23rd Anniversary
gemstone: Imperial Topaz.
Twenty-three years — approaching silver, glowing gold
Quick answer
The 23rd anniversary gemstone is Imperial Topaz. The 23rd anniversary traditional gift is silver plate — a base metal with a thin silver layer, affordable but eventually wearing through to what lies beneath. The honest contrast writes itself: a twenty-three-year marriage is not plated; it is solid all the way through. Imperial topaz, the modern stone, is the precious-metal parallel in gem form. It comes almost exclusively from one place on Earth — Ouro Preto, in Brazil's Minas Gerais — and its golden-orange to pinkish hues are typically natural color (unlike blue topaz, which is almost always irradiated and heat-treated). The pink component comes from trace chromium, a rare chromophore in topaz. At Mohs 8, topaz is literally the hardness-scale reference mineral for that number, though its basal cleavage means a hard knock in the wrong direction can split it — a note for protective settings. The name Imperial traces to two stories: Russian czars reserving Ural-mountain pink topaz for the royal family, and Brazilian Emperor Pedro II's affection for the Ouro Preto stones. Fine sherry-and-peach colors run $200-400 per carat; large vivid untreated specimens can reach $1,000-1,800.
23rd anniversary gift ideas
- ✓Imperial topaz pendant — the golden modern choice
- ✓A sterling silver piece — the honest alternative to plated
- ✓Imperial topaz earrings — the warm pre-silver glow
- ✓A silver-framed photo with topaz accent
- ✓A large untreated imperial topaz for the collector
Imperial Topaz for your 23rd
The 23rd anniversary is the imperial topaz anniversary. Every piece below can be personalized with her own birthstone in a imperial topaz setting — imperial topaz for the milestone, her stone for her.
18K Gold Vermeil
Star Birthstone Necklace — All 12 Months
✦ Choose your birth month stone — all 12 months available
2-Stone ring
Birthstone Stack Ring Set (2 Rings)
S925 Sterling Silver
Birthstone Drop Necklace — All 12 Months
✦ Choose your birth month — 12 natural gemstones
18K Gold Vermeil
Birthstone Charm Hoops
23rd anniversary FAQ
What is the gemstone for the 23rd anniversary?
Imperial topaz is the modern 23rd anniversary stone. Silver plate is the traditional gift.
What is imperial topaz?
The golden-orange to pinkish variety of topaz, almost exclusively from Ouro Preto, Brazil. Unlike most blue topaz (which is irradiated), imperial topaz is typically natural color, with pink tones from trace chromium.
Why is it called imperial?
Two origin stories coexist: Russian czars reserved Ural-mountain pink topaz for the royal family, and Brazilian Emperor Pedro II favored the Ouro Preto stones. Either way, the name stuck for the finest grade.
What is the difference between silver plate and sterling silver?
Silver plate is a thin silver layer electroplated onto base metal that will eventually wear through. Sterling silver is 92.5% solid silver (marked 925) throughout — a fitting parallel for a marriage that is solid, not plated.