The Origins of Wedding Anniversary Gifts
The tradition of celebrating wedding anniversaries dates back to Roman times, when husbands honoured their wives with a silver wreath on the 25th anniversary and a gold wreath on the 50th. These materials symbolised endurance, value, and the strength of a lasting marriage.
In Commonwealth countries, couples may receive a letter of congratulations from the monarch on milestone anniversaries such as the 60th, 65th, and 70th. Roman Catholics may also apply for a papal blessing on the 25th, 50th, and 60th anniversaries.
In 1937, the Jewellers of America Association formalised a modern anniversary gift list, assigning traditional materials and gemstones to each year up to the 25th anniversary and every five years thereafter. While these traditions vary slightly by country and have evolved with changing lifestyles and fashion, they remain a useful guide when selecting meaningful anniversary jewellery.
Suggested Modern Wedding Anniversary Gift List
Years 1–20
| 1st | Paper |
| 2nd | Cotton, China |
| 3rd | Leather, Crystal, Glass |
| 4th | Linen, Silk |
| 5th | Silverware |
| 6th | Iron |
| 7th | Wool, Copper |
| 8th | Bronze |
| 9th | Pottery, Leather Goods |
| 10th | Diamond Jewellery |
| 11th | Steel, Fashion Jewellery |
| 12th | Pearls, Coloured Gemstones |
| 13th | Lace, Textiles |
| 14th | Gold Jewellery |
| 15th | Crystal, Watches |
| 16th | Silver Hollowware |
| 17th | Furniture |
| 18th | Porcelain |
| 19th | Bronze |
| 20th | China, Platinum |
Years 21 and Beyond
| 21st | Brass, Nickel |
| 22nd | Copper |
| 23rd | Silver Plate |
| 24th | Opal |
| 25th | Silver |
| 30th | Pearl, Diamond |
| 35th | Coral, Jade |
| 40th | Ruby |
| 45th | Sapphire |
| 50th | Gold |
| 55th | Emerald |
| 60th | Diamond Jubilee |
| 65th | Blue Sapphire |
| 70th | Platinum |
| 75th | Diamond, Gold |
| 80th | Diamond, Pearl |
| 85th | Moonstone, Spouse’s Birthstone |
| 90th | Engraved Marble, Granite |
Please note: Prins & Prins Diamonds offers a wide selection of certified coloured gemstones and anniversary jewellery, including traditional milestone and birthstone designs crafted to honour each stage of a marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anniversary Gifts
Where do wedding anniversary gift traditions come from?
Wedding anniversary traditions date back to Roman times, where silver wreaths marked the 25th anniversary and gold wreaths the 50th. Over time, additional milestones and materials were introduced across different cultures to symbolise the strength and longevity of a marriage.
Do anniversary gift lists differ by country?
Yes. Anniversary gift traditions vary by country and have evolved over time, influenced by cultural customs, fashion trends, and lifestyle changes. While the core milestones remain similar, specific materials and gemstones may differ slightly.
Are gemstones commonly associated with milestone anniversaries?
Yes. Many milestone anniversaries are traditionally linked to specific gemstones and precious materials, such as silver for the 25th, gold for the 50th, and diamonds for the 60th. Other milestones may feature gemstones such as sapphire, ruby, emerald, pearl, or jade.
Can anniversary jewellery be personalised?
Anniversary jewellery is often personalised through gemstone selection, engraving, or bespoke design. Personalisation allows the piece to reflect the couple’s shared history, preferences, and the significance of the milestone being celebrated.