The Complete Anniversary Jewelry Guide: What to Give Each Year

In this guide, discover all the anniversaries where jewelry is a must! Here is the complete guide to giving anniversary jewelry by year.

Keyword(s): anniversary jewelry

Each anniversary is special, commemorating another step in your journey of marriage. When looking for a gift for your loved one to celebrate the occasion, you can't go wrong with a piece of finely-crafted jewelry.

If you're not sure where to start, below is some traditional wisdom on anniversary gemstones to help you choose the right anniversary jewelry for the number of years you are celebrating.

1 Year: Gold

You've just had your first year of marriage together. Celebrate this special time with a simple gold necklace or bracelet for her and maybe some cufflinks for him.

2 Year: Garnet

Garnet is the way to honor two years of marriage. Its deep red color calls to mind the love you two have for each other. Garnet is a strong stone, making it well suited to all types of jewelry.

3 Year: Pearl

Pearls are timelessly elegant. For your third anniversary, consider a simple pearl strand that she is sure to love. Pearls are more delicate than other types of jewelry, so be sure to treat them with care.

4 Year: Blue Topaz

Topaz comes in a wide variety of colors, but the gem for this anniversary is a light crystal blue color. Blue topaz is beautiful in a wide variety of jewelry, including necklaces, rings, and earrings.

5 Year: Sapphire

The deep-blue sapphire is the gem to go with for your fifth anniversary. This majestic blue stone is perfect for all kinds of jewelry. It looks particularly striking when set in sterling silver or white gold.

6 Year: Amethyst

Amethyst is a quartz that comes in many lovely shades of purple. For your sixth year of marriage, choose anniversary jewelry with this regal stone. Amethyst is durable, so it works well in all types of jewelry from elegant necklaces to statement rings.

7 Year: Onyx

Onyx is an intense stone, valued for its striking black color. It looks great in all types of jewelry and is popular in men's jewelry, as well.

8 Year: Tourmaline

Tourmaline comes in a wide array of colors, so you can choose whatever shade you'd like to celebrate your eight years of marriage. You can look for your loved one's favorite color or perhaps another color that has special significance to the two of you.

9 Year: Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is opaque and cobalt blue in color, usually with gold flecks. It is often carved into beads and cabochons for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

10 Year: Diamond

Ten years of marriage is a big milestone, so celebrate in style by gifting your loved one with diamonds. Diamonds are classic, elegant, and beautiful in all types of jewelry.

11 Year: Turquoise

The name says it all for the stone that commemorates 11 years of marriage. This serene blue-green stone is popular in all kinds of jewelry, especially larger statement pieces.

12 Year: Jade

Green jade has long been considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Jade cabochons or carved jade jewelry would make a wonderful anniversary gift for 12 years.

13 Year: Citrine

Citrine is a bright yellow or gold-colored stone. It's perfect for a happy occasion like celebrating 13 years of marriage.

14 Year: Opal

Opals are an iridescent stone that comes in a wide variety of colors. They are commonly white with a rainbow of pastel shimmer, but they can also come in varieties of blue, black, green, and red. Opals are beautiful in all types of jewelry, but they can be a bit on the softer side, so take extra care with opal rings.

15 Year: Ruby

The rich red color of love, rubies are the perfect stone to celebrate 15 years of life together. These beautiful stones look lovely in all types of jewelry and set in just about all colors of metal.

16 Year: Peridot

Peridot is a light green stone suitable for many types of jewelry. Peridot is sometimes called the "evening emerald" for its similar appearance to emeralds.

17 Year: Watches

Breaking away from gemstones for a moment, watches are the traditional gift for the 17th anniversary. This anniversary gift is great for men and women alike.

18 Year: Cat's Eye

Cat's eye gems are a type of cabochon that reflects light in a stripe down the center, creating the appearance of a cat's eye. This stone comes in a variety of colors.

19 Year: Aquamarine

Honor 19 years together with jewelry featuring aquamarine. As its name suggests, this gem is the light blue-green of a tranquil sea.

20 Year: Emerald

Another significant milestone, 20 years of marriage is celebrated with the stately emerald. This deep-green gem is a great centerpiece of all types of jewelry.

25 Year: Silver Jubilee

Commemorate 25 years with all silver. Silver jewelry comes in so many diverse options, and it's great for both men and women. Silver lockets, chains, bracelets, rings, and watches are all options for this important anniversary.

Make sure to check out our collection of sterling silver anniversary gifts.

30 Year: Pearl Jubilee

Pearls are back again for 30 years. Make a grand gesture with a long, elegant string of pearls and maybe some matching earrings.

35 Year: Emerald

35 years calls for a grand statement. Emerald jewelry is a great way to do just that.

40 Year: Ruby

40 years of love should be celebrated with gorgeous ruby jewelry. Look for pieces even more romantic than you gave her back in year 15.

45 Year: Sapphire

Sapphires make a return for the 45th anniversary. These striking blue stones are the perfect way to show her how much you care.

50 Year: Golden Jubilee

Your love has stood the test of time, and after 50 years, you've made it back to gold again! While the gifts of the first anniversary tend to be on the simpler side, 50 years deserves a grand celebration. Necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets in gold are the way to commemorate your lifetime of love.

Choosing the Best Anniversary Jewelry

Each year you spend together is a unique adventure that deserves to be cherished, so celebrate each year with a different special anniversary stone. In this way, anniversary jewelry can tell the story of your life together. For more jewelry selections, please take a look at our website.