Wedding Anniversaries

The giving of wedding anniversary gifts dates back many centuries. Over time, ideas of what is deemed symbolic and appropriate to celebrate with have changed. The Traditional list is the accepted list set forth by Emily Post, with the Modern list reflecting a more contemporary sensibility. The Anniversary Stones list evolved later as anniversary gifts gained popularity.

It can be very fun and challenging to come up with meaningful anniversary gifts that draw on more than one of these lists. For centuries, jewelry has been the most romantic way to express love and appreciation to your partner. Because estate jewelry is so unique and personal, it shows that care and thought was put into its selection. Try mixing things up, using one list to inspire another. Perhaps wrap a pair of pretty gold earrings in a beautiful handmade paper for a first anniversary, or present a sapphire ring in a wooden box for a fifth anniversary. The possibilities are endless!

Anniversary Gifts by Year

FIRST

TRADITIONAL
Paper: symbolizes the strength gathered from interwoven threads

MODERN
Clocks: reflecting the eternity of love

STONES
Gold Jewelry

SECOND

TRADITIONAL
Cotton: like any good relationship - both durable and versatile

MODERN
China: as elegant and beautiful as love

STONES
Garnet

THIRD

TRADITIONAL
Leather: as warm, strong and flexible as a good marriage

MODERN
Crystal: as dazzling as a strong marriage

STONES
Pearl

FOURTH

TRADITIONAL
Fruit or flowers: representing a blossoming partnership

MODERN
Appliances: we think jewelry is a better idea!

STONES
Blue Topaz

FIFTH

TRADITIONAL
Wood: symbolizing the strength and longevity of your marriage

MODERN
Silverware: a reminder of shared meals

STONES
Sapphire

SIXTH

TRADITIONAL
Sweets, Iron

MODERN
Wood

STONES
Amethyst

SEVENTH

TRADITIONAL
Wool, Copper: warmth and security, prosperity and good fortune

MODERN
Desk Sets

STONES
Onyx

EIGHTH

TRADITIONAL
Bronze

MODERN
Linens, Lace

STONES
Tourmaline

NINTH

TRADITIONAL
Pottery

MODERN
Leather

STONES
Lapi lazuli

TENTH

TRADITIONAL
Tin, Aluminum: symbolizes that the marriage is both flexible and durable

MODERN
Diamond Jewelry: both durable and beautiful

STONES
Diamond

ELEVENTH

TRADITIONAL
Steel

MODERN
Jewelry

STONES
Turquoise

TWELFTH

TRADITIONAL
Silk, Linen

MODERN
Pearls

STONES
Jade

THIRTEENTH

TRADITIONAL
Lace

MODERN
Textiles, Fur

STONES
Citrine

FOURTEENTH

TRADITIONAL
Ivory

MODERN
Gold Jewelry

STONES
Opal

FIFTEENTH

TRADITIONAL
Crystal

MODERN
Watches

STONES
Ruby

SIXTEENTH

TRADITIONAL
...

MODERN
Silver Holloware

STONES
Peridot

SEVENTEENTH

TRADITIONAL
...

MODERN
Furniture

STONES
Watch

EIGHTEENTH

TRADITIONAL
...

MODERN
Porcelain

STONES
Cat’s-Eye Chrysoberyl

NINETEENTH

TRADITIONAL
...

MODERN
Bronze

STONES
Aquamarine

TWENTIETH

TRADITIONAL
China: symbolizes the beautiful and elegant love you have cultivated

MODERN
Platinum strong and enduring

STONES
Emerald

TWENTY-FIFTH

TRADITIONAL
Silver: radiance

MODERN
Silver

STONES
Sterling Silver

THIRTIETH

TRADITIONAL
Pearl

MODERN
Diamond

STONES
Pearl

THIRTY-FIFTH

TRADITIONAL
Coral

MODERN
Jade

STONES
Emerald

FORTIETH

TRADITIONAL
Ruby the inner flame and passion of a life-long love

MODERN
Ruby

STONES
Ruby

FORTY-FIFTH

TRADITIONAL
Sapphire

MODERN
Sapphire

STONES
Sapphire

FIFTIETH

TRADITIONAL
Gold: beautiful, strong, resistant to corrosion

MODERN
Gold

STONES
Gold

FIFTY-FIFTH

TRADITIONAL
Emerald

MODERN
Emerald

STONES
Alexandrite

SIXTIETH

TRADITIONAL
Yellow Diamond

MODERN
Diamond

STONES
Diamond

SIXTY-FIFTH

TRADITIONAL
Blue Sapphire

MODERN
Star Sapphire

STONES
Star Sapphire

SIXTIETH

TRADITIONAL
...

MODERN
Star Sapphire

STONES
Diamond

SEVENTY-FIFTH

TRADITIONAL
Diamond

MODERN
Diamond

STONES
Star Sapphire