Ever wondered what to get your loved one for your wedding anniversary? Well, look no further! We have put together a complete guide for what to get your husband or wife depending on how many years you have been together. No matter the anniversary date, there is material that represents your marriage perfectly.
1st Anniversary: Gold
Not just the 50th wedding anniversary material – gold is representative of new beginnings and is perfect for a first wedding anniversary. The meaning of gold is multifaceted – many people believe gold inspires success and achievement, but it can also be a sign of generosity and compassion. To commemorate this momentous occasion of the first year of marriage, you might choose to gift some gold jewellery, but why not go for a gold-coloured stone, such as citrine, that can absorb negative energy.
2nd Anniversary: Garnet
Did you know that the name ‘garnet’ is from the Latin word for grain? This is because it looks like small pomegranate seeds. As well as being the birthstone for January babies, garnet can also represent the second year of marriage. Garnet signifies protection, friendship, trust, commitment and love – all the ingredients for a long and successful marriage.
3rd Anniversary: Pearl
The stone for the 3rd wedding anniversary is pearl. In history and myths, pearls are a symbol of wisdom gained through experience. In a third year of marriage, couples continue to deepen their understanding of each other whilst also facing new challenges and milestones together. Pearl is the perfect stone to represent this third anniversary. Pearls are also thought to offer protection, good luck and wealth.
4th Anniversary: Blue Topaz
For year four of marriage, blue topaz makes the perfect gift. Many believe that blue topaz allows us to channel our inner wisdom. A blue topaz allows us to embrace our authentic self and trust in our own power. Four years into marriage, couples continue to grow and learn with each other.
The fourth year is typically viewed as a time to establish your identity outside of one another, whilst also building upon the foundation that you have established in the earlier years of marriage. Blue topaz is the perfect jewellery gift, as it accurately represents this feeling.
5th Anniversary: Sapphire
The fifth year of marriage is thought to be the year where romance is rekindled. After five years of being committed, couples often experience a deeper sense of stability and intimacy, while continuing to evolve as partners.
Sapphire is seen as a stone which can allow us to feel powerful and strong, as well as kind with wise judgement. In the fifth year of marriage, couples may encounter disagreements or conflicts as they continue to navigate life together. During such times, kindness becomes especially crucial. A sapphire will not only make the perfect anniversary gift, but represents so much more.
6th Anniversary: Amethyst
Amethyst is a gemstone which is commonly associated with royalty due to its purple colouring, but amethysts have also been used to symbolise deep love, happiness and humility. Amethyst is versatile and can seamlessly blend into a variety of jewellery pieces including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
7th Anniversary: Onyx
Seven years of marriage is an achievement in itself, so a gift that means something is a must. Onyx is a precious stone known for offering its owner strong support, stamina and determination to help one thrive. Onyx is believed to impart a lesson of self-reliance, encouraging one to trust in their own abilities.
If an onyx is too dark for your gift recipient, the seventh year of marriage can also be celebrated with a bright yellow sapphire. A more bold choice of gem, a yellow sapphire represents power and grace. Sapphires have the ability to bring abundance, knowledge and happiness.
8th Anniversary: Tourmaline
The eighth year of marriage is all about understanding, which is where the stone tourmaline comes in. Tourmaline, thought of as nature's most colourful gemstone, is associated with calmness and sympathy. The word ‘tourmali’ is a Sinhalese word that directly translates to ‘mixed stones’ which is indicated in the colourways of these gems including pink tourmaline, green tourmaline, blue tourmaline, watermelon tourmaline, rubellite, paraíba tourmaline, bi-colour and multicolour tourmaline.
9th Anniversary: Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is the gemstone to celebrate the 9th wedding anniversary. Dating back to the Sumerians, ancient Egyptians saw this stone as a symbol of the night sky. They thought that Lapis Lazuli represents royalty, strength, courage and truth. These attributes are believed to be essential for fostering a happy and enduring marriage over time. Lapis lazuli jewellery serves as a beautiful reminder of the deep bond shared between spouses as they continue their journey together.
10th Anniversary: Diamond
Diamonds symbolise strength, love and health. A classic wedding anniversary gift, once being married for 10 years, a diamond gift is a must. Worn by leaders and power figures throughout time, this stone symbolises the amount of strength one needs to continue a happy marriage. Also, a diamond can also be associated with good heart health, in line with our heart chakra. For a long marriage full of love, a diamond is the stone for you.
11th Anniversary: Turquoise
In many different cultures, turquoise is highly valued as a way to ward off negative energies and bring good fortune. For couples honouring their 11th year of marriage together, a turquoise stone will be able to offer them a sense of calm and continuing wonder.
12th Anniversary: Jade
Jade is a stone that represents luck, wisdom and stability. A jade is perfect for celebrating a 12th year anniversary especially because of its beauty, durability, and symbolic significance, making it a fitting representation of a couple's enduring love and commitment after twelve years together.
13th Anniversary: Citrine
For the 13th year of marriage, why not celebrate with a gift including a citrine? Varying in colour, this stone can be identified by its brown to yellow colour. Similar to a yellow sapphire, this stone promotes a happy atmosphere and is known as the stone of ‘cuddles’ due to its healing properties. This stone also repels any negative energies, which during your 13th year of marriage, you will be looking to avoid.
14th Anniversary: Opal
The stone for the 14th wedding anniversary is the beautiful opal, which symbolises love and hope. As a focal point in jewellery, this stone is eye-catching and will make a stunning necklace, bracelet or ring. To ensure that your 14th wedding anniversary is the precursor to countless more years of happiness, consider choosing an opal gift.
15th Anniversary: Ruby
The traditional 40th wedding is the ruby. This deep red gemstone symbolises passion, loyalty and devotion. To celebrate a love that burns as bright as ever, we would suggest grabbing a ruby-centric gift.
16th Anniversary: Peridot
Peridot is all about strength and balance. In the past and present times, wearing a peridot is meant to bring peace and health - the perfect additions to a 16 year old marriage. Peridot can harmonise the mind and body. For a couple who have enjoyed 16 years together, there is no better present.
17th Anniversary: Amethyst
As well as a 6th wedding anniversary, an amethyst can also celebrate a 17th year of marriage. Again symbolising deep love, happiness and humility, the amethyst will continue to represent the happiness in a marriage – no matter the length.
18th Anniversary: Cat’s Eye Quartz
For many, wearing cat's eye quartz is believed to ward off evil, protecting you from any unforeseen danger. In a marriage context, especially when it's the 18th year, wearing cat's eye jewellery could symbolise the protection of the relationship from external harm.
19th Anniversary: Aquamarine
In the context of marriage, wearing or gifting aquamarine jewellery can show a desire for a relationship filled with tranquillity, understanding, and trust between partners. Also, with its captivating shades of blue or green, this gemstone exhibits versatility.
20th Anniversary: Emerald
The deep green colour of emeralds represents growth, renewal, and everlasting love making them a fitting choice to commemorate such a significant milestone in a couple's journey together. We would recommend celebrating this momentous occasion with an emerald wedding anniversary present.
Other Gemstones For Wedding Anniversaries:
Gemstones can symbolise marriage throughout a couple's journey, extending even to their 80th anniversary. Below, is our guide to even more wedding anniversaries and what gemstone is related to each.
25th Anniversary: Silver
30th Anniversary: Pearl
35th Anniversary: Emerald
40th Anniversary: Ruby
45th Anniversary: Sapphire
50th Anniversary: Gold
55th Anniversary: Alexandrite
60th Anniversary: Diamond
65th Anniversary: Sapphire
70th Anniversary: Platinum
75th Anniversary: Sapphire
80th Anniversary: Ruby