Anniversaries
The History
Many people love to give and receive a gift commemorating their time together. And, we love that many people commemorate being together with the gift of jewelry! But anniversary gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more traditional. Others are more modern. When did this practice begin? The idea of marking a wedding anniversary some say traces back to Ancient Rome, or Medieval Germany. Of course, there is really no sure way of knowing. However, by the 18th century, the evidence seems to point to its wider use in Germany. For example, friends of the married couple might give the wife a wreath made out of silver to commemorate 25 years of wedded bliss. Should they reach 50 years, that wreath would actually be gold! Among English-speaking regions, that tradition started showing up in the 1800’s. During that time frame the idea of marriage was growing in leaps and bounds, but there were strict gender roles. And it was believed that wives should be celebrated (far more than men) because at the time it was believed that it was the wife who deserved more recognition since it took more work on the wife’s part.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that a yearly list was invented, and even then it’s been subject to change. According to an article published in TIME Magazine, July 6, 2017, by 1910, The Standard Home Reference Library provided a longer list of suggestions with yearly gifts for the first five years (paper, straw, candy, leather, wood) as well as presents for years seven (floral), ten (tin), 12 (linen), 15 (crystal) and 20 (china). Gifts of pearl, coral, emerald and ruby filled in the roster for years 30 to 45. The diamond anniversary was acceptable either at 60 or 75 years. Emily Post’s 1922 bestselling etiquette book, provides eight specific occasions and explains how they ought to be marked, noting that in the U.S. it was “not very good form” to have a big anniversary party, feeling it was simply a celebration asking for gifts! She made the exception for “major anniversaries” like number 50 considering that to be a “sacred event”.
That very same year, the American National Retail Jewelers Association discussed supplementing the more common gifts with jewelry. Over the next decade, they worked to create a comprehensive list for jewelers to use all over the U.S. Not to appear self-serving, it wasn’t all about jewelry, but there was a large emphasis on precious metals and gemstones. Then, it was up to the marketing and here we are today.
Suffice to say, things have dramatically changed. And, all of it for the better. Love between two people has no boundaries or sees no gender. But what has remained is a desire to show a loved one how much you appreciate and care for them. That can be celebrated in any number of ways. And not always we might add, with a physical gift. Sometimes, just saying “I love and appreciate you” is all that matters.
Shop By Year
We’ve got some ideas that are traditionally given for each year. Rest assured any gift of jewelry is the perfect gift!
1ST ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Gold
Traditional: Paper
Modern: Clocks
2ND ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Garnet
Traditional: Cotton
Modern: China
3RD ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Pearl
Traditional: Leather
Modern: Crystal/Glass
4TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Blue Topaz
Traditional: Linen, Silk
Modern: Appliances
5TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Sapphire
Traditional: Wood
Modern: Silverware
6TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Amethyst
Traditional: Candy
Modern: Wood
8TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Tourmaline
Traditional: Pottery or Bronze
Modern: Linens/Lace
9TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Lapis Lazuli
Traditional: Willow or Pottery
Modern: Leather
10TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Diamond
Traditional: Tin or Aluminum
Modern: Tin or Aluminum
11TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Turquoise
Traditional: Steel
Modern: Fashion Jewelry
12TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Jade
Traditional: Silk or Linen
Modern: Pearls
13TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Citrine
Traditional: Lace
Modern: Textile Furs
14TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Opal
Traditional: Ivory
Modern: Gold Jewelry
15TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Ruby
Traditional: Crystal
Modern: Crystal
16TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Peridot
Traditional: Coffee or Tea
Modern: Silver Holloware
17TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Carnelian/Watches
Traditional: Wine or Spirits
Modern: Furniture
18TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Cat’s Eye or Opal
Traditional: Appliances
Modern: Porcelain
19TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Aquamarine
Traditional: Jade
Modern: Bronze
20TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Emerald
Traditional: China
Modern: Platinum
21ST ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Iolite
Traditional: Fire (theme)
Modern: Brass or Nickel
22ND ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Spinel
Traditional: Water (theme)
Modern: Copper
23RD ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Imperial Topaz or Sapphire
Traditional: Air (theme)
Modern: Silver Plate
24TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Tanzanite
Traditional: Stone (theme)
Modern: Musical Instruments
25TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Iolite
Traditional: Fire (theme)
Modern: Brass or Nickel
30TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Pearls
Traditional: Pearls
Modern: Diamond Jewelry
35TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Emerald
Traditional: Coral
Modern: Jade
40TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Ruby
Traditional: Ruby
Modern: Ruby
45TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Sapphire
Traditional: Sapphire
Modern: Sapphire
50TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Gold
Traditional: Gold
Modern: Gold
55TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Alexandrite
Traditional: Emerald
Modern: Emerald
60TH ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry: Diamonds
Traditional: Yellow Diamonds
Modern: Diamonds