Anniversary Gift Giving: Traditional and Modern Options
Records of anniversary gift-giving date back hundreds of years. It was an especially important tradition in Europe. Across many European cultures, it was common for upper class couples to swap gifts made from silver on their 25th anniversary. If the lucky couple got 50 years together, they could exchange gifts made of gold.Over time, the tradition expanded to encompass standard gifts for a number of other anniversaries, including the first, fifth and tenth. Alternative gifts were suggested for the working class. The 1859 Farmer’s Almanac suggests paper for the first anniversary, wood for the fifth and tin for the tenth. Mass-published etiquette guides, common in the late 19th and early 20th century, popularized these gift suggestions.
But by the mid-20th century, the average American could afford more upscale gifts. It’s around this time that the Gemological Institute of America and the International Gem Society published their suggestions for anniversary jewelry gifts by year. Nowadays, jewelry is the quintessential gift choice for marking significant anniversaries, with the enduring value of precious metals and gemstones symbolizing your lasting love and commitment.
1 Year Anniversary Jewelry
The first anniversary is traditionally referred to as the "paper" anniversary, symbolizing the exciting possibilities of early marriage. A new couple’s future is like a blank page, giving them the chance to tell their marriage story however they’d like.The modern jewelry gift for the first anniversary is gold. It was chosen to represent the beauty and durability that a couple hopes to build in their new marriage. Whether in the form of a delicate gold necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, gold jewelry is a timeless gift that will shine brightly as a reminder of this important milestone.
Jewelry Suggestions:
Gold Pendant Necklace: A simple, elegant gold pendant necklace with a heart or initial pendant.
Gold Hoop Earrings: Subtle yet stylish, gold hoop earrings can be worn daily and make a lasting statement.
Gold Bangles: A sleek gold bangle or bracelet with subtle engravings or embellishments can be a special reminder of your first year.
3 Year Anniversary Jewelry
After three years, your marriage has had time to grow and mature. You’ve deepened the bond between you and your spouse, and you’ve learned more about one another each day. The traditional anniversary gift, leather, was meant to represent that bond. The modern jewelry gift, pearls, offer a similar lesson. Pearls symbolize wisdom, beauty, and connection, making them the perfect choice for this significant milestone.Pearls also represent growth, even under challenging circumstances. They can only form deep within the ocean over the course of many years. It’s hard for an oyster to grow a pearl, but the end result is something truly beautiful. They’re a reminder that even during tough times, your marriage is constantly growing and becoming even more special than it was before.
From classic pearl necklaces to modern, minimalist pearl earrings, this type of jewelry continues to be the epitome of grace and elegance. As a gift, pearls evoke a sense of timeless beauty and refinement.
Jewelry Suggestions:
Pearl Stud Earrings: Simple yet elegant, a pair of pearl stud earrings is a timeless choice that can be worn every day.
Pearl Necklace: A strand of pearls is a classic gift that can be passed down for generations. Consider a choker or a longer strand depending on personal style.
Pearl and Diamond Combo: For a more modern twist, consider pearl earrings accented with diamonds for an added touch of sparkle and luxury.
5 Year Anniversary Jewelry
The fifth anniversary is a milestone that signifies deeper emotional connection and mutual respect. Sapphires are known for their durability and beauty, making them an ideal gemstone to represent the stability and strength of a marriage after five years.While wood is the traditional gift for the fifth anniversary, representing strength and a deep-rooted relationship, sapphires have become the modern gemstone to mark this occasion. The blue gemstone has long been associated with wisdom, loyalty, and fidelity—key elements of a successful marriage.
Sapphire jewelry, particularly in deep blue tones, is an excellent choice to symbolize the strong, lasting connection between you and your spouse. Whether it's found in rings, necklaces, or bracelets, sapphire’s enduring appeal is hard to resist.
Jewelry Suggestions:
Sapphire and Diamond Ring: A stunning sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds is an elegant and meaningful gift that will stand the test of time.
Sapphire Stud Earrings: For a chic, versatile gift, sapphire stud earrings will complement any outfit and reflect your spouse’s beauty and strength.
Sapphire Pendant Necklace: A sapphire pendant on a delicate gold or platinum chain can be a daily reminder of your shared commitment.
10 Year Anniversary Jewelry
The tenth anniversary is a significant milestone, the "double-digit" marker of a marriage. Diamonds, with their unmatched radiance and legendary strength, are the perfect choice to symbolize the enduring nature of love after a decade together.Though tin, the traditional gift, represents flexibility and resilience, diamonds have become the modern symbol for this decade-long commitment. Diamonds are forever, and their association with this milestone reflects the strength, clarity, and brilliance of a marriage that has endured for ten years.
Jewelry Suggestions:
Diamond Anniversary Band: A diamond anniversary band, often stacked with the original wedding ring, is a beautiful way to celebrate ten years of marriage.
Diamond Pendant: A sparkling diamond pendant on a delicate chain can be a constant reminder of your love.
Diamond Stud Earrings: Timeless and elegant, diamond studs are a perfect way to mark this major anniversary, providing an everyday touch of luxury.
15 Year Anniversary Jewelry
The fifteenth anniversary is known as the "ruby" anniversary, and ruby gemstones symbolize the passionate love that has only deepened over the years. Rubies, with their vibrant red color, evoke a sense of energy, love, and commitment.Traditional Gift: Crystal or Glass
Though crystal or glass are the traditional gifts for the fifteenth anniversary, rubies have become the modern symbol of this special year. Rubies represent a love that is fiery and full of life, one that continues to burn bright after 15 years.
Ruby jewelry adds a fiery, passionate touch to the celebration of 15 years of marriage. From rings to necklaces, rubies are a powerful gemstone that symbolize the intensity and passion of a long-lasting relationship.
Jewelry Suggestions:
Ruby Ring: A stunning ruby ring, either as a solitaire or surrounded by diamonds, is a bold and beautiful gift for the 15th anniversary.
Ruby Pendant Necklace: A ruby pendant in a unique design makes a statement and is a perfect way to celebrate a relationship full of love and excitement.
Ruby and Diamond Earrings: Ruby earrings accented with diamonds can add extra sparkle and elegance to the celebration.
20 Year Anniversary Jewelry
The twentieth anniversary represents two decades of love and commitment, a significant milestone in any marriage. While fine china, representing the delicate balance of a marriage after 20 years, is the traditional gift for the 20th anniversary, emeralds are the radiant modern option. Emeralds, with their deep green hue, symbolize renewal, growth, and vitality, making them the perfect choice for this occasion.
Jewelry Suggestions:
Emerald and Diamond Ring: A stunning emerald ring surrounded by diamonds is a beautiful representation of your lasting love.
Emerald Necklace: A simple emerald pendant or a more elaborate necklace with multiple emeralds can be a perfect gift to mark this special year.
Emerald Earrings: Whether in stud or drop style, emerald earrings will be a treasured reminder of two decades together.
25 Year Anniversary Jewelry
Silver is both the traditional and modern gift to celebrate your 25 year anniversary. Over these years, your bond has matured, deepened, and withstood the challenges and triumphs of life. Silver represents the beauty and strength of this enduring connection. Silver is malleable yet durable, just as your relationship has adapted and evolved while remaining strong and steadfast.Silver, like your marriage, shines more brilliantly with time. It’s a metal that reflects light, symbolizing the love and joy that continues to radiate from your relationship. It’s a symbol of lasting love, resilience, and timeless beauty, making it the perfect gift for this milestone anniversary.
Whether through classic pieces or more contemporary designs, silver jewelry serves as a beautiful representation of the quarter-century you’ve spent together, looking forward to many more years of love and happiness.
Jewelry Suggestions:
Silver Anniversary Band: A silver band, whether as a ring or a bracelet, is a meaningful way to commemorate your love. You can personalize it with an engraving or a gemstone that represents your unique relationship.
Silver Pendant Necklace: A pendant necklace crafted from silver can be a perfect keepsake, whether it’s a heart, a meaningful symbol, or a design that speaks to your shared memories.
Silver and Diamond Earrings: The combination of silver and diamonds is a timeless pairing. The sparkle of diamonds accentuates the shine of silver, creating an elegant piece that reflects the enduring beauty of your marriage.
50 Year Anniversary Jewelry
Gold is both the traditional and modern gift to celebrate a fifty year anniversary. Fifty years of marriage is an extraordinary achievement, representing not only love and commitment but also the growth of a lifelong partnership. Over the course of five decades, your relationship has endured and flourished through life's many seasons. You've weathered challenges together, celebrated triumphs, and created a shared history that is uniquely yours.
Gold, as a precious metal, is known for its durability and timeless beauty. It doesn’t tarnish or fade over time, just as your love has only grown stronger with each passing year. Gold represents the resilience of your marriage and the warmth and radiance that you continue to share with one another.
From classic gold jewelry to more modern pieces, gold serves as a reminder of your enduring commitment, and the bright future you will continue to share.
Jewelry Suggestions:
Diamond-Accented Gold Ring: For a luxurious twist, consider a gold ring with diamond accents. The combination of gold’s warmth and diamonds’ brilliance is the perfect symbol of the strength and sparkle of a 50-year marriage.
Gold Cuff Bracelet: A bold yet refined choice, a gold cuff bracelet offers a modern touch while still honoring the tradition of the golden anniversary.
These jewelry pieces, crafted from gold, represent not just the passage of time but the beautiful journey you and your spouse have shared. They serve as a meaningful reminder that, just like gold, your love continues to shine with strength, beauty, and brilliance.