Wedding Anniversary Gifts By Year: Traditional, Modern and Gemstone Guide
Wedding Anniversary Gifts By Year:
Celebrating Your Journey Together
Every wedding anniversary is a precious milestone, a testament to the love, commitment, and shared journey of a couple. Each anniversary offers a unique opportunity to reflect and celebrate the forever bond that you share. Finding the perfect gift to mark your anniversary can sometimes feel daunting, but it's also a chance to express your love and appreciation in a truly meaningful way.

This comprehensive anniversary gift guide is designed to inspire you as you search for that perfect token of affection. Whether you're honouring your first year together or celebrating decades of love, let this guide help you discover meaningful anniversary gifts that perfectly capture the essence of your unique love story, perhaps even sparking inspiration for a timeless piece of Lily Blanche jewellery to treasure forever.
Understanding Anniversary Gift Traditions
When exploring anniversary gifts by year, you'll discover that there are several meaningful traditions:
- Traditional Gifts: Dating back to Victorian times, these gifts symbolize the marriage's growing strength (paper for year 1, diamond for year 60)
- Modern Gifts: Contemporary alternatives that reflect today's lifestyles
- Gemstones and Metals: Precious stones and metals that add sparkle and lasting value
- Flowers: Blooms that carry special meaning for each milestone
This guide incorporates all these elements, providing a rich tapestry of ideas to help you choose a gift that resonates most deeply with you and your loved one.
What are the Wedding Anniversary Gifts By Year?
List of Anniversary Gemstones By Year:
Years 1 to 10 | |
1st Anniversary | Gold |
2nd Anniversary | Garnet |
3rd Anniversary | Moonstone |
4th Anniversary | Blue Topaz |
5th Anniversary | Rose Quartz |
6th Anniversary | Amethyst |
7th Anniversary | Onyx |
8th Anniversary | Tourmaline |
9th Anniversary | Lapis Lazuli |
10th Anniversary | Diamond |
Years 11 to 20 | |
11th Anniversary | Turquoise |
12th Anniversary | Jade |
13th Anniversary | Citrine |
14th Anniversary | Opal |
15th Anniversary | Ruby |
16th Anniversary | Peridot |
17th Anniversary | Carnelian |
18th Anniversary | Cat's Eye (chrysoberyl) |
19th Anniversary | Aquamarine |
20th Anniversary | Emerald |
Year 20 onwards | |
20th Anniversary | Emerald |
25th Anniversary | Silver |
30th Anniversary | Pearl |
40th Anniversary | Ruby |
45th Anniversary | Sapphire |
50th Anniversary | Gold |
55th Anniversary | Emerald |
60th Anniversary | Diamond |
70th Anniversary | Platinum |
80th Anniversary | Ruby |
Anniversary Gifts: The First Decade (Years 1-10)
Year 1: Paper and Clocks
- Traditional: Paper (new beginnings, writing your story)
- Modern: Clocks (time spent together)
- Gemstone: Gold Jewellery (prosperity, warmth)
Your first anniversary celebrates new beginnings! Paper symbolizes the blank pages of your future, while gold represents your bright prospects. Consider a heartfelt letter, custom journal, or elegant Gold Jewellery.

Year 2: Cotton and China
- Traditional: Cotton (comfort, flexibility)
- Modern: China (beauty requiring care)
- Gemstone: Garnet (passion, commitment)
Two years woven together! Cotton represents your intertwined lives, while garnet symbolises deep love. Luxurious bedding, fine china, or a piece of Garnet jewellery makes a meaningful 2nd anniversary gift.
Year 3: Leather and Crystal
- Traditional: Leather (durability, flexibility)
- Modern: Crystal/Glass (clarity, reflection)
- Gemstone: Moonstone (intuition, new beginnings)
Three years strong! Leather signifies your relationship's growing resilience, while moonstone represents intuition and mystery. A quality leather item or ethereal Moonstone necklace makes a magical 3rd anniversary gift.
Year 5: Wood and Silverware
- Traditional: Wood (strength, deep roots)
- Modern: Silverware (connection, shared meals)
- Gemstone: Rose Quartz (unconditional love)
Five years – a significant milestone! Wood symbolizes the strong foundation you've built, while rose quartz represents harmony and compassion. Wooden keepsakes, quality silverware, or Rose Quartz jewellery perfectly express your deepening bond.
Year 10: Tin/Aluminium & Diamond
- Traditional: Tin/Aluminium (flexibility, durability)
- Modern: Diamond (strength, brilliance)
- Gemstone: Diamond (enduring love)
A decade of love deserves celebration! Tin represents adaptability, while diamonds symbolise invincible love and eternal sparkle. Explore the exquisite collection of genuine Diamond jewellery at Lily Blanche for an unforgettable 10th wedding anniversary gift.

Anniversary Gifts: The second Decade (Years 11-20)
Year 15: Crystal and Ruby
- Traditional: Crystal (clarity, reflection)
- Modern: Watches (time's value)
- Gemstone: Ruby (passion, protection)
Fifteen years of clarity and passion! Crystal represents your clear vision together, while ruby symbolizes enduring love. Fine crystal, a quality timepiece, or stunning Ruby jewellery makes a memorable 15th anniversary gift.
Year 20: China & Platinum
- Traditional: China (beauty, elegance)
- Modern: Platinum (strength, rarity)
- Gemstone: Emerald (love, rebirth)
Two decades of love! China represents refinement, while platinum and emerald symbolize enduring strength and rebirth. Fine china, platinum accessories, or timeless emeralds honour this significant milestone.
Major Milestones (25+ Years)
Year 25: Silver
- Traditional/Modern/Gemstone: Silver (radiance, brilliance)
Quarter-century celebration! Silver represents the radiance of your enduring love. Silver gifts, jewellery, or a special experience together marks this jubilee year with elegance and meaning.

Year 50: Gold
Traditional/Modern/Gemstone: Gold (wisdom, prosperity)
Half a century of love! Gold symbolises the priceless wisdom and prosperity you've created together. Gold jewellery, keepsakes, or a celebration surrounded by loved ones honours this remarkable achievement.
Finding the Perfect Anniversary Gift
The perfect anniversary gift combines tradition with personal meaning. Consider these tips:
- Combine multiple elements (traditional gift + gemstone)
- Focus on gifts that create memories
- Consider quality over quantity for lasting value
For a truly special anniversary gift, explore Lily Blanche Jewellery for exquisite gemstones and personalised jewellery that capture the essence of your celebration.
Anniversary gifts are more than presents—they're symbols of your journey together. Whether following tradition or creating your own, the thought behind your gift matters most. We hope this guide inspires you to find the perfect token to celebrate your love story, year after year.