The short answer: traditional anniversary gifts follow a list of materials by year, and a jewellery take turns each one into a piece you can wear, such as diamonds for the 60th or a pearl pendant for the 30th. Use the list as inspiration and choose what the person would love.
Anniversary gift lists vary by country and by source. The table below follows commonly listed traditional UK themes, from the first year to the sixtieth, with a jewellery idea for each one. Some years have more than one theme, so treat this as a starting point. If you follow a different list at home, use that.
| Year | Traditional theme | Jewellery idea |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Paper | A pendant with a date or a short message |
| 5th | Wood | A warm toned gold piece |
| 10th | Tin (aluminium is sometimes listed) | A simple metal band |
| 15th | Crystal | Clear stone earrings or a slim diamond piece |
| 20th | China | A pearl piece or a fine necklace |
| 25th | Silver | A platinum or white gold piece |
| 30th | Pearl | A pearl pendant |
| 35th | Coral | A warm coloured gemstone piece |
| 40th | Ruby | A ruby ring or pendant |
| 45th | Sapphire | A sapphire piece |
| 50th | Gold | A yellow gold piece |
| 60th | Diamond | A diamond piece |
Why some years suit an eternity ring
Several of these milestones, including the 25th, 30th, 40th, 45th and 60th, map well onto stones or metals used in an eternity ring. See our eternity ring guide and our piece on when to give an eternity ring.
Other ideas
- An eternity ring for a milestone.
- A pendant with a stone for each decade.
- A redesign of earlier jewellery.
- A pair of earrings that echo a ring worn since the wedding.
Choosing
Think about what the person wears. Use the traditional theme as a starting point, not a rule. A couple who prefer simple styles may enjoy a plain band with a small stone more than a large statement piece. You do not have to follow the list literally. A 40th anniversary ruby, for example, can be a ring, a pendant or an accent stone, or you can simply mark the year with a bespoke piece in a material they already love.
Rubies and diamonds
Rubies suit the 40th and diamonds suit the 60th, and either can be set in many styles. See our guide to rubies and browse diamonds for ideas.
Personal touches
Add the date or a short message, and ask us about the engraving options for the piece you choose. You could also pick a stone from the wedding ring, or a birthstone.
Planning
Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing. Our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are, and delivery comes on top. Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx. If you live outside the UK, you pay any import duty and tax that apply in your country. Get in touch to start a commission, and order in good time before the date.
- Pick the year and theme.
- Choose the piece.
- Order in good time before the date.
See wedding and eternity rings and milestone birthday jewellery. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to follow the list? No, it is only a guide.
Do lists differ by country? Yes. Lists also differ between sources, so treat this table as a starting point.
What is the traditional gift for a 25th wedding anniversary? Silver. A platinum or white gold piece is a common jewellery take on that theme.
Can I order from abroad? Yes, and you pay any import duty and tax that apply in your country.
Last reviewed: November 2026 · À Vie Diamonds