Wedding anniversary gifts by year

We know that getting married is a big deal. And staying married is an even bigger deal. That’s why here at Hoskings we think anniversaries are worth celebrating with special gifts. So, if you’re searching for a perfect anniversary gift for your partner, or for a happy couple that you know, we’re here to help.

Just as each couple is unique, we feel that each anniversary gift should be equally special. Whether you’re looking for a romantic traditional anniversary gift, or something more modern, we have plenty of great suggestions. We’ll list some ideas for wedding anniversary gifts by year (see below) to make it easy for you to find an appropriate gift.

But before we get to browsing, let’s take a quick look at how we came to celebrate wedding anniversaries.

Why do we celebrate wedding anniversaries with gifts?

Although we might believe that choosing to celebrate anniversaries is a relatively modern concept, we’d be wrong. The celebration of wedding anniversaries is said to have begun way back in the middle-ages. At first couples used to mark each decade of marriage with small family celebrations, but it became popular to invite friends to help celebrate the big milestones.

Traditionally the guests would present the wife with a silver wreath on the 25^th anniversary to congratulate the couple on their long-lasting marriage. And couples celebrating 50 years would be gifted with gold wreaths. Although we don’t have much use for wreaths anymore, the names ‘silver’ and ‘golden’ wedding anniversary have stuck. And because it didn’t take too long before couples began to realise that every year was worth celebrating, some common themes began to emerge.

Where do traditional wedding anniversary gifts come from? 

We can thank the Victorians for getting organised and sorting some of these ancient customs into lists that look familiar to us today. They decided on low-value gifts for the early anniversaries. For example, paper was deemed appropriate gift for the 1^st anniversary and a leather gift was acceptable for the 3^rd wedding anniversary. And as time went on, the value of the gifts increased to reward the stability of the relationship.

Although most anniversaries were probably already accounted for, the list of ‘designated’ gifts was made rather more official in 1937. At that time, the American National Retail Jeweller’s Association created a complete list of gifts that could be given on each anniversary by year. Of course, over the years that’s also been modernised, but many traditional elements remain. 

Wedding anniversary gifts by year

This table summarises the traditional and modern gifts that we associate with wedding anniversaries. Some couples might prefer to stick with a traditional theme throughout their marriage, while others will chop and change. Like marriage itself, there’s no right or wrong way – it’s simply down to you whatever suits you best.

Wedding Anniversary	Traditional Gifts	Modern Gifts	Metals & Gemstones
1st	Paper	Clock	Gold
2nd	Cotton	China	Garnet
3rd	Leather	Crystal or Glass	Pearl
4th	Fruit or Flowers	Appliance	Blue topaz
5th	Wood	Silverware	Sapphire
6th	Iron or Confectionary	Wood	Amethyst
7th	Copper or Wool	Brass or Desk Set	Onyx
8th	Bronze, Salt or Pottery	Linen or Lace	Tourmaline
9th	Willow, Pottery or Copper	Leather	Tiger eye
10th	Aluminium or Tin	Diamond Jewellery	Diamond
11th	Steel	Fashion Jewellery	Turquoise
12th	Linen or Silk	Pearls	Agate / Jade
13th	Lace	Textiles	Citrine
14th	Ivory	Gold Jewellery	Opal
15th	Crystal	Watches	Ruby
16th	Silverware	Silver	Peridot
17th	Furniture	Furniture	Carnelian / Wrist Watches
18th	Porcelain	Porcelain	Cat’s eye
19th	Bronze	Bronze	Aquamarine
20th	China	Platinum	Emerald
25th	Silver	Silver	Silver
30th	Pearl	Diamond	Pearl
35th	Coral	Jade	Emerald
40th	Ruby	Ruby	Ruby
45th	Sapphire	Sapphire	Sapphire
50th	Gold	Gold	Gold
55th	Emerald	Emerald	Emerald
60th	Diamond	Diamond	Diamond

Jewellery wedding anniversary gifts

Here at Hoskings, we have a great range of gifts to suit everyone, from gorgeous Willow figurines to leather jewellery and watches but of course, we specialise in beautiful jewellery. Read on to discover some wonderful anniversary gifts by year:

1^st Wedding Anniversary Gift – Gold

Luckily, paper is no longer the gift of choice for many on their first anniversary and gold has become the most popular way to show your love for this all-important anniversary.
We love the idea of a gold ring to remind you of that magical day you celebrated one year ago. Or a gold chain is an affordable but thoughtful gift. This delicate 9ct gold chain can be worn with a small pendant or on its own, making it an excellent pick.

2^nd Wedding Anniversary Gift – Garnet

Is it a coincidence that the garnet is usually associated with a deep romantic red colour? The colour of love hearts? We think not! The garnet has long been associated with faith, eternity and truth, so it really is the perfect gift for a second wedding anniversary.
It looks stunning set in all metal colours and is delightful in rings, earrings and even necklaces, like this classic two-tone Najo garnet necklet.

3^rd Wedding Anniversary Gift – Pearl

The luscious pearl doubles up as a gift for both the 3^rd and the 30^th wedding anniversaries. These symbols of beauty and purity have been considered the perfect jewellery gifts for literally thousands of years. Although they’re most commonly associated with a lustrous white, pearls come in a rainbow of colours. So, you’re bound to find a stunning pearl gift for your loved one.
These classic South Sea stud earrings would make a stunning 3^rd anniversary gift. Or choose this Najo ‘Ms Perla’ rose gold pearl necklace for a modern take. And the blokes don’t have to miss out with an elegant watch like this Citizen leather strap watch with mother of pearl dial.

4^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Blue topaz

Topaz is found in a range of colours, but it’s the beautiful light blue topaz that’s associated with the 4^th wedding anniversary. In India, people have believed for centuries that topaz worn above the heart, assures a long life, beauty and intelligence, so what better gift to celebrate 4 wonderful years?
This delightful gemstone takes a special place in our heart, so Hoskings has a wonderful range of gorgeous blue topaz jewellery to choose from. Your loved one can sparkle and shine with this stunning gold ring with blue topaz centre and diamonds. Or leave her in no doubt of your love with this open-heart pendant with six blue topaz and diamonds.

5^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Sapphire

The simply beautiful sapphire gemstone is said to symbolise serenity, good health and joy. All perfect wishes for your partner-in-crime on your 5^th wedding anniversary!
Nothing could possibly say “we’re a perfect pair” like these white gold earrings with natural sapphires in a removable outer set with 14 diamonds. Though a personal favourite is this spectacular cushion-cut created ceylon sapphire ring.

6^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Amethyst

The beautiful amethyst is said to give the wearer luck, charm and good health. A perfect talisman for a 6^th wedding anniversary gift! Amethyst naturally varies in colour from a pale lavender to a beautiful deep violet, so there’s usually a perfect piece of amethyst jewellery to suit every taste. Just take a look at these lush gold drop studs with a pear-shaped amethyst stone. A pretty delicious ‘reward’ for 6 years of married bliss!
And because it’s not fair for the girls to have all the fun, blokes can wear this on-trend sterling silver pendant with a pointed-end amethyst.

7^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Onyx

The onyx is known to offer protection and is believed to keep urging you forward in your life. What better stone to get you through the infamous 7-year itch and onwards to celebrate many more years of happy married life?
Onyx is very popular stone with the menfolk in our lives, just check out our range of onyx jewellery here. This sterling silver Thomas Sabo black signet ring with onyx centre stone is a perfect gift for hubby. And this gorgeous silver mother of pearl and onyx graduating drop pendant would make an equally thoughtful 7^th anniversary gift for the lucky lady.

8^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Tourmaline

Tourmaline is very a much-admired stone that is celebrated for its wide array of colours. Healers believe that it offers energetic protection can even get rid of bad energy.
This gold Mark McAskill pendant with a princess cut pink tourmaline is sure to keep any bad vibes away. Or if you want to treat your loved one to a gift they’ll never forget, then take a look at this 18ct rose gold ring with oval pink tourmaline centre stone, diamond halo surround and pave set diamond shoulders. Incredible!

9^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Tiger eye

The tiger eye stone is a popular gemstone with a deep brown base and intriguing bands of golden yellow colour. It was once carried as an amulet against curses and was said to represent the power and confidence of the tiger. Wearing this beautiful stone, or indeed giving it as a gift to your loved one, encourages them to live boldly and bravely in all aspects of their life.
This round cabochon red tiger eye pendant necklace in a golden rose alloy setting would make a spectacular 9^th wedding anniversary gift. Or blend the tiger eye with jasper, obsidian and green imitation malachite in this designer Thomas Sabo charm bracelet for a wonderfully thoughtful anniversary gift.

10^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Diamond

Hitting the ten-year wedding anniversary is a wonderful milestone in any marriage. So, what better way to celebrate than with the most precious of all gemstones, the diamond! The diamond is known to symbolise courage and true love. Celebrating your love with diamond jewellery is certainly one of the very best ways to tell your one-true-love how much they mean to you.
Perhaps it’s time to add another layer on that ring finger? This beautiful white gold band with 11 channel set diamonds works well with so many of our wedding bands. Or, can you imagine the smile on your partner’s face when they open a box to reveal these gorgeous 9ct white gold stud earrings?
If hubby’s not a fan of bling, then don’t worry, we’ve got just the thing for him. This sleek and stylish minimalist watch from Fossil features a round black stainless-steel case and dial with a discreet diamond. Or, for a little more sparkle action, the gold-tone Citizen Eco-Drive Worldtime Chronograph watch showcases a round black dial with gold-tone and diamond accents. A perfect way to say “Happy 10^th anniversary Darling”!

11^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Turquoise

11^th wedding anniversaries celebrate the ever popular turquoise jewellery. The timeless turquoise gemstone is the stunning gift of choice for the 11^th anniversary.
This sterling silver created turquoise pendant is perfect on its own or you can pair it up with the matching earrings to really impress the Mrs. And blokes love these Thomas Sabo bracelets with simulated turquoise beads as worn by the ever-cool Chris Hemsworth.

12^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Agate or Jade

Although Jade has often been associated with the 12^th wedding anniversary and has been revered in China for centuries, it’s become harder to get good quality jade. With some rare types costing more per gram than gold. As Hoskings tries hard to ensure all our gemstones are mined as ethically as possible, we feel that a more appropriate stone to celebrate a wonderful 12^th wedding anniversary is the versatile agate.
That’s why we stock a fabulous range of agate jewellery, such as these drop hook black agate earrings for ‘her’ and this silver ring with a 9mm square black agate for ‘him’.

13^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Citrine

Citrine is the gem for the 13th wedding anniversary gift and has been used in jewellery since the days of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. So, what better way to celebrate your 13^th wedding anniversary than with a bright and cheerful Citrine?
These beautifully crafted 9ct gold hooks with a citrine pear-shaped centre would make a beautiful anniversary gift. Or to really up the ante with joyful colours, why not consider this multicolour bracelet with 15 natural stones including amethyst, citrine, smokey quartz, peridot and blue topaz.

14^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Opal

We know we’re not really supposed to have favourites. And if we’re honest, we do change our minds all the time when deciding which of the beautiful gemstones that we source are our current favourites. But let’s just say, there’s always a little pep in our steps when we’re helping couples choose their 14^th wedding anniversary gifts. Because these luminescent opals are just so divine.
I mean, just look at these opal studs. And this drop-dead-gorgeous multi stone ring. And this silver and opal pendant. Breathtaking.

15^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Ruby

The lustrous, deep red ruby has represented nobility, strength and passionate love for millennia. We can’t think of a better stone to celebrate 15 amazing years. That’s why we have a great range of ruby jewellery for you to choose from.
Like this gold dress ring with natural rubies and diamonds. Or say “forever” with this stunning gold ruby bracelet with diamond set infinity-shaped links.

16^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Peridot

Peridot, with its bright, yellow-green glow is the perfect stone to celebrate your 16^th wedding anniversary. We think it’s hard to go past this stunning gold peridot ring with an oval peridot in an offset swirl diamond-look setting.
Or, if you prefer, what about these elegant gold hook earrings with a peridot pear shaped centre? Or, if you’re feeling super loved-up, why not both?

17^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Carnelian

Carnelian is believed to have adorned humans since ancient times, possibly even as far back as the stone age. It was certainly favoured by the Egyptians where the vibrant orange colour was associated with fire and the setting sun. It’s also rumoured to reignite your inner fire and help you regain passion and vitality.
Now we’re not saying that’s what you need after 17 years of marriage. But, just in case...we love that this attractive red carnelian pendant can be worn by men or women. And we think it makes a pretty perfect 17^th wedding anniversary gift.

18^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Cat’s eye or Porcelain

We remember the first time we saw a cat’s eye stone, or a chrysoberyl, as it’s officially known. We thought it was great fun. But we distinctly remember that it was never very popular in store, which must be why we don’t stock it very often these days.
But don’t worry, we think sticking to the traditional and modern gift for the 18^th wedding anniversary is a great idea. Especially when you can choose from delightful porcelain pieces like this boxed porcelain warren blossom teapot or this matching blossom cup and saucer set.

19^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Aquamarine

Who doesn’t love the stunning vivid blue coloured aquamarine? Over the centuries, it’s been said to enhance happiness, harmony and understanding. And let us tell you that phenomenal Mark McAskill aquamarine ring with a pear-shaped aquamarine and a halo of sparkling diamonds will deliver happiness in spades.
If your budget doesn’t extend quite that far, fear not! These highly polished sterling silver studs with a round aquamarine colour Swarovski crystal stone, will also be a wonderful 19^th anniversary gift.

20^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Emerald

Congratulations! 20 years of marriage is a wonderful achievement! And it deserves a wonderful gift. So, what better than a piece of exquisite emerald jewellery? After all, Emerald is widely associated with fidelity, goodness and love.
Hoskings has a fabulous range of natural and created emerald jewellery to suit every taste and budget. Natural emeralds are usually more expensive than created emeralds which are made using a slow and energy intensive process in a laboratory. Both are distinctively stunning!
Look at this spectacular natural emerald ring set with three tapered baguette diamonds, just heavenly! But you don’t have to compromise on beauty with stunners like this marquise-shaped created emerald ring.

25^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Silver

Humans have had a long and happy relationship with silver, dating back more than 5,000 years, so it’s a perfectly fitting tribute to a long and happy marriage. As a very versatile metal, it’s wonderful for jewellery and precious gifts.
What better way to say “our love is forever” than with this pretty silver bracelet with a cubic zirconia encrusted infinity symbol? Perhaps a gorgeous silver bird pendant for the love birds? Or even this sterling silver bracelet with a heart padlock and safety chain? Want to see more? View all of our silver pieces here.

30^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Pearl

We already mentioned that the luminescent pearl is the stone of choice for the 3^rd and 30^th wedding anniversary gift. And we suggested this elegant Citizen leather strap watch with mother of pearl dial for the man in your life. Why not do a ‘his and hers’ with this gorgeous Seiko stainless steel 2-tone watch that also has a mother of pearl dial?
And let’s face it, after 30 years of marriage, the ladies need a whole heap of recognition. And our collection of pearl jewellery won’t disappoint. This classic freshwater pearl bracelet features would make for a perfect 30^th anniversary gift. Or for a little sophisticated twist, how about this stunning drop pendant with a black button pearl?

35^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Emerald

The splendid emerald is also the gemstone of choice for many celebrating their 20^th and 55^th wedding anniversaries. And we agree that it’s hard to get enough of this beautiful stone.
Take a moment to admire this stunning emerald ring crafted from 9ct yellow gold and featuring natural emeralds alternating with diamonds. Or drool over this open pendant with a pear-shaped created emerald and diamonds for extra sparkle. A gorgeous piece!

40^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Ruby

As ruby is also the stone of choice for the 15^th anniversary, we think adding another ruby to your collection for your 40^th wedding anniversary is a wonderful way to recognise the significance of so many years of marriage.
And we have a delightful range of ruby jewellery to choose from. Spoil your loved one with this gorgeous gold, diamond and ruby heart-shaped pendant. Or, for minimum fuss and maximum impact, choose these gold stud ruby earrings with a square created ruby in a four-claw setting.

45^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Sapphire

Also the stone to celebrate the 5^th wedding anniversary, the symbolic meanings of sapphires are serenity, good health and joy - all just as important for a 45^th wedding anniversary!
We think this gold pendant with delicately set pear-shaped natural sapphires is a perfect 45^th anniversary gift. Or, if blue’s not your colour, then you can choose these cushion cut pink sapphire drop earrings with a pear-shaped amethyst at the top. Or really splash out and ‘wow’ her with this vintage-inspired natural sapphire ring from Mark McAskill.

50^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Gold

If you’re lucky enough to be celebrating a 50^th wedding anniversary with someone you love, then congratulations are well and truly in order! What an achievement. After 50 years we reckon winning the lottery would be a fitting reward, but that’s one thing we can’t help with!
Here’s some other fitting golden gifts for your 50^th anniversary that we can help with though! This Lorus gold tone watch features a stainless steel case and band with a lovely crystal set bezel. For her, there’s these yellow gold bonded hoop earrings with the look and feel of solid gold at a fraction of the price. Or this gold plated pen that comes in a satin lined gift box is a lovely gift idea.

55^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Emerald

55^th wedding anniversary celebrations are a rare and precious thing, so it’s only fitting that the emerald is once again the gift of choice.
This yellow gold emerald pendant is simply perfection and would make a wonderful 55^th anniversary gift. Or to add a little more sparkle and shine, choose this gorgeous pair of pear-shaped created emerald earrings, set in 9ct yellow gold and with 3 illusion set diamonds at the base.

60^th Wedding Anniversary Gift – Diamond

How do you celebrate a lifetime of love and commitment? With diamonds obviously! And Hoskings has a lush range of diamond jewellery to help you find the perfect gift.
These rare and beautiful natural Australian Argyle pink diamond earrings would make a wonderful wedding anniversary gift. Or keep those precious memories safe with this gold heart-shaped locket featuring a beautiful diamond set design on the front.
And if you really want to make a statement, then this stunning 9ct white gold tear-drop pendant has been delicately set with 60 diamonds, making it a perfect match for this wonderful anniversary.
 
We know that choosing the perfect anniversary gift can sometimes be daunting, so feel free to pop into any Hoskings store where our awesome Customer Service team will be happy to help.

Call 1800 819 796 in VIC/ NSW/ QLD & TAS. Or (08) 8981 8895 if you’re in NT/WA or SA.

 

Written by Niamh Hislop

Images: Unsplash
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