Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: A Jewellery Guide
TL;DR: Each wedding anniversary year has a traditional gift material — diamonds for 60th, pearl for 30th, sapphire for 45th — alongside a modern equivalent list. Jewellery is a natural gift for many milestone years, and a bespoke piece lets you use the actual traditional material rather than a generic version of it.
Key Jewellery-Relevant Anniversary Years
| Year | Traditional | Modern |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | Tin | Diamond jewellery |
| 15th | Crystal | Watches |
| 20th | China | Platinum |
| 25th | Silver | Silver jewellery |
| 30th | Pearl | Diamond jewellery |
| 35th | Coral | Emerald |
| 40th | Ruby | Ruby |
| 45th | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| 50th | Gold | Gold jewellery |
| 60th | Diamond | Diamond |
Why These Milestones Suit an Eternity Ring
Several of the jewellery-relevant years (25th, 30th, 40th, 45th, 60th) map directly onto stones or metals well suited to an eternity ring — see our full eternity ring guide and our piece on when to give one for the full picture.
Beyond the Traditional Material
You don't need to follow the list literally — a 40th anniversary ruby doesn't have to be a ruby ring specifically; a ruby accent stone, a ruby-red gemstone alternative, or simply acknowledging the year with a bespoke piece in any material all work. The list is a starting point for inspiration, not a strict rule.
Designing an Anniversary Piece at À Vie Diamonds
Get in touch to discuss a bespoke anniversary commission built around your specific year and materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional gift for a 25th wedding anniversary? Silver, both traditionally and in the modern list — a popular year for silver jewellery.
Do I have to follow the anniversary gift list exactly? No — it's a starting point for inspiration, not a strict rule.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · À Vie Diamonds