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The Anniversary Jewelry Gift Buying Guide

By Mike Fried,

Choosing the perfect anniversary gift for her can be a daunting task, but nothing says “I love you” quite like a piece of timeless jewelry. According to experts and jewelers, the type of jewelry you select should not only reflect her personal style but also the significance of the years you’ve spent together. For the first anniversary, consider gifting a piece of gold jewelry, perhaps a delicate necklace or bracelet, to symbolize the ‘golden’ year you’ve had. Some great options are personalized jewelry, like a necklace with your anniversary date or her initials, for a more intimate touch. For a fifth or tenth anniversary, diamonds are a classic choice—a diamond eternity band or a three-stone ring to represent your past, present, and future. And if you’re celebrating a milestone like the 25th or 50th anniversary, nothing beats the elegance of a pearl necklace or earrings, a nod to the wisdom and purity of your enduring love.

So, whether you’re marking your first year together or celebrating a lifetime of happiness, there’s a piece of jewelry that perfectly encapsulates your love story. From gold and diamonds to pearls and gemstones, the options are endless, but the message is the same: a lifetime of love, celebrated uniquely, year after year.

Below we give you some ideas including:

Milestone Anniversary Gift Ideas

While every year of marriage is worthy of celebration, landmark years deserve extra attention. Milestone anniversaries are typically recognized every five years: 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, etc.

Although there are lists of traditional gifts by year, most couples decide to choose a lasting gift that will be cherished and appreciated (rather than one that follows a certain ‘rule’). Here we provide gift ideas for each milestone anniversary, though any item from this guide would be exceptional.

To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers.

1st Year Anniversary Gift Ideas (Gold)

For a first anniversary, gold jewelry is traditional. Gold represents the preciousness of the first year together and the memories you’ve shared thus far.

Some couples opt for a simple stacking ring to go with the engagement ring or a matching set for him and her. You can choose yellow gold, white gold or rose gold, depending on your personal preference.

Here are some beautiful gold jewelry gift ideas for your first anniversary:

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5 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas (Sapphire)

Sapphires are the classic gift for celebrating five years of marriage. The stunning blue gemstone is durable—signifying the truth and loyalty of a marriage. 

For 5th year wedding anniversary gift ideas, consider a sapphire necklace, bracelet, or set of earrings.

10 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas (Diamond)

””You can’t cry on a diamond’s shoulder, and diamonds won’t keep you warm at night, but they’re sure fun when the sun shines.” Elizabeth Taylor

Diamonds represent beauty and longevity—just like 10 years of marriage. It’s customary to give a diamond band, such as an eternity ring, on your 10th anniversary. You can also choose another type of diamond jewelry, like a pendant or set of earrings.

Here are some stunning choices for a 10th-anniversary gift:

15 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas (Ruby)

For centuries, rubies have symbolized passion. To celebrate 15 years of marriage, ruby jewelry makes a statement of your fiery love.

Whether you prefer white gold, yellow gold or rose gold, rubies stand out on any type of jewelry. Add a pair of earrings or a beautiful pendant to her collection as a 15-year anniversary gift.

20 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas (Emerald)

Celebrating 20 years of marriage is a huge milestone—one that deserves an eye-catching gemstone. Emerald’s green color adds flair and sophistication to represent a vibrant 20-year journey together. Add color to your wedding set with an emerald stacking ring or choose a bracelet or pendant.

Here’s some inspiration for 20-year anniversary gift ideas:

25 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas (Silver)

A silver anniversary gift marks your jubilee year together. From sterling silver pieces to white gold and platinum that carries a silvery color, there are plenty of 25-year anniversary gifts to choose from. Some choose an eternity band to highlight their wedding set, while others opt for a standalone piece like a bracelet.

30 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas (Pearl)

Pearls take years to form in the ocean. They signify beauty and lasting union. Pearls are the perfect way to symbolize 30 years together. 

You can find jewelry featuring both cultured and natural pearls. For a 30th wedding anniversary gift, consider a pearl pendant or set of earrings.

35 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas (Emerald)

With over three decades together, your marriage has been full of color and commitment. There are three options for 35-year anniversary giftsjade, coral, emerald—but emerald is the most popular. 

Stunning emerald options for 35 year anniversary gifts:

40 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas (Ruby)

Rubies are the classic 40th-anniversary gift (same as year 15). They represent love and passion, which is evident in a 40-year marriage. Opt for a set of earrings or a pendant with an eye-catching ruby for a gift that’ll capture her heart.

45 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas (Sapphire)

Sapphires represent durability—the perfect symbol for 45 years together. The stunning blue gemstone makes for a memorable anniversary gift.

Here are a few ideas, from bracelets to eternity bands.

50 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas (Gold)

It’s called your golden jubilee for a reason: 50 incredible years together. This important milestone is the perfect opportunity to commemorate your love with gold jewelry. 50th-anniversary gifts range from yellow gold to rose gold, usually with inset diamonds or gemstones.

Diamond Jewelry Gifts for Your Anniversary

Diamond jewelry is a beautiful, classic gift that can be set in any color of precious metal. Look through the suggestions below to get a sense of the designs available. In the end, choose what feels right and represents your love.

Diamond Pendants and Necklaces

18k Rose Gold Three-Stone Drop Diamond Pendant as a Wedding Anniversary gift
Three-Stone Drop Pendant

With a pendant, she can wear the gift close to her heart. Consider a six prong pendant or a wire basket diamond pendant—which allows light to pass through the diamond for maximum brilliance.

Diamond Studs and Earrings

Whether she prefers studs or drop earrings, plenty of stunning styles exist on the market. The earrings we suggest here are offered by the best vendors in the industry. Their settings are crafted with the utmost precision.

Asscher Cut Halo Studs from James Allen
Asscher Cut Halo Studs

Diamond Tennis Bracelets

Give your love something she can wear with almost any outfit: a beautiful diamond bracelet.

14k White Gold Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Diamond Tennis Bracelet

She can wear her bracelet on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and of course: future anniversaries.

For more ideas, check out our Tennis Bracelet Buying Guide.

Diamond Eternity Bands

Though diamond rings are often associated with engagement, they make beautiful, sentimental gifts for anniversaries, too—especially eternity bands.

Diamond Eternity Band from James Allen
Diamond Eternity Band

Eternity bands, also called infinity rings, are made of a complete loop of diamonds or gemstones. With its endless circle of diamonds, the eternity band represents never-ending love.

Ever Us™ and Two-Diamond Jewelry

Jewelry created with two central diamonds represents the beautiful bond of a couple that’s in love but also best friends. The most common name for two-diamond jewelry is Ever Us™, however, many vendors offer similar designs of high quality.

For a truly exceptional piece, consider one from James Allen or Blue Nile. The two-diamond design symbolizes the dual nature of deep friendship and true love—the perfect sentiment for your anniversary.

Where to Purchase Your Anniversary Gift

The most important recommendation we can give you when purchasing an anniversary gift is to choose from a highly reputable vendor. Our years of experience in the jewelry industry have given us a consistent pulse on which vendors you can trust (and which ones you can’t).

The online dealers below offer both stunning diamond and gemstone options. All jewelry is made with high-quality metal and gemstones. By going with one of these vendors, you’ll have a gift that will last for years—even generations.

James Allen

  • Focuses on an excellent customer experience
  • Provides unmatched imagery to help you select the best diamonds and gemstones
  • Offers appealing, competitive prices

Blue Nile

  • Maintains the largest online inventory of diamonds
  • Emphasizes remarkable quality and jewelry settings
  • Offers a range of both gemstone and diamonds

Leibish & Co.

  • Provides the best selection for fine gemstone jewelry
  • Maintains a large collection of fancy color diamonds

Brian Gavin Diamonds

  • Presents super-ideal diamond cuts with the “Brian Gavin Signature” Hearts & Arrows collection
  • Features some of the best cut diamonds in the industry

Why You Shouldn’t Purchase Substandard Jewelry for Your Anniversary

Several jewelers, like Kay Jewelers and Zales, offer seemingly great gifts for special celebrations like anniversaries. Their advertisements often target a particular line of jewelry or even a specific item. While these may appear to be excellent anniversary gifts, the jewelry is often poorly made and of low quality. You’ll be purchasing substandard jewelry—pieces that won’t maintain their beauty or value.

Instead, opt for a timeless piece that can be passed down for generations by choosing something from a trusted vendor (like the ones listed above).

Final Thoughts on Anniversary Jewelry

No matter which tennis bracelet, eternity band or pendant you decide on, know that a gift from the heart is what matters most. Beautiful, high-quality jewelry will be appreciated for years to come—and she’ll think of you every time she wears it.

For assistance in reviewing diamonds, gemstones or jewelry, please contact us.

Here are some other diamond jewelry gift topics to browse:

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free International Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
  • Free ring inscriptions
  • Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Best-in-class packaging
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing.Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
  • One free resizing within the first year of purchase
  • High quality images of about half of their diamonds
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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About the author

Mike Fried Mike Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.

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