Anniversaries are milestones that reflect time, growth, and shared experience. While gift traditions have evolved over centuries, jewelry remains one of the most enduring ways to mark these occasions. Whether celebrating a first anniversary or a fiftieth, understanding traditional anniversary jewelry by year provides meaningful guidance while allowing room for personal style.
This guide outlines the most recognized jewelry milestones from the 1st to the 50th anniversary, helping you choose a piece that reflects both tradition and longevity.
1st Anniversary: Gold
The first anniversary is traditionally associated with gold. Gold represents strength and stability—appropriate for the foundation year of a marriage.
Popular Jewelry Choices:
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Gold pendants
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Simple gold bracelets
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Gold hoop earrings
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Classic gold bands
For couples just beginning their journey, understated gold jewelry often becomes an everyday staple.
5th Anniversary: Sapphire
Sapphire is traditionally linked to the fifth anniversary and symbolizes loyalty and commitment. While blue sapphire is the most recognized, sapphires are available in a range of colors.
Popular Jewelry Choices:
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Sapphire stud earrings
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Sapphire and diamond rings
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Sapphire pendants
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Eternity bands featuring sapphires
Sapphire’s durability makes it suitable for both everyday and formal jewelry.
10th Anniversary: Diamond
Ten years is a significant milestone, and diamonds are traditionally associated with it. Diamonds symbolize resilience and endurance—qualities that define a decade of marriage.
Popular Jewelry Choices:
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Diamond anniversary bands
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Diamond tennis bracelets
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Diamond stud earrings
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Upgraded engagement rings
Many couples choose to add a diamond band alongside the original wedding ring at this stage.
15th Anniversary: Ruby
Ruby represents passion and deep connection. Its bold red color makes it distinct and meaningful.
Popular Jewelry Choices:
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Ruby and diamond rings
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Ruby pendants
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Ruby earrings
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Custom-designed statement pieces
Ruby’s durability also makes it suitable for long-term wear.
20th Anniversary: Emerald
Emerald is traditionally associated with the twentieth anniversary. Its deep green color has historically symbolized renewal and growth.
Popular Jewelry Choices:
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Emerald drop earrings
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Emerald-accented anniversary bands
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Emerald pendants
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Custom emerald rings
Emeralds require thoughtful setting due to their natural inclusions, making craftsmanship especially important.
25th Anniversary: Silver
The 25th anniversary, often called the Silver Anniversary, traditionally honors longevity with silver or white-toned metals.
Popular Jewelry Choices:
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Sterling silver bracelets
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White gold rings
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Platinum-accented designs
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Silver cufflinks
Many couples prefer white gold or platinum as modern interpretations of the silver tradition.
30th Anniversary: Pearl
Pearls represent wisdom and maturity developed over time. The thirtieth anniversary reflects decades of shared experience.
Popular Jewelry Choices:
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Pearl necklaces
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Pearl earrings
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Pearl-accented rings
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Modern pearl and diamond combinations
Classic pearl strands remain a refined and traditional choice.
40th Anniversary: Ruby (Modern Tradition)
While ruby is linked to the 15th anniversary traditionally, it is also associated with the 40th anniversary in modern interpretations.
Popular Jewelry Choices:
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Ruby eternity bands
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Ruby and diamond bracelets
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Custom ruby pendants
Ruby’s strength and color make it appropriate for major milestones.
50th Anniversary: Gold
The Golden Anniversary marks half a century. Gold returns as the central symbol, representing enduring value and permanence.
Popular Jewelry Choices:
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Custom gold rings
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Gold bangles
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Gold chains
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Engraved gold bracelets
Many couples choose to redesign original wedding jewelry into a new custom piece for this milestone.
Custom Anniversary Jewelry
While tradition offers structure, many couples prefer custom anniversary jewelry tailored to personal milestones. This can include:
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Incorporating children’s birthstones
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Adding diamonds for each decade
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Engraving meaningful dates
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Redesigning heirloom pieces
Custom design allows tradition and individuality to work together.
Choosing Anniversary Jewelry That Lasts
When selecting anniversary jewelry, durability and wearability should be prioritized. Metal choice, gemstone hardness, and setting security all influence long-term performance. Jewelry meant to mark decades should be engineered accordingly.
Anniversary Jewelry at Johnston Jewelers
For over 53 years, Johnston Jewelers has helped couples commemorate anniversaries with jewelry built to endure. Whether selecting a traditional sapphire for the fifth anniversary, a diamond band for the tenth, or a custom gold piece for the fiftieth, our focus remains on craftsmanship and longevity.
Anniversary jewelry is not about trend cycles—it is about marking time with pieces designed to last just as long.