Type “fifth wedding anniversary gift” into Google and brace yourself. Depending on which result you click, the answer is wood, silverware or sapphire. Turns out there’s a traditional list, a modern list and a metal/gemstone list. Confusing? We agree. And while we have total respect for anyone who has gifted their partner a piece of pottery for their ninth anniversary or a set of wool blankets for their seventh, we think there’s a far more beautiful way to mark the occasion.
The gemstone list is the one worth paying attention to.
Each stone was chosen to reflect something real about what a marriage looks like at that particular stage of the relationship. The early years are represented by warm, passionate stones: garnet at two years for devotion, blue topaz at four for clarity and calm. As the milestones stack up, the stones get richer and more precious, mirroring the depth of a relationship that has been through something and come out the other side. Sapphire at five years for loyalty and wisdom. Ruby at fifteen (and again at forty) for passion and enduring love. Emerald at twenty and thirty-five for a love that keeps growing more beautiful with time. You get the picture.
There’s a reason the gemstone list has endured while the rest of the world has largely moved on from gifting each other with linen and tin. A piece of jewellery chosen for the person you love, set with the stone that corresponds to the years you’ve shared, is meaningful and personal in a way that a set of matching bathrobes could simply never be.
So yes, we think you should still be doing the traditional anniversary gifts… just the metal/gemstone version.
The anniversary gift list worth following:
Gold symbolises prosperity, strength and enduring love. For a first anniversary, it represents the richness of a new beginning, while the 50th celebrates a lifetime of commitment and memories together.
Garnet is associated with passion, protection and deep emotional connection. Its rich red hue reflects warmth, trust and lasting devotion in a growing relationship.
3rd & 30th Anniversary – Pearl
Pearls symbolise wisdom, purity and loyalty. Formed over time, they represent a relationship strengthened beautifully through patience, care and shared experiences.
Blue Topaz represents communication, honesty and calmness. It’s often linked to clarity and emotional balance, making it a meaningful symbol for a relationship built on trust.
5th & 45th Anniversary – Sapphire
Sapphires symbolise loyalty, sincerity and enduring commitment. Traditionally associated with wisdom and faithfulness, they celebrate relationships that continue to deepen over time.
Amethyst is known for peace, stability and protection. Its calming energy reflects harmony within a relationship and the strength that comes from mutual understanding.
Onyx symbolises resilience, grounding and protection. It represents the strength couples build together through life’s challenges and milestones.
10th & 60th Anniversary – Diamond
Diamonds represent eternal love, strength and invincibility. Known as the hardest natural gemstone, they symbolise an unbreakable bond that stands the test of time.
Citrine symbolises joy, optimism and abundance. Its warm golden tones reflect happiness, positivity and the bright future shared together.
Opal represents creativity, passion and emotional connection. Its ever-changing colours symbolise the uniqueness and depth of a long-lasting relationship.
15th & 40th Anniversary – Ruby
Rubies symbolise passion, love and vitality. Their vibrant red colour reflects the enduring romance and energy within a committed partnership.
Peridot is associated with prosperity, renewal and harmony. It symbolises growth within a relationship and the fresh energy that keeps love thriving.
Watches symbolise the preciousness of time shared together. They represent every milestone, memory and moment that has shaped the relationship.
Aquamarine symbolises tranquillity, trust and clarity. Inspired by the ocean, it reflects calm, open communication and emotional harmony.
20th & 35th Anniversary – Emerald
Emeralds represent renewal, growth and unconditional love. Their vibrant green colour symbolises a relationship that continues to flourish through the years.
Silver symbolises brilliance, harmony and reflection. Often associated with the Silver Jubilee, it celebrates a strong and enduring partnership built over 25 years.
Whether you follow it to the letter or just use it as a nudge in the right direction, a piece of jewellery that marks the years you've spent together is never the wrong answer, whatever milestone you're celebrating.
So, there you have it. You came here wondering whether anyone still does the traditional anniversary gifts and now you're leaving with a gemstone list, a strong opinion and absolutely no excuse to get it wrong. Whether you're browsing from the couch or popping into your nearest store, we're here to help you find it.
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FAQs
What are the traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year?
There are actually three anniversary gift lists: traditional, modern and gemstone - and they don't always line up with each other. The traditional list uses materials like paper, cotton and wood for the early years, while the gemstone list assigns a specific stone to each year, from garnet at two years through to diamond at sixty. We’re big fans of the gemstone list, and you can find pieces for every year in our collection online or in store.
What is the gemstone for a 10th wedding anniversary?
The gemstone for a 10th wedding anniversary is diamond. A decade of marriage is a genuine milestone and diamond - the hardest and most enduring gemstone in the world - is the perfect way to mark it. Browse our diamond jewellery collection to find the perfect piece.
What jewellery is appropriate for a 25th wedding anniversary?
The 25th wedding anniversary is the silver anniversary, making silver jewellery the natural choice. A beautiful silver necklace, silver bracelet or pair of silver earrings is a timeless way to celebrate a quarter of a century together.
What is the gemstone for a 50th wedding anniversary?
The 50th wedding anniversary is the golden anniversary, with gold as the traditional gift. A piece of gold jewellery - whether that's a gold ring, gold necklace or gold bracelet - is a beautiful and enduring way to celebrate fifty years of marriage.
What is the most romantic anniversary gift?
A piece of jewellery set with the gemstone that corresponds to your anniversary year is one of the most personal and romantic gifts you can give. It shows thought, intention and an understanding of what the occasion means.
