gifts with "sapphire" in their names.
"Sapphire Prancer," a graceful carousel figurine with imitation sapphires, will bring your anniversary couple a smile. This pretty keepsake box with imitation pink sapphire can store other 45th anniversary gifts when the chocolates are gone. Lapis lazuli, "the sapphire of the Ancient World," forms the oceans of this gemstone desk globe.
Hand painted 45th anniversary gifts add an artistic dimension - sapphires are depicted on these floral motif boxes from Peru. This tall hand-painted vase from India is brightly studded with sapphire blossoms, while this simple sapphire art print depicts its blossoms in a quieter style.
Sapphire colors will put your gift on-theme, as in a sapphire blue glass vase or glass decanter, or the appealing "Pink Sapphire" bouquet from ProFlowers.com. An interesting "Sapphire Clouds" mirror, handcrafted in Brazil, and a pair of bright alabaster bookends demonstrate the wide range of sapphire blues you can find for 45th anniversary gifts.
"Sapphire Sophistication" names a hand stitched rug from Kashmir, while beautiful blues earn the title "Sapphire" for this quilted bedding set. "Elite Sapphire" microlights are handy and useful 45th anniversary gifts, so affordable that the grandkids can give one each to Grandma and Grandpa.
For something a bit different, there's a cool look to this sapphire table lamp - a pair would make nice 45th anniversary gifts for the summer bedroom. Or, get your anniversary couple a set of custom designed postage stamps (they are approved by the U.S. Post Office). Submit a sapphire colored design, or use your couple's favorite photo - with a sapphire-colored border, of course!
Travel destinations make exciting 45th anniversary gifts - perhaps to a "sapphire" beach resort, perhaps a trip to view the Sapphire Pool at Yellowstone National Park, or a visit to Lake Sapphire in North Carolina. As they reminisce or plan new travels, your anniversary couple can enjoy cup of Sapphire Earl Grey tea or perhaps a Bombay Sapphire gin cocktail.
A final thought bears repeating: By now, your anniversary couple may be retired and trying to downsize. Be sensitive to that, so your gift will avoid adding clutter to their lives. As you consider 45th anniversary gifts, give extra thought to consumables, or an experience or destination gift.
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Logo photo by Jane M. Sawyer, courtesy of morguefile.com.