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.

: A stylish couple poses indoors; the woman, with long brown hair and wearing a black sleeveless dress, smiles while looking at the man. She is adorned with layered gold necklaces and matching jewelry. The man, with short dark hair and a trimmed beard, wears a black blazer over a white t-shirt and a gold pendant necklace. They appear relaxed and confident in a warmly lit, elegant setting.

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.

Close-up of a woman wearing layered gold necklaces over a white button-down shirt. The jewellery includes a chunky chain necklace, a fine chain with a St Christopher pendant, and a bold round gold locket as the longest piece. Her hand, with neatly manicured nails and a silver ring, gently touches the shirt near the necklaces.

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.

hree elegant gold lockets hang from delicate chains draped over the rim of a cut crystal glass. The lockets include a heart-shaped design and two round ones, each featuring a small, central diamond starburst detail. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the luxurious and refined aesthetic of the jewellery.

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.

Close-up of a person holding a silver necklace featuring a cross pendant and a round engraved charm with the initials "R.B." The individual is wearing a beige ribbed top and two stacked rings—one gold and one silver—on their ring finger. The hand gently grasps the pendants, highlighting the detailed craftsmanship.

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.