Introduction

Anniversaries are like checkpoints in your love story. You made it another year, and that’s worth celebrating! But let’s be honest, finding the perfect gift can be a bit tricky. Do you go with the traditional paper for the first year? Or maybe something modern like a fancy clock?

Here’s a tip from us at Barkev’s: Jewelry never fails. It sparkles, it lasts forever, and it says, “I love you” without needing a long speech. Over the years, anniversary gift traditions have evolved, but one thing has stayed constant, jewelry is always a winner.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through anniversary gifts by year, focusing on jewelry ideas that fit every milestone. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some traditional and modern suggestions to keep things interesting. Let’s make this year unforgettable with a gift they’ll cherish forever.

1st Anniversary: Gold Jewelry

Making it through the first year of marriage? That’s no small feat. Forget about giving paper, your love deserves something that sparkles. Traditionally, paper is the go to gift for the first anniversary. It’s supposed to represent a blank page for your future together.

But let’s be honest, wouldn’t a piece of gold jewelry feel more exciting than a fancy notebook? The modern twist for this milestone is a clock, symbolizing timeless love. Though if we had to choose, gold jewelry still wins the “most memorable” prize.

Jewelry Ideas:

• A delicate gold pendant or charm bracelet makes a beautiful keepsake she’ll treasure.
• For him, gold cufflinks or a sleek gold tie bar add a polished touch for future date nights.
• Checkout our diamond necklace collection for more ideas.

When it comes to first anniversary gifts, think lasting, meaningful, and unforgettable. After all, this is just the beginning of your love story!

2nd Anniversary: Garnet Jewelry

Two years in, and your bond is getting stronger. Tradition says the second anniversary gift should be cotton, symbolizing a relationship that’s becoming more comfortable and intertwined. The modern suggestion is china, which represents elegance and care.

But let’s add some sparkle to the celebration, shall we? Garnet, the gemstone tied to this anniversary, symbolizes passion and energy, a fitting choice for a love that keeps growing.

Jewelry Ideas:

• A pair of garnet stud earrings or a garnet pendant will bring a pop of color to her collection.
• For him, garnet cufflinks or a tie pin add a bold statement to any outfit.
• Fore more gift ideas, browse our collection of garnet jewelry here.

Garnet is a gift that says, “Our love is fiery and enduring.” Much more exciting than cotton sheets, right?

3rd Anniversary: Pearl Jewelry

Three years in, and you’re settling into married life. The traditional gift for this milestone is leather, symbolizing strength and flexibility in your relationship. The modern list suggests crystal or glass, representing clarity and transparency.

But let’s talk about pearls, the gem of the third anniversary. Pearls symbolize wisdom gained over time and the beauty that comes with it. Sounds like marriage, right?

Jewelry Ideas:

• A classic pearl strand necklace or pearl drop earrings are timeless pieces that never go out of style.
• For him, pearl cufflinks add a touch of sophistication to any formal look.

Pearls may take years to form, but you don’t have to wait that long to give one. By the third year, you’ve already built a strong foundation, now it’s time to celebrate with something elegant and enduring.

4th Anniversary: Blue Topaz Jewelry

Four years together, and your love is still shining bright. The traditional gift for this milestone is fruit or flowers, symbolizing growth and blossoming love. The modern alternative? Appliances. Yes, really. But unless your partner has been dreaming of a new blender, jewelry feels like a much safer bet.

Blue topaz, the gemstone for the fourth anniversary, represents love and affection, the perfect reminder that your bond keeps getting stronger.

Jewelry Ideas:

• A blue topaz bracelet, ring or pendant adds a splash of color and elegance.
• For him, blue topaz cufflinks or a tie bar make a thoughtful, stylish gift.
• For more topaz gift ideas, browse our collection.

Jewelry lasts far longer than flowers and is definitely more romantic than a toaster. Let your fourth anniversary gift say, “Our love keeps growing, and it’s as dazzling as ever.”

5th Anniversary: Sapphire Jewelry

Five years in, and your roots are deep. The traditional gift for this milestone is wood, symbolizing a strong foundation. The modern suggestion is silverware, practical, sure, but maybe not the most exciting way to say “I love you.”

Sapphire, the gemstone for the fifth anniversary, symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and lasting love. Sounds like a pretty solid match for this milestone, right?

Jewelry Ideas:

• A sapphire eternity band or a pair of sapphire earrings make for a beautiful, meaningful gift.
• For him, a sleek sapphire watch or sapphire cufflinks add a subtle yet sophisticated touch.
• At Barkev’s, we carry a variety of sapphire rings and jewelry collections

Five years is a big deal. Skip the cutlery set and go with something that shows just how special this milestone really is. Sapphire says it best, strong, loyal, and timeless.

10th Anniversary: Diamond Jewelry

Ten years together, now that’s something to celebrate! The traditional gift for this milestone is tin or aluminum, symbolizing flexibility and resilience. The modern take? Diamonds. And honestly, we think the modern take got this one right.

Diamonds represent strength, clarity, and enduring love. Plus, let’s be real, diamonds never go out of style.

Jewelry Ideas:

• A diamond tennis bracelet or a diamond eternity band is a stunning way to mark a decade of love.
• For him, diamond cufflinks or a classic diamond-studded watch make a statement gift.
• Looking for something even more fancy. Browse our diamond engagement rings collection.

After ten years, your love deserves something that shines as brightly as the journey you’ve shared. Tin might be practical, but diamonds are forever, and isn’t that what anniversaries are all about?

15th Anniversary: Ruby Jewelry

Fifteen years of love, laughter, and maybe a few disagreements over what to watch on TV. The traditional gift for this milestone is crystal, representing clarity and strength. The modern list suggests a watch, symbolizing the time you’ve spent together, and all the time still to come.

But let’s turn up the heat with rubies. This fiery gemstone symbolizes passion, love, and commitment. It’s bold, vibrant, and perfect for celebrating fifteen incredible years.

Jewelry Ideas:

• A ruby pendant or ruby earrings will add a stunning pop of color to her collection.
• For him, ruby cufflinks or a sleek ruby ring will make a striking gift.
• Browse our ruby collection right here.

After fifteen years, your love isn’t fading, it’s burning brighter. And nothing says enduring passion quite like a ruby.

20th Anniversary: Emerald Jewelry

Two decades together, that’s twenty years of shared memories, inside jokes, and maybe some questionable home improvement projects. The traditional gift for the 20th anniversary is china, symbolizing the beauty and delicacy of a long term relationship. The modern suggestion is platinum, which represents strength and endurance.

But let’s talk about emeralds. This stunning green gemstone symbolizes growth, harmony, and renewal, perfect for celebrating a love that keeps evolving year after year.

Jewelry Ideas:

• An emerald bracelet, a pair of emerald earrings or even an emerald ring will make her feel like royalty.
• For him, emerald cufflinks or a subtle emerald tie pin add a distinguished touch.
• Checkout our emerald engagement rings right here.

After twenty years, you’ve built something incredible together. Emeralds are a beautiful reminder that your relationship is still growing, and it’s more vibrant than ever. Much more exciting than a new set of plates, right?

25th Anniversary: Silver Jewelry (Silver Jubilee)

A quarter of a century together. That’s twenty-five years of love, growth, and maybe a few “Why do we still have this?” moments while cleaning out the attic. The traditional and modern gift for this milestone is the same: silver. It symbolizes brilliance, strength, and the value of something that stands the test of time, just like your marriage.

Jewelry Ideas:

• A sterling silver pendant or a pair of silver hoop earrings make timeless, elegant gifts.
• For him, consider silver cufflinks or a sleek silver bracelet.

After twenty five years, you’ve already proven that your bond is unbreakable. Now it’s time to celebrate that milestone with something that shines just as brightly as your journey. Silver never goes out of style, and neither does your love!

30th Anniversary: Pearl Jewelry (Pearl Jubilee)

Three decades together. That’s thirty years of shared moments, inside jokes, and maybe a few eye rolls along the way. The traditional gift for this milestone is pearls, symbolizing wisdom gained through time. The modern suggestion? Diamonds, because let’s face it, who’s going to complain about more diamonds?

Pearls, however, are a classic. They’re elegant, timeless, and represent the beauty that comes from years of love and growth.

Jewelry Ideas:

• A pearl strand necklace or pearl drop earrings make a sophisticated, meaningful gift.
• For him, pearl cufflinks add a unique touch to any formal look.

After thirty years, your love has only grown more beautiful. Pearls remind us that something truly special takes time to form. Sounds a lot like your marriage, doesn’t it?

40th Anniversary: Ruby Jewelry

Forty years together, now that’s a love story worth celebrating. The traditional and modern gift for this milestone is ruby, and honestly, it’s hard to top. Rubies symbolize passion, devotion, and a fire that never burns out. After four decades, that sounds pretty spot on.

Jewelry Ideas:

• A ruby ring or ruby necklace makes a bold, unforgettable gift for her.
• For him, ruby cufflinks or a ruby accented tie pin will add a striking pop of color.

By your 40th anniversary, your love isn’t just enduring, it’s thriving. Rubies remind us that true love stays vibrant and full of life, no matter how many years go by. Forget the cake, this milestone deserves something fiery!

50th Anniversary: Gold Jewelry (Golden Jubilee)

Fifty years. Half a century of love, laughter, and sticking together through everything life throws your way. That’s no small feat! The traditional and modern gift for this milestone is gold, and for good reason. Gold represents prosperity, strength, and the lasting value of something that stands the test of time.

Jewelry Ideas:

• A gold bangle, gold chain necklace, or gold eternity band will make her feel truly cherished.
• For him, a pair of gold cufflinks or a classic gold watch adds a timeless touch.
• Checkout our gold jewelry collection for many gift ideas.

After fifty years, your bond is as solid as gold. This milestone deserves something that shines just as brightly as the memories you’ve built together. Because let’s face it, you don’t make it to fifty years without a love that’s pure gold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the traditional and modern anniversary gifts by year?

Traditional anniversary gifts have been around for centuries, starting with paper for the first year and ending with gold for the 50th. The modern list updated some of these to include things like clocks, appliances, and even diamond jewelry. But no matter the list, jewelry always makes the perfect gift because it never goes out of style.

2. Why is jewelry the perfect anniversary gift?

Because it lasts. Unlike flowers or appliances, jewelry stays with your partner for a lifetime. It’s a constant reminder of the milestone you’ve reached together. Plus, let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little sparkle?

3. Do I have to follow the traditional gift list?

Not at all! The traditional and modern lists are great guidelines, but the best gifts are the ones that feel personal. A piece of jewelry tied to your anniversary’s gemstone adds meaning while still being practical.

4. What jewelry is best for milestone anniversaries?

For big milestones like the 10th, 25th, or 50th anniversaries, diamonds and gold are always a safe bet. For other years, gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds make perfect anniversary gifts.

5. Can I personalize anniversary jewelry gifts?

Absolutely. Whether it’s an engraved message, a custom design, or choosing a specific gemstone that holds personal meaning, personalization makes the gift even more special. Jewelry should tell a story, and what better story than your love?

Conclusion

Anniversaries are more than just dates on a calendar. They’re a celebration of your journey together, every laugh, every challenge, every moment in between. And what better way to mark these milestones than with a beautiful piece of jewelry that lasts a lifetime?

Whether you’re celebrating your first year or your fiftieth, the right jewelry tells your unique story. It’s not just about tradition or trends; it’s about showing your partner that your love keeps growing, year after year.

Ready to make your next anniversary unforgettable? Explore our collection and find the perfect piece to celebrate your lasting love. Because every milestone deserves to shine.