Anniversary Jewellery Guide

An anniversary is celebrated for every year that you are married, and each year is a milestone reached by you and your significant other. There are traditional anniversary gifts, such as paper for the first anniversary or wood for the fifth.

However, each year also has a specific metal or gemstone attached to it too, making it not only easy to shop for an anniversary gift but fun too. We’ve covered the first twenty years of gemstones associated with anniversaries in our guide.

Anniversary gemstones and metals

First anniversary: Gold

Gold is simple, usually inexpensive, and elegant for the honeymoon year – simply discover our collection of Art Deco gold rings to find the perfect item. These panther cufflinks make for a beautiful anniversary gift for the lucky man in your life.

This gold chain would also make for a perfect celebration for your first year as a married couple.

Second anniversary: Garnet

Garnets come in several different colours, but red is the most popular. Red garnets are especially beautiful when set against bright white, as seen in this diamond and garnet ring.

Green garnets are also a unique choice, so if you want an anniversary gift that is different, choose something like this floral ring.

Third anniversary: Pearl

Pearls come in two forms: natural and cultured. Natural pearls are more expensive, but they are equally beautiful.  Pearls come in a wide variety of colours aside from the common white; you can find pink, green, gold, grey and even black pearls.

However, be conscious that pearls are very soft gemstones so you must be careful when choosing any pearl rings. They should be worn only for special occasions or monitored carefully on each wear to ensure no harm comes to the stone. This ring is a natural pearl and would make for a beautiful gift for your significant other.

Fourth anniversary: Blue Topaz

Topaz comes in a wide variety of colours, but blue topaz is the one most closely associated with love and affection. This makes it the perfect anniversary gift, and a beautiful one too. This marquise-cut topaz ring is electric blue and unique.

Fifth anniversary: Sapphire

Sapphires are very durable and come in a wide variety of shades, the most common and desirable being rich, deep blue hues. This makes it a perfect stone to feature in any piece of jewellery. This bright yellow sapphire is truly one-of-a-kind, so if you wanted to steer clear of the conventional blue this may be the way to go.

But, if you are a traditionalist, this Victorian sapphire ring may suit you better. Or perhaps an Art Deco sapphire ring might take your fancy.

For something even more romantic, this pink sapphire and diamond ring is both unconventional and beautiful.

Sixth anniversary: Amethyst

Amethysts are a beautiful shade of purple and are relatively cheap. They are also widely available in jewellery pieces as well as in other decorative ornaments. This Victorian amethyst necklace features 19 amethysts, all in a stunning translucent purple.

For an even richer colour, consider this emerald-cut amethyst brooch.

Seventh anniversary: Onyx

This stone is particularly popular in men’s jewellery. Onyx is a bold, black stone and looks great set against a white background such as platinum or white gold. This onyx and diamond ring is a beautiful Art Deco piece, perfectly displaying the contrast and clean lines dominating the art of this time.

This brooch features onyx and diamond also and is a stunning piece.

Eighth anniversary: Tourmaline

Tourmaline comes in almost every colour, and you can even find it in particoloured gems. This is where you can find you and your sweetheart’s favourite colours in one stone. This tourmaline cocktail ring features a deep green tourmaline set in white gold.

On the other hand, this solitaire ring displays a blue tourmaline stone.

Ninth anniversary: Lapis Lazuli

This is a striking blue stone often used in both men and women’s jewellery, so you’re sure to find something suitable for your significant other on this milestone. These cufflinks are a beautiful shade of blue, and feature trapezoid-shaped lapis stones.

Tenth anniversary: Diamond

Whilst every anniversary is special and significant, the tenth anniversary is often considered to be the first big milestone in marriage. Diamond jewellery is classic and because diamonds are so durable, signifies that the marriage will last forever. A great option for a tenth wedding anniversary gift is to find a diamond eternity ring, which can be added to an engagement ring and wedding band set.

Another great option could be a diamond bracelet or earrings, or an Art Deco diamond ring from our collection.

Eleventh anniversary: Turquoise

Turquoise is a green-blue colour and is a great choice for both men and women’s jewellery. Pair this gem with leather or white metals like white gold and platinum for the best enhancement. Turquoise is often cut into cabochons, as seen in this unique ring.

Twelfth anniversary: Jade

Jade is most commonly found in green and typically carved into beads for necklaces, earrings and bracelets. This gem is also found in cabochon or dome shapes for rings and pendants, as seen in this trilogy ring.

These earrings are truly unique, as are these dragonfly-inspired earrings.

Thirteenth anniversary: Citrine

Citrine is a very versatile gem, working well with any colour metal. Natural citrine is almost always a pale shade of yellow, and usually slightly clear. This Victorian necklace features a large citrine gem carved into a cameo.

Citrine is featured with topaz in this delicate drop necklace.

Fourteenth anniversary: Opal

Opals are extremely beautiful gems that make the perfect focal point in any jewellery piece. Unexpectedly, the centre stone in this ring is an opal – it’s known as a fire opal, and is a burning orange colour.

This black opal is truly individual and has a stunning effect.

For a more traditional opal, choose a white stone as seen in this ring, which subsequently displays reds, greens, yellows and more where the light catches it.

Fifteenth anniversary: Ruby

Rubies symbolise love and passion, due to their deep red colour. This makes it the perfect stone to symbolise this milestone – perhaps with an Art Deco ruby ring. These ruby earrings are breath-taking pieces, which feature both deep red rubies and sparkling diamonds to signify this anniversary.

This crossover ring is striking and stunning, contrasting the red of the ruby with a bright white diamond.

Sixteenth anniversary: Peridot

Peridot comes in a variety of shades of green and is particularly enhanced when set in yellow metals. Be careful with a peridot ring, as this is a soft stone and can easily scratch. This rectangular peridot ring features an elegant, bright green stone flanked by diamonds.

Seventeenth anniversary: Watch

This isn’t a gemstone or a metal, but another piece of staple jewellery for every collection. A beautiful watch is always a memorable gift and is also useful as it can be worn in everyday life. This cocktail watch is crafted with platinum and diamonds, with an off-white patina – this would be a truly stunning anniversary gift for the special lady in your life.

Or, choose a dress watch which oozes style and sophistication.

Eighteenth anniversary: Cat’s Eye

Cat’s eyes gems are often cut in cabochons to enhance the lines within it – making them look like cats’ eyes! These are unique stones that are relatively inexpensive and come in pendants, rings and earrings.

Nineteenth anniversary: Aquamarine

Aquamarines are symbols of fidelity and hope, which can bring great luck on your anniversary. They are usually found in shades of blue-green, as seen in this beautiful solitaire ring.

Twentieth anniversary: Emerald

This is another milestone anniversary, and none other than the rich green emerald represents it. Emeralds are a stunning centre stone of any piece, and this is a truly special occasion on which to gift one. This ballerina ring features a high-quality, bright green emerald at its centre. Other emerald jewellery, such as Art Deco emerald rings, may be the perfect gift.