Sapphire Wedding Anniversary: Our Gift Ideas

Couples have exchanged gifts to celebrate their wedding anniversaries for several centuries. Lists of symbols, such as the sapphire anniversary for 16 years of marriage, emerged in the 19th century: each year has its material, from cotton for the first year to diamond for the diamond anniversary. They have since served as inspiration for finding gift ideas.

The meaning of sapphire being primarily fidelity, loyalty and wisdom, this precious stone is one of the most magnificent representations of a love that has grown stronger over the years. Sixteen years together is a milestone: that of a couple who have weathered the seasons and chosen to continue writing their story.

The blue sapphire traditionally embodies these 16 years of union, but it is only the colour of sapphire best known. In recent years, other sapphires—violet, green, pink or teal sapphire —have become increasingly sought after to personalise the symbol.

The sapphire for 16 years is part of a calendar in which gemstones and precious materials mark the life of a couple. Here are the key “stones and metals” milestones to remember:

Sapphire is among the most sought-after gemstones in jewellery. With a hardness of 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale — just behind diamond —, this stone can be set in a multitude of rings to be worn every day without concern. It is ideal for creating a unique creation, for an occasion as special as a wedding anniversary.

The great classics of sapphire jewellery:

• The ring — the most meaningful gesture, echoing the original proposal. A sleek solitaire, a diamond halo or a daisy ring, whose corolla of diamonds makes the sapphire’s blue shine. For a sapphire anniversary, it is almost always this classic blue that prevails: see our blue sapphire engagement rings.
• The pendant — often in a round or pear cut, worn close to the heart; the tender gift par excellence.
• Earrings — understated studs or drop earrings for special occasions.
• The bracelet — a single sapphire on a fine chain, or punctuated with diamonds.

In a classic or more original cut, our sapphire engagement rings can also inspire you: many of our clients draw from them the design for an anniversary ring — and some take the opportunity to offer, sixteen years later, the engagement ring that their budget at the time had not allowed.

Blue is the colour of sapphire anniversaries — but sapphires come in almost every colour. Choosing an unexpected shade turns the symbol into a personal message: your partner’s favourite colour, the colour of a travel memory, the colour of their eyes.

Different men’s jewellery pieces can be set with a sapphire: a ring, bracelet, necklace or signet ring — deep blue sapphire on yellow gold or white gold has a distinctly masculine elegance, and its hardness makes it an everyday jewel.

As personalised gifts are often the most appreciated, consider aphoto album showcasing your finest memories, a gourmet gift box or, why not, tickets to a concert, festival or sporting event. A class is another good gift idea for men on a sapphire anniversary, depending on his passions — or to enjoy together, such as a dance class.

An experience out of the ordinary that will create new memories is generally an excellent wedding anniversary gift. Or perhaps a surprise : secretly gather the family, organise a mystery trip to a romantic destination…

For a nod to the symbol, note that any gift can be presented in a blue box or wrapping paper — a watch, a beautiful leather object, a pen…

Wedding anniversary symbols offer ideas, and a gift for a sapphire anniversary does not have to be exclusively sapphire — including jewellery. A “blue gift” is a lovely way to stay on theme:

• a weekend by the sea,
• a dinner under the stars,
• a cruise,
• a thalassotherapy weekend,
• blue flowers: hydrangeas, periwinkles, irises…
• a painting in which blue predominates…

In terms of gemstones, other blue gems are used to create rings, bands, necklaces or bracelets: aquamarine — which also makes a charming gemstone for a 20th wedding anniversary ring —, lapis lazuli, turquoise (associated with 18 years of marriage), tanzanite and other stones that can be adorned in blue.

This may make it possible to choose a particular shade of blue or to find a precise meaning, since each stone embodies specific virtues.

Sixteen years of marriage deserve better than a mass-produced jewel. The approach our clients prefer for sapphire anniversaries: choose the stone first — from among certified sapphires, sourced directly — then design together the setting that will bring it to life, in our Paris workshop.

And if the first ring dates back sixteen years, the anniversary is also the perfect opportunity to renew your vows — with, at the end of it, the blue sapphire ring you dreamed of then.