Every wedding anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate your love and commitment. For centuries, specific materials and themes have been associated with each anniversary year — from paper for the 1st to gold for the 50th. Whether you follow tradition closely or simply use it as inspiration, this guide will help you find the perfect anniversary jewelry gift for every milestone.
Anniversary Gifts by Year
| Year |
Traditional Theme |
Modern Theme |
Gemstone |
Jewelry Ideas |
| 1st | Paper | Clocks / Gold | Gold jewelry | Gold necklace, bracelet |
| 2nd | Cotton | China | Garnet | Garnet earrings or pendant |
| 3rd | Leather | Crystal / Glass | Pearl | Pearl earrings or strand |
| 4th | Fruit / Flowers | Appliances | Blue topaz | Topaz pendant or ring |
| 5th | Wood | Silverware | Sapphire | Sapphire ring, earrings |
| 6th | Candy / Sugar | Wood objects | Amethyst | Amethyst pendant or bracelet |
| 7th | Wool / Copper | Desk sets | Onyx | Onyx cufflinks or ring |
| 8th | Pottery / Bronze | Linens / Lace | Tourmaline | Tourmaline earrings |
| 9th | Pottery / Willow | Leather | Lapis lazuli | Lapis pendant or bracelet |
| 10th | Tin / Aluminum | Diamond jewelry | Diamond | Diamond eternity band |
| 11th | Steel | Fashion jewelry | Turquoise | Turquoise earrings |
| 12th | Silk / Linen | Pearls / Colored gems | Jade | Jade bracelet or pendant |
| 13th | Lace | Textiles / Furs | Citrine | Citrine ring or earrings |
| 14th | Ivory (now gold) | Gold jewelry | Opal | Opal pendant or ring |
| 15th | Crystal | Watches | Ruby | Ruby ring, necklace |
| 20th | China | Platinum | Emerald | Emerald or platinum jewelry |
| 25th | Silver | Silver jubilee | Silver jewelry, diamond upgrade |
| 30th | Pearl | Pearl | Pearl strand, earrings |
| 35th | Coral / Jade | Emerald | Emerald or coral jewelry |
| 40th | Ruby | Ruby | Ruby ring, necklace |
| 45th | Sapphire | Sapphire | Sapphire ring, earrings |
| 50th | Gold | Gold jubilee | Gold jewelry, diamond eternity |
Most Popular Anniversary Jewelry Gifts
While the traditional themes provide guidance, certain jewelry gifts are universally popular for anniversaries:
- Eternity rings: The most iconic anniversary jewelry gift. A band of diamonds symbolizing never-ending love — perfect for milestone years like the 5th, 10th, 25th, and 50th.
- Diamond upgrades: Many couples use anniversaries to upgrade engagement ring center stones or add diamond bands to their ring stack.
- Diamond pendants: A classic, wearable gift that suits any style and pairs with any wardrobe.
- Diamond stud earrings: Timeless and versatile — a gift she will wear every day.
- Tennis bracelets: An elegant statement piece for significant milestones.
Anniversary Gemstones
Many anniversary years are associated with specific gemstones. These associations add meaning and color to anniversary jewelry gifts. Some of the most meaningful include:
- Sapphire (5th): Symbolizes loyalty and trust — fitting for five years of commitment
- Diamond (10th): Marks a decade of enduring love and strength
- Ruby (15th/40th): Represents passion and deep love
- Emerald (20th): Symbolizes growth, renewal, and prosperity
- Pearl (30th): Represents wisdom gained through experience
Explore each milestone year in detail using the links in the table above, or browse our ring collection and necklace collection for anniversary gift inspiration.