The History of Anniversary Gifts and the Perfect Gift for Each Year
Anniversaries are beautiful celebrations of love, commitment, and the journey shared between partners. One of the most cherished traditions during these special occasions is gifting specific gemstone jewelry that corresponds with specific milestones. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of anniversary gemstone gifts and provide a comprehensive guide to the gemstones traditionally given for each anniversary year.
The History of Anniversary Gemstones
The tradition of giving specific gifts for anniversaries dates back to medieval Europe. Originally, only the major milestones such as the 25th and 50th anniversaries were celebrated with specific gifts. The 25th anniversary became known as the "silver anniversary" and the 50th anniversary, known as the "golden anniversary," were marked with gifts of silver and gold, respectively. These metals were chosen for their value and symbolism, representing the durability and preciousness of a long-lasting marriage.
The practice of giving gemstone gifts for other anniversaries began to take shape in the 19th century. During the Victorian era, there was a heightened interest in symbolism and romantic gestures, which included the exchange of gemstone jewelry. This period saw the establishment of many of the traditions we recognize today, such as giving diamonds for the 10th anniversary and rubies for the 40th anniversary.
In the 20th century, the list of anniversary gifts became more standardized and organizations such as Jewelers of America, formally known as the American National Retail Jewelers Association, helped formalize the modern list of anniversary gemstones. This list includes traditional and modern gifts for each milestone, providing couples with a variety of options to celebrate their anniversaries.
Milestone Gemstones by Anniversary Year
1st Anniversary: Gold Jewelry
Gold symbolizes the warmth and promise of the first year of marriage. Its enduring luster reflects the preciousness of your new union, making it a timeless choice for marking this special milestone.
SOLID GOLD ID BRACELET, NOLA
SOLID GOLD SNAKE CHAIN NECKLACE, LACE
5th Anniversary: Sapphire
Sapphires, with their deep blue hues, represent wisdom, fidelity, and strength. Celebrating the fifth anniversary with sapphires highlights the enduring nature of your relationship.
BLUE SAPPHIRE DIAMOND GARLAND BRACELET, IVY
DIAMOND AND BAGUETTE SAPPHIRE ETERNITY RING, TAMIA
10th Anniversary: Diamond
Diamonds are the ultimate symbol of enduring love and strength due to their durability. Their unmatched brilliance makes them the perfect gemstone to celebrate a decade of commitment and shared memories.
GRADUATED DIAMOND BAR BRACELET, AHAVA
DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET, ALIMA
15th Anniversary: Ruby
Rubies, known for their vibrant red color symbolize passion, love, and courage. Celebrating the fifteenth anniversary with rubies emphasizes the deep, passionate bond that has strengthened over the years.
MULTI RUBY STATION NECKLACE, GWEN
BAGUETTE RUBY DOME RING, ANNIE
20th Anniversary: Emerald
With their rich green hue, Emeralds symbolize growth, porsperity and balance. They are the perfect gemstone to mark twenty years of a flourishing relationship.
EMERALD DIAMOND HALO STUD EARRINGS, EMA
EMERALD DIAMOND HALF ETERNITY RING, ZELENA
25th Anniversary: Silver
Silver celebrates the beauty and value of a quarter-century of love. Its luminous quality reflects the commitment that have characterized twenty-five years of marriage.
BOLD DIAMOND EYE CUBAN CHAIN BRACELET, LISA
MIXED DIAMOND CLUSTER HUGGIES, HELENA
30th Anniversary: Pearl
Pearls, with their natural elegance and beauty, symbolize purity, wisdom, and integrity. Celebrating the thirtieth anniversary with pearls reflects the refined and enduring nature of your partnership.
ROUND PEARL DIAMOND RING, PERLA
40th Anniversary: Ruby
Rubies, celebrated once again for the fortieth anniversary, symbolize a deep and enduring love. This milestone highlights the passion and commitment that have defined your marriage.
RUBY DIAMOND GARLAND ETERNITY BRACELET, IVY
45th Anniversary: Sapphire
Sapphires, making a return for the forty-fifth anniversary, emphasize loyalty, trust, and the unbreakable bond between partners. Their timeless beauty represents the lasting nature of your relationship.
SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND PILLARS ETERNITY RING, CARLA
50th Anniversary: Gold
Gold, marking the golden milestone of fifty years, symbolizes the enduring strength and preciousness of your marriage. This half-century celebration reflects the richness and depth of your shared life.
SOLID GOLD CROISSANT HUGGIES, AVALON
SOLID GOLD CHUNKY CROISSANT RING, AMINA
60th Anniversary: Diamond
Diamonds, once again celebrated for the sixtieth anniversary, honor an unbreakable bond. Their brilliance and strength are fitting tributes to six decades of unwavering love and partnership.
MULTI DIAMOND BY THE YARD NECKLACE - 1 CTW, ACACIA
DIAMOND CROISSANT BUBBLE RING, GENESIS
65th Anniversary: Blue Sapphire Blue sapphires symbolize loyalty, faith, and eternal love. Celebrating sixty-five years with blue sapphires reflects the commitment and enduring beauty of your relationship.
70th Anniversary: Platinum Platinum, known for its rarity and strength, represents resilience and the lasting nature of your love.
Conclusion
Anniversary gifts are a heartfelt way to celebrate the milestones of your loving relationship. From your first anniversary to your 60th, each year has its own traditional and modern themes, offering a variety of meaningful gift options that symbolize love, commitment, and cherished memories. At Sarah Elise, we offer a stunning collection of jewelry pieces that make perfect anniversary gifts, helping you commemorate your special moments with timeless elegance. For more gifting ideas, check out our gift guide for any occasion!
