Anniversary Jewellery Gift Guide: Traditional & Modern Ideas by Year

Wedding anniversaries come with their own gift language — a traditional list of materials for each year that has evolved over centuries. Jewellery appears on that list at multiple points, and for good reason: it is the category of gift that, at its best, becomes more meaningful over time rather than less. An eternity ring given at a 25th anniversary is worn alongside the original engagement ring every day for the next 25 years.

This guide covers the key anniversary milestones and what jewellery works for each one.

The key milestones and their traditional materials

Anniversary	Traditional material	Modern equivalent	Most popular jewellery gift
1st	Paper	Clocks	Fine gold chain or simple pendant
5th	Wood	Silverware	Silver bracelet or earrings
10th	Tin/aluminium	Diamond	Diamond half-eternity ring
15th	Crystal	Watches	Diamond drop earrings
20th	China	Platinum	Platinum pendant or ring
25th	Silver	Silver	White gold and diamond bracelet
30th	Pearl	Diamond	Pearl strand or diamond bracelet
40th	Ruby	Ruby	Ruby and gold ring or pendant
50th	Gold	Gold	Yellow gold and diamond piece
60th	Diamond	Diamond	Significant diamond jewellery

The milestones we see most often in the showroom

10th anniversary — the diamond eternity ring. The 10-year mark is where most couples mark the occasion with a significant piece of jewellery for the first time since the engagement. The diamond eternity ring (half or full, platinum or white gold) is the natural complement to the existing engagement ring and wedding band. We typically recommend a half-eternity at the 10th — it sits more comfortably with the existing stack and costs less than a full eternity while looking indistinguishable when worn.

25th anniversary — silver and diamonds. The silver anniversary calls for something in white metal. Many couples upgrade to a significant diamond pendant or a white gold and diamond bracelet at this milestone. Others commission a bespoke piece that incorporates the original wedding ring design in some way — same engraving style, complementary metal.

40th anniversary — the Ruby anniversary. One of the most clearly defined anniversaries for jewellery. A ruby and yellow gold combination is rich and immediately meaningful. We source certified rubies from trusted Burmese and Sri Lankan dealers and set them in 18ct yellow gold in whatever style suits the wearer — statement ring, pendant, or earrings.

50th anniversary — the Gold anniversary. Yellow gold is having a strong resurgence and the 50th anniversary is the perfect occasion for an 18ct yellow gold piece. Popular choices include a yellow gold bangle, a gold chain with a diamond-set pendant, or a gold ring set with a warm coloured stone (yellow sapphire or champagne diamond complement 50th anniversary yellow gold beautifully).

60th anniversary — the Diamond anniversary. This is the one milestone where diamonds are the literal traditional material. At the 60th, the gift should feel significant. A three-stone diamond ring (symbolising past, present and future), a diamond brooch, or a diamond pendant on a fine platinum chain are all appropriate. Many couples at this milestone commission a bespoke piece that incorporates elements of jewellery from their life together.

Getting the right piece

When you come in to discuss an anniversary gift, bring: the anniversary milestone (we use it to guide material and scale), any photographs of jewellery the recipient currently wears (to ensure the new piece complements their existing collection), and your budget. We'll do the rest.

Book a consultation by calling 01786 462799 or visit us at 7 Murray Place, Stirling, Mon–Sat 09:30–17:00.