Use the traditional list as a starting point
The tradition of linking anniversary years to materials grew over the 20th century in the US and UK. Lists vary slightly between sources, and a modern list exists alongside the traditional one. The traditional list is the most widely recognized, and it moves from fragile to lasting materials as the years go by.
You do not need to follow it literally. It works best as a prompt: a reason to choose one piece over another, and a story to tell when you give it.
Traditional anniversary gifts by year
The table below lists the traditional gift for key years with a jewelry idea for each. Where the material is not used in fine jewelry, the idea interprets it.
| Year | Traditional gift | Jewelry idea |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Paper | An engraved pendant with your wedding date, given with a handwritten note |
| 2nd | Cotton | A fine chain presented in a cotton pouch |
| 3rd | Leather | A small gold piece that pairs with a watch on a leather strap |
| 5th | Wood | A ring with a satin finish that recalls natural grain |
| 10th | Tin or aluminum | White gold, for a pale metal that will last |
| 15th | Crystal | Diamond studs or drops |
| 20th | China | Freshwater pearl earrings, for their porcelain luster |
| 25th | Silver | A white gold band or bracelet in place of silver |
| 30th | Pearl | Pearl drop earrings or a pearl pendant |
| 40th | Ruby | A ruby piece, or a pink sapphire, which is the same mineral |
| 45th | Sapphire | A sapphire ring or pendant |
| 50th | Gold | A substantial gold piece, such as a cuff or signet |
| 55th | Emerald | An emerald pendant or earrings |
| 60th | Diamond | A diamond tennis bracelet or diamond drops |
Milestone years
Some anniversaries carry more weight than others, and they tend to be the years when the traditional material is a gem or a precious metal. For a 30th anniversary, the Pearl Drop Earrings in 14k ($560) take the pearl theme directly. For a 45th, the Lune Sapphire Ring in 18k ($2,450) uses a natural sapphire. For a 50th, a gold piece with presence, such as the Ribbon Cuff in 18k ($2,900), marks the occasion. For a 55th, the Emerald Bar Pendant in 18k ($1,650). For a 60th, the Riviera Tennis Bracelet in 14k white gold ($4,200) or the Diamond Line Drops in 18k ($2,100).
For a 10th or 25th anniversary, where the traditional materials are not used in fine jewelry, white gold is a practical interpretation. It gives the pale tone of tin or silver in a metal that does not tarnish.
Choose for the person, then the year
The year gives you a theme. The person decides the piece. Before you choose, look at what your partner already wears.
- Which metal color do they wear most: yellow, white or rose gold?
- Do they prefer fine, close-to-the-body pieces or larger ones?
- Do they wear rings daily, or mainly earrings and necklaces?
- Is there a piece they wear constantly that a new one could sit next to?
- Is there a date, place or phrase that belongs only to the two of you?
Make it personal
An engraved date is one of the simplest and most lasting ways to personalize an anniversary gift. The inside of a band or the back of a medallion can hold a short line: a date, two sets of initials, or the coordinates of a place. The Medallion Necklace in 14k ($680) is engravable.
Another option is to add to something your partner already has. A second band that stacks with a wedding ring, a pair of earrings that matches a pendant, or a bracelet that sits beside a watch all build on what exists, which is often more meaningful than starting something new.
Anniversary bands and sizing
Anniversary bands are traditional gifts in their own right, often given at the 10th or 25th year. If you choose a full eternity band, with stones running all the way around, get the size right first. These bands cannot be resized without rebuilding the ring. A half eternity band, with stones across the top only, can usually be resized.
If your partner wears a wedding ring, you can measure its inside diameter discreetly and match it to a size chart. Remember that knuckles change over the years, so a ring that fit at the wedding may not fit the same finger now.
Leave enough time
Anniversaries have fixed dates, so plan backward. VÉRA ready-to-wear pieces ship in 1 to 2 business days, with express delivery in 2 business days for $35. Made-to-order pieces take 3 to 5 weeks. Bespoke commissions take 6 to 10 weeks after the design is approved, and the design stage itself takes time, so start at least three months ahead for a significant milestone.
Engraved, made-to-order and bespoke pieces are final sale unless faulty, so confirm names, dates and sizes before you order. To discuss a commission, book an appointment at our studio at 52 Greene Street, New York, or write to care@verafinejewelry.store.
