Why Jewelry Makes the Perfect Milestone Anniversary Gift

Why Jewelry Makes The Perfect Milestone Anniversary Gift

Anniversaries are a chance to step out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life and dedicate some time to the person who has your heart. Taking the time to appreciate and express love to one another is the key to a healthy marriage. One way to show your love and appreciation is with a gift. But anniversary gift shopping can be stressful–how do you possibly express all of the gratitude, love, and closeness you feel for your partner?

When words aren’t quite enough, jewelry says it all! That’s why we suggest jewelry as the ultimate romantic gift. In this blog, we’ll discuss the meaning behind a jewelry gift as well as the traditional jewelry gifts associated with each year. We’ll offer some specific gift suggestions for each year, and then we’ll share our top tips for planning and purchasing a jewelry gift for your spouse.

I. The Meaning Behind the Gift

The best anniversary gifts are full of sentiment. After all, our feelings for our loved one–and the memories we share with them–should be at the heart of an anniversary celebration. Jewelry is valuable in a monetary sense, of course, but it has a unique ability to transcend its material worth and represent something even bigger. A piece of jewelry can capture a feeling, a moment in time, or a shared memory. The recipient can wear that piece of jewelry whenever and wherever, a continuous reminder of the special bond between them and their partner.
Anniversary Gift


You don’t necessarily have to buy brand new jewelry for an anniversary gift, either. For an especially meaningful gift, consider upgrading or restyling your partner’s engagement or wedding rings. This is a common gift for milestone anniversaries like the tenth or twentieth. You may want to purchase a new ring altogether, or get a larger diamond or gemstone to replace the original stone. You can even keep the original stone for its sentimental value and have that made into a pendant or other piece of jewelry to add even more to your anniversary gift! Ultimately, the decision is yours. There are many ways to create a meaningful gift with the power of jewelry.

Jewelry Gifts by Anniversary

1st Anniversary Jewelry Gift

One year together may not feel like a long time, but it’s still a major milestone! Celebrate the golden days of your marriage with the gift of gold. Gold hoop earrings, gold stacking rings, and gold chain necklaces make affordable, simple, yet beautiful gifts. 
 
Anniversary Gift
 

5th Anniversary Jewelry Gift

Sapphire is the gemstone associated with the fifth anniversary. Half a decade of marriage is certainly worth celebrating. We recommend a pair of sapphire stud earrings as a gift that will take her breath away, but still leaves room for bigger gifts down the line as you celebrate more anniversaries together.

10th Anniversary Jewelry Gift

Cheers to ten years! Ring in your first double-digit anniversary with the gift of diamonds. A diamond tennis bracelet makes a stunning tenth anniversary gift. These versatile bracelets can be worn anywhere, so your partner can take the bracelet–and the happy memories associated with it–wherever she goes.
 
Anniversary Gift
 

20th Anniversary Jewelry Gift

Traditionally, the 20th anniversary is associated with the color green. That makes emeralds the perfect choice for your 20th anniversary gift! Vibrant emeralds make bold, stunning jewelry. They’re right at home on opulent, flashy cocktail rings and eye-catching statement pendants. It’s the perfect time to give your partner a gift they can really show off.

25th Anniversary Jewelry Gift

You’re halfway to your golden anniversary, so it makes sense to celebrate with silver! Since silver is the least expensive precious metal or stone on this list, we recommend getting your loved one a few pieces of jewelry for this anniversary. A set of silver layering necklaces, a new bracelet with an assortment of silver charms, or an array of silver stacking rings make fantastic gifts. If you want a more durable metal, platinum captures that bright white look, plus greater longevity. 
 
Anniversary Gift
 

30th Anniversary Jewelry Gift

Once you reach your thirtieth anniversary, you’ll have your choice of two traditional jewelry gifts: pearls or diamonds. Both gemstones radiate elegance, and your partner will be thrilled to receive either (or both)! If you opt for pearls, we recommend a classic pearl strand, the epitome of sophistication. If you’d rather give the gift of diamonds, now is a great time to upgrade your partner’s engagement or wedding band diamonds. Or, add a diamond anniversary band to their bridal stack.

40th Anniversary Jewelry Gift

Red rubies have long been associated with the heart and the lifeblood, all symbolic of romance and passion. It takes plenty of both to reach your fortieth anniversary, so celebrate this special day in style with the gift of ruby jewelry. Like emeralds, rubies are a bold and beautiful choice. An eye-catching piece like a ruby cocktail ring or pair of ruby drop earrings can add both glamor and heartfelt sentiment to your anniversary celebrations
 
Anniversary Gift

50th Anniversary Jewelry Gift

By fifty years, you’ve joined a truly exclusive club. Not many relationships can withstand all the challenges a couple may face over half a century, but yours is truly extraordinary. This anniversary deserves only the finest, and that’s why it’s traditionally associated with gold. Have your partner’s engagement ring diamond reset in a new gold band, and add extra diamonds while you’re at it–she’s earned it!

III. Chart: Anniversary Gifts By Year

 

Anniversary Year

Traditional Gift

Jewelry Gift Suggestions

1

Gold

-Gold stacking rings

-Gold chain necklace

-Gold hoop earrings

5

Sapphire

-Sapphire stud earrings

10

Diamond

-Diamond tennis bracelet

20

Emerald

-Emerald cocktail ring

-Emerald statement necklace

25

Silver

-Silver layering necklaces

-Silver stacking rings

-Silver charms and bracelet

-Premium option: platinum 

30

Pearl or Diamond

-Classic pearl strand

-Diamond anniversary band

-Upgrade engagement ring diamond

40

Ruby

-Ruby cocktail ring

-Ruby drop earrings

50

Gold

- Reset engagement ring in new gold band

-Add extra diamonds to existing ring

IV. Personalizing Your Anniversary Jewelry

You can add even more symbolism to your anniversary jewelry gifts by customizing them. One simple yet meaningful way to customize a piece of anniversary jewelry is to engrave it! Some popular choices for engravings include: 
  • Important dates, such as your wedding date, the day you met, or the date that your child was born
  • A special location, such as the place where you met or the place where you got married
  • A meaningful word or phrase, such as a pet name, favorite quote, or saying like “the best is yet to come.”
Engraving gives a piece an extra emotional impact, calling back to the fondest memories and most important occasions you’ve shared as a couple.

V. Tips for Buying Anniversary Jewelry

Before you head over to the jewelry store, start by gathering some inspiration. We hope this blog has given you some ideas of great anniversary jewelry gifts, but spend a bit more time exploring different pieces and styles. Pinterest, Instagram, and jewelry store websites can show you what’s out there, including all kinds of options you never knew existed! Take screenshots of anything you like, or bookmark pages to pull up when you’re at the store. Your jeweler can help you find what you’re looking for. 

Next, set a budget. Only you can determine a comfortable budget for your gift. Take into consideration other purchases you’ll be making for your anniversary, or even throughout the year. On your first anniversary, for instance, your wallet may still be recovering from the cost of your wedding! It’s perfectly reasonable to cut back on the anniversary gift budget in the wake of such a major expense. 

Similarly, if you want to give your spouse some diamond jewelry to celebrate your tenth anniversary, but you’re also planning a dream vacation for a few months later, then it’s okay to spend less on the jewelry than you otherwise would. You and your spouse may have different goals or priorities that year, and that’s alright. In fact, carefully handling your finances is one of the most important things you can do to create a healthy and successful marriage.
 
Anniversary Gift


Finally, decide whether you want the gift to be a surprise or a joint decision. If your partner has been dropping hints about a necklace they want, then you may want to make it a surprise–seeing as you already know exactly what they want! But if you have no clue where to start, it’s not a bad idea to consult your partner before you purchase the gift. You can casually ask for suggestions or even visit the jewelry store together to see what your spouse picks out. Some people really prefer a surprise, but others are mostly concerned with getting a gift they’ll love. At the end of the day, it’s entirely up to you and your partner.

VI. Find Your Anniversary Jewelry Gift at Levy Jewelers in Savannah, GA

In this blog, we showed you how to make your anniversary a truly magical day with the gift of jewelry. We gave you a rundown of the traditional jewelry gifts associated with each year, offered tips for customizing your piece, and gave you some ways to prepare for your big purchase. Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to pick up a piece of stunning fine jewelry for your spouse this year! 

When you’re ready to start shopping, count on the trusted team at Levy Jewelers in Savannah, Georgia. Our jewelry experts would love to help you select the perfect gift for your favorite person. Pay us a visit at our downtown Savannah store, or start exploring our anniversary jewelry gifts online.