Anniversary Gift Ideas for Every Milestone: How to Choose Wedding Anniversary Jewelry by Year
Whether it’s a milestone or your very first, an anniversary is always a big deal. Maybe you’re feeling the pressure to deliver the perfect jewelry gift at a fancy dinner—the anxiety is high!
Worry no more. There’s actually a method behind the madness of anniversary jewelry gifts. Each anniversary year is represented by a special gemstone or precious metal. For example, a traditional ten year anniversary gift would include a diamond.
Not only is this a special tradition you can build on every year but it also provides a guide that makes anniversary jewelry shopping a lot easier.
How to Pick an Anniversary Gift for Her
Is she dropping hints about her favorite anniversary jewelry gift ideas? Or maybe she expects you to read her mind. Think back to your engagement. Did she have a second favorite engagement ring choice? If so, this could be the perfect anniversary gift. Other ideas include women’s stackable rings (she can add to her collection every year), necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
How to Pick an Anniversary Gift for Him
Men deserve to have jewelry gifts for their anniversary, too. If your man loves to wear a little bling, consider starting his collection with a set of men’s rings in his favorite gemstone and gold color. Other options include men’s necklaces, men’s earrings, and of course, the classic cufflinks.
Traditional Anniversary Jewelry Gifts by Year
Anniversary jewelry goes way back. For centuries, men have used these traditional gemstones to guide their jewelry purchases. As your love grows, so will her jewelry collection. And someday, your children and grandchildren will share stories of the legendary jewelry—and your unforgettable love story.
Year One: Gold
Yellow gold, white gold, and black gold are all great gifts for your first anniversary together. For centuries, gold was considered the most valuable substance on earth. While that’s no longer the case, gold is still very precious—and it makes a statement when you place it around her neck. If you’re not sure what gemstone to add, go back to your engagement ring shopping and choose her runner-up.
Year Five: Sapphire
Your first big anniversary together deserves something special—and sapphire is the traditional gift of choice. Sapphire represents wisdom and good fortune, which is perfect for your first five years together. Maybe you’re just hitting your groove in your respective careers—or you’re ready to start a family. Either way, a sapphire gemstone will celebrate the next era of your relationship.
Year Ten: Diamond
The idea of growing old together becomes more real when you reach your tenth anniversary. And that’s something to celebrate! Traditionally, the diamond is recommended for the ten-year anniversary—because it’s unbreakable, like your love is proving to be.
Year Fifteen: Ruby
A celebration of tradition and prosperity—the ruby has been praised for its beauty for generations. This gemstone’s brilliant red hue represents passion, which may help reignite your relationship after a decade of driving the kids to school and sitting through endless soccer practices. After fifteen years together, a present this lovely will be even more appreciated than during the honeymoon phase.
Year Twenty: Emerald
You may be thinking, how did we make it all the way to twenty years? Soulmates celebrating twenty-year anniversaries are truly lucky. But before you get too far ahead of yourselves, remember that this is still just the beginning of your love story. Celebrate your queen—the emerald represents royalty and elegance.
Year Twenty Five: Silver
You may have noticed that certain anniversaries are assigned a precious metal instead of a gemstone. This makes them an extra special celebration. The silver anniversary is considered the “Silver Jubilee” and deserves a party in addition to fine jewelry gifts.
Year Thirty: Pearl
This precious stone requires just the right conditions—and many years—to form. That’s why pearl is the perfect thirty-year anniversary gift. Celebrate your thirty-year milestone with mutual pearl gifts and a special vacation, too!
Year Forty: Ruby
Yep, you read that right. Rubies represent both the fifteenth anniversary and the fortieth. It’s a classic and traditional gemstone that’s packed full of meaning and love. For your fortieth anniversary, consider adding to the previous ruby piece. Choose a stackable ring set or add matching earrings and a necklace.
Year Fifty: Gold
Prosperity and power. By the time you reach your fiftieth anniversary, you’re considered royalty in the married world—and you deserve to be. Honor your loved one with a royal gold ring—perhaps an upgrade to the original wedding rings? If you want to make the day extra special, consider renewing your vows in front of the whole family.
Year Sixty: Diamond
If you ever needed proof that your marriage is truly unbreakable, sixty years together is it. You’ve been through thick and thin—no one knows your partner like you do. And you wouldn’t have it any other way. Give your partner the biggest diamond you can find and an even bigger celebration with your friends and family.
You Deserve to Romanticize Your Relationship — No Matter How Long You’ve Been Together
You may think it’s too early or too late to give your lover a special anniversary gift. Maybe you’re twenty years into your relationship and you’ve never had the money to buy fine jewelry gifts until now.
Don’t feel shy—that’s completely normal. Many couples start giving anniversary jewelry gifts halfway into their relationships, and the gifts are just as romantic (maybe even more!).
Wherever you are in your love story, you deserve to romanticize your relationship. Embrace the candles, pour the champagne, buy the jewelry, and celebrate your marriage surrounded by family and friends. You’ll never regret going all out for the person you love.
