There are countless ways to honor those special relationship milestones with a gift. And we may be biased as Savannah’s longtime local jeweler, but we think one tradition stands above the rest for its symbolism, beauty, and timeless style: the anniversary band.
Anniversary bands have become a cherished and increasingly popular way for partners to express their love and commitment as their relationship deepens. They come in a wide variety of styles and designs, each one serving as a unique reminder of a love story that evolves and strengthens year after year. Whether it is a first anniversary or a fiftieth, an anniversary band does two things–it celebrates the past, and it looks forward to a bright future.
The Meaning Behind Anniversary Bands
You want an anniversary gift to carry meaning, and to express what words of love can’t always capture. Engagement rings symbolize promise and excitement, while wedding bands symbolize commitment and loyalty. Anniversary bands, on the other hand, symbolize endurance–the endurance of your beautiful shared memories, your commitment, your dreams, and the growth that comes with each year you spend together.Anniversary bands also symbolize and express a partner’s intention. It’s a way of promising your partner that you’ll choose them, over and over again–today, tomorrow, and always. It encapsulates the shared experiences that couples accumulate over the years, and it marks the start of a new chapter in a couple’s story.
The History of Anniversary Bands
Anniversary gifts have existed for centuries, especially to mark the biggest milestone anniversaries, such as the 25th and the 50th. The tradition of celebrating the 25th anniversary with a gift of silver and the 50th anniversary with a gift of gold originated in medieval Europe, most likely Germany. As time passed, people began to celebrate engagements and weddings with more elaborate jewelry, including diamond engagement rings.In the 20th century, anniversary bands started to gain more traction as an anniversary gift. Sometime around the mid-20th century, jewelry brands caught onto the trend, and began promoting diamond anniversary bands as a great way for a couple to reaffirm their commitment. More and more couples embraced the idea of giving these special, shimmering bands as a heartfelt way to express their love and loyalty.
Popular Anniversary Band Styles
One of the reasons that anniversary bands are so popular and beloved is their sheer variety. These bands come in a wide range of designs, each with its own unique beauty and symbolism. With so many options to choose from, couples can easily find styles that reflect their one-of-a-kind relationship and individual tastes. Here are a few of the most popular styles we sell to Savannah couples.-
Eternity Bands
Eternity bands feature beautiful gems, often classic diamonds, encircling the entire ring. The “unbroken circle” symbolizes eternal love, making these one of the most popular choices for milestone anniversaries. Dazzling, luxurious, and full of meaning, these bands are a classic option for couples celebrating another wonderful year together. -
Half Eternity Bands
Those who love the symbolism of an eternity band but need a more practical option may love the half-eternity band style. These bands feature stones only across the top half of the ring. They’re comfortable for daily wear, and fewer stones means a lower chance of snagging or chipping a diamond during a busy day. Fewer stones also make this option more affordable, without sacrificing beauty. -
Gemstone Bands
If diamonds aren’t your style, you may prefer a gemstone-studded band. Many couples choose birthstones, the traditional gemstones associated with their anniversary year, or favorite colors. Gemstone bands add a pop of color and personality to a ring stack, and express individuality in a fun way.
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Mixed-Metal Bands
Blending metals like white gold and yellow gold creates a modern, artsy look. It also represents the joining of two individuals in one united couple. If you or your loved on are into contemporary, unique designs, then a mixed-metal band may be the best choice for you! -
Vintage Anniversary Bands
If you’re drawn to the history or romance of vintage rings, you can either select a true vintage ring or a vintage-inspired ring. Milgrain or filigree details, engravings, and certain diamond cuts offer an old-world look.
When to Give an Anniversary Band
You can give an anniversary band to celebrate any year of your marriage. However, they are especially popular gifts for major milestone anniversaries. Here are some common anniversaries for gifting an anniversary band, and some suggestions for how to honor anniversary gifting traditions with your choice.- 1st Anniversary: A simple gold band honors the traditional “gold” gift associated with this anniversary, and offers a foundation for the bridal stack you can build upon for years to come.
- 5th Anniversary: Sapphire bands honor the traditional 5th anniversary gift of a sapphire, while also being gorgeous and durable.
- 10th Anniversary: Diamonds, the traditional gift for the 10th anniversary, represent strength, romance, and resilience–perfect for celebrating a decade of successful marriage.
- 25th Anniversary: Traditionally, this is considered the silver anniversary. Choose a white gold band for a metal with a silvery sheen but a bit more longevity.
- 50th Anniversary: Yellow gold bands honor the “golden anniversary” with sophistication, romance, and a warm glow. To differentiate this from your first anniversary band, opt for a diamond- or gemstone-studded option.
Choosing the Perfect Anniversary Band
Selecting an anniversary band should be a carefully thought-out process, much like choosing an engagement ring. Here are some important elements to consider when choosing the ideal ring.-
Metal Type
As with engagement rings, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum are the classic choices for an anniversary band. Many couples opt for a metal that complements–or beautifully contrasts–the wearer’s engagement and wedding rings to create a cohesive, curated look. -
Stone Type
Diamonds may be timeless, but many people also love gifting sapphires, emeralds, or other gemstones for all their rich color and symbolism. The choice can reflect personality or commemorate specific life events. -
Design and Aesthetic
Whether modern or minimalist, vintage or bold, the design of an anniversary band should reflect the wearer’s tastes. Some prefer sleek and simple bands, while others love intricate detailing. The most important part of selecting an anniversary band is ensuring that it will be something your significant other will enjoy wearing! -
Comfort and Durability
Most people choose to wear their anniversary bands daily. Because of this, it’s important to shop with an eye for comfortable fits and secure settings. For instance, while eternity bands are beautiful, they may not be ideal for those with particularly active lifestyles. A sleek and minimalist band may suit those wearers best. -
Style and Suitability
Ideally, an anniversary band will feel like an extension of the wearer’s existing rings. Whether that means matching metals or intentionally contrasting them for a dynamic look, choose an anniversary band thoughtfully, and take time to consider what the recipient already wears.
How to Wear an Anniversary Band
Anniversary bands are stackable and versatile by their very nature! They are meant to be easily incorporated into a bridal stack, alongside the wedding and engagement rings, but there are plenty of other ways to wear them, too. Here are a few popular styling choices:- Stacked Set: This is the traditional way to wear an anniversary band. The band is placed above, below, or between the engagement and wedding rings to create a cohesive trio.
- Mix-and-Match: Include your anniversary band alongside stacking rings made from different metals, gemstone, or band styles to create a unique and personalized stack.
- Across Hands: Some wear the anniversary band on the third finger of the right hand to balance out the bridal stack on the left hand.
There is no wrong way to wear an anniversary ring. It’s all about comfort, style, and the meaning you wish to convey.
The Emotional Impact of an Anniversary Band
What makes anniversary bands truly special isn’t just their brilliance or the craftsmanship that goes into their creation. It’s also the emotion behind them. When you give your loved on an anniversary band, you aren’t just giving them a piece of jewelry. You’re giving them a symbol of gratitude for both the years you’ve shared and the years to come.For many couples, the moment of exchanging an anniversary band becomes part of the magic and the memory. To make the gift extra special, consider presenting it during a romantic dinner, a surprise getaway, or a vow renewal ceremony. But no matter how you choose to share this gift with your loved one, it’s sure to be a hit.
Create an Anniversary Tradition at Levy Jewelers in Savannah, GA
f you’re looking for a special way to celebrate your anniversary this year–and beyond–consider choosing the elegant, heartfelt, lifelong gift of an anniversary band. Celebrate your love with a timeless treasure that marks the latest milestone in your growth as a couple, and trust Levy jewelers to help you find that perfect ring.As Savannah, Georgia’s local, family-owned jeweler for over 100 years, we’ve helped generations of couples honor their commitments through engagement rings, wedding rings, and anniversary gifts. We hope to see you in our downtown Savannah store to shop for a gift that helps you express the true depth of your love. Or, start exploring our anniversary band collection.