Anniversary Gift Ideas for Each Year

Anniversaries are milestones that deserve to be celebrated in style. Be it your first anniversary or fiftieth, every year marks a new chapter in your love story. For each anniversary the gift changes to symbolize renewed promises to your partner. For example, the first year is gold, which celebrates new beginnings and the preciousness of the first year together, while the twentieth is emerald - which embodies the patience and compassion needed to embark on a twenty-year journey with someone. Incorporating these traditional materials into your gift offers a way to add meaning to the celebration of your anniversary. As an added bonus, it takes away some of the guesswork in what to get your partner.

Anniversary jewelry comes in many styles and forms, catering to individual preferences. Whether you prefer the timeless charm of diamonds or the contemporary sophistication of rose gold, a perfect piece awaits you. We have detailed the traditional materials associated with each year, and then give you some practical jewelry selection tips to help you pick out the perfect piece.

Milestone Marvels: Traditional & Contemporary Metals

Anniversary jewelry is steeped in tradition, with some years symbolically represented by a specific metal. From the elegance of silver to the warmth of bronze and the classic allure of gold, traditional metals hold a timeless appeal. So, whether you’re celebrating your fifth or fiftieth anniversary, you can find a piece of jewelry that encapsulates your journey of love.

But if tradition isn’t your style, don’t fret! Anniversary jewelry continues to adapt, welcoming modern metals such as tungsten, titanium, and cobalt. These metals not only offer a modern edge but are also incredibly durable, making them perfect for everyday wear. So go ahead, mix and match these metals, and create a piece that truly reflects your unique love story.

Gemstone Galore: Stone Type & Color Significance

Gemstones are the heart of any jewelry piece, and each gemstone holds a special significance. In anniversary jewelry, gemstones not only add a pop of color but also symbolize the different stages of your relationship. For instance, a peridot represents healing, protection, and growth, making it an ideal, but not traditional, choice for the first anniversary. On the other hand, a garnet, symbolizing strength and intimacy, is perfect for the second anniversary.

Gemstones offer more than just symbolic value. Their color significantly contributes to their attractiveness. Current trends favor classic and brightly colored gemstones such as:

• Rubies
• Sapphires
• Emeralds
• Aquamarines

These vibrant alternatives to diamonds bring a unique flair to any piece of jewelry, making it the perfect gift for your anniversary.

First Anniversary Gift Idea: Gold

Diamond Rhythm of Love Earrings in Yellow Gold

Gold is a traditional gift associated with the first anniversary, and it’s a fitting one. Like the first anniversary, gold is pure, bright, and beautiful. Gold symbolizes new beginnings, fitting for celebrating the first year of marriage, and the preciousness of exploring the newness of your commitment to each other brings.

There are many different types of gold jewelry for you to choose from for your first anniversary. If you want to dazzle them on their first anniversary, gold and diamond earrings are an excellent option. Depending on their preferences, you could also go with a more understated gift, like a chic gold bracelet or gold pendant necklace. Another idea we love for the first anniversary is gifting a gold charm bracelet or gold charm necklace. A charm bracelet or necklace allows you to build on your first anniversary gift, adding a charm for each year of marriage.

Yellow gold is the most traditional type of gold to gift on the first anniversary. However, white gold and rose gold are also beautiful, appropriate choices.

Second Anniversary Gift Idea: Garnet

Silver Garnet Rhythm Of Love Pendant

Garnet is the gemstone associated with the second wedding anniversary. Garnet is a gorgeous, versatile gemstone. While red garnet is the most well known variety of garnet, this gem actually comes in a rainbow of different hues, which makes this semi-precious stone a favorite among jewelry lovers. The red garnet has long been believed to be of the heart, most commonly being associated with love and protection, which makes it a fantastic choice for the second anniversary.

For those celebrating their second wedding anniversary, garnet is quite an affordable gemstone, so it’s easier to fit a larger garnet into your anniversary shopping budget. The affordability of garnet makes getting larger, more intense statement pieces easier. Some excellent options include a bold, garnet cocktail ring or a tennis bracelet with alternating diamonds and garnets.

Third Anniversary Gift Idea: Pearl

Pearl and White Diamond Fashion Ring in White Gold

Pearl is the precious material that’s traditionally associated with the third anniversary. Pearls, born naturally in the sea, are quite a unique gemstone. Unlike most gemstones, pearls have a natural luster which means they do not need to be cut or polished. Although pearls are naturally softer and more fragile than other gemstones, they symbolize durability and everlasting love.

There are many pieces of pearl jewelry for you to choose from for the third anniversary. Pearl earrings or a pearl necklace are both classic choices your partner will adore (especially if they don’t already own these timeless pieces). Then, for those looking for something a bit more unique, a pearl fashion ring, in a unique color, is a beautiful, eye-catching option.

Fourth Anniversary Gift Idea: Topaz

Silver Blue Topaz and CZ Earrings in Silver

The traditional jewelry gift for the fourth anniversary is topaz jewelry. Topaz is a stunning precious gemstone that comes in many different hues. While topaz comes in every color of the rainbow, the most prized variety of topaz is blue topaz. Topaz has traditionally been given to increase the recipient’s wealth and health, making it one of the more practical gemstones to give.

Topaz is a sturdy gemstone that works beautifully in every type of jewelry. Some excellent topaz jewelry options for your anniversary include a topaz bracelet or a topaz ring. Blue topaz drop earrings are a particularly good choice if your spouse has blue eyes.

Fifth Anniversary Gift Idea: Sapphire

Blue Sapphire and White Diamond Anniversary Ring in White Gold

Sapphire is the gemstone that’s associated with the fifth anniversary. Like many other gemstones, sapphires come in a wide variety of colors. However, the most popular (and treasured) color of sapphire is deep blue. Blue sapphires are associated with marital health and keeping an eye on the future, which emphasizes the importance of both the present and what’s coming next while celebrating the years already spent together. Because of this association, blue sapphires were actually once the most popular gemstone for engagement rings.

Our favorite type of sapphire jewelry to gift for the fifth anniversary is a blue-white sapphire ring. Blue sapphires are an excellent choice for a ring, as they are the hardest gemstone after diamonds. When paired with white sapphire, the bright brilliance makes the depth of the blue sapphire “pop” beautifully.

Tenth Anniversary Gift Idea: Diamonds

Diamond Tennis Bracelet in White Gold

The tenth wedding anniversary is a big milestone. It marks the celebration of a full decade of life together! Since this is such a milestone anniversary, many couples take this anniversary as an opportunity to upgrade their engagement ring and wedding band. That makes diamonds the traditional jewelry gift for the tenth anniversary.

Although our top recommendation for the tenth anniversary is an upgraded engagement ring or a new wedding band, if they still love their wedding set and don't want an upgrade, there are so many other diamond jewelry options. Some other luxe pieces that are fit for the tenth anniversary are a diamond tennis bracelet or a pair of diamond earrings.

Fifteenth Anniversary Gift Idea: Ruby

Ruby and CZ Halo Earrings in Silver

The ruby is the gemstone associated with the fifteenth anniversary. Rubies have been prized throughout the ages for their spectacular red color. The most valuable rubies are a deep, rich red, though pink red and purple red rubies are also quite popular. Their brilliant hues inspired tales that they fortified passion and love when gifted to a significant other, so it’s no wonder it makes it to the anniversary gift list.

Because of their rich color, rubies look stunning when paired with white diamonds or white sapphire. These dazzling white stones provide a bright backdrop that lets the deep color of the ruby shine. Some of our favorite ideas for 15th-anniversary ruby jewelry include drop earrings, a cocktail ring, or a diamond and ruby bracelet.

Twentieth Anniversary Gift Idea: Emerald

Emerald and White Diamond Necklace in White Gold

Emeralds are the gemstone traditionally used in 20th anniversary jewelry. Emeralds are loved for their spectacular green hue, which is unlike that of any other gemstone. Emeralds have always been one of the most valuable gemstones, especially since they have been tied with vitality and abundance. Both are great traits to have in a marriage, which makes gifting a piece of jewelry with emeralds on it such a popular gift.

Emeralds are hard stones but they can be a bit fragile due to their higher level of inclusions, which are flaws within a gemstone. These inclusions are natural and normal, but they do make emeralds more prone to breaking. When considering an emerald ring or bracelet, know that these need to be worn with more care. Necklaces and earrings are safer options for emerald jewelry, as these types of jewelry are less likely to get bumped when worn.

Custom Creations: Personalized Jewelry for Your Celebration

If nothing is striking your fancy, or you have the perfect piece in mind for your partner, looking into getting a custom creation is the right call. Personalization has become a significant trend in anniversary jewelry, as you know your significant other better than anyone else. Why settle for something generic when you can create a piece that is uniquely yours? With custom designs, you can add a personal touch to your anniversary jewelry, making it a true reflection of your love story.

Customizing a piece can be as simple as engraving your initials on a band to creating a unique ring that incorporates all your partner’s favorite elements. The possibilities are endless with custom creations. With a custom piece of jewelry, you can celebrate your love in a way that is as unique as your relationship!

If you're looking to learn more about custom jewelry design, you can schedule a free consultation with our master goldsmith!

Timeless Tokens: Wedding Ring & Band Upgrades

Wedding rings and bands are more than just pieces of jewelry; they are timeless tokens of your love and commitment. An upgraded ring not only adds a new sparkle to your jewelry collection but also symbolizes the growth and evolution of your relationship.

The realm of wedding ring upgrades offers limitless possibilities. You can opt for matching sets, experiment with different widths, or even choose from an array of colored gemstones and lab-grown diamonds. The choice is all yours!

Frequently Asked Questions

What year can you gift jewelry for your anniversary?

There’s no need to wait for a specific year to gift jewelry. Every year is a great year.

What are good things to buy for your anniversary?

Jewelry is the traditional anniversary gift and is based on the year you are celebrating. It's a great choice as each piece has unique symbolism to deepen the meaning.

What gifts are for what anniversary?

The modern anniversary gift list includes gold for the 1st anniversary, garnet for the 2nd, pearl for the 3rd, and so on, with each year having a designated material.

What ring do you get for 20 years of marriage?

You should get an emerald anniversary ring for 20 years of marriage, as the emerald is the traditional gemstone for 20th anniversary rings and symbolizes luck, love, peace, and hope. It's a beautiful way to celebrate your journey together.

What types of metals are popular for anniversary jewelry?

Traditional metals like silver, gold, and rose gold are popular choices for anniversary jewelry, but contemporary metals like tungsten, titanium, stainless steel, and silicone are also gaining popularity. Consider your partner's style and preferences when choosing the metal for their gift!