The Hargreaves Stockholm guide to major anniversaries by year...
Although giving a gift to mark a wedding anniversary is traced back to Ancient Rome and Medieval Germany, it wasn’t until the 20th Century that a list of gifts was put together. Published in 1922 in her book titled ‘Etiquette’, American author Emily Post recommended a list of anniversary gift themes to overcome the common problem people face as to what to gift each year for their wedding anniversary.
In most places around the world, a couple’s wedding anniversary is celebrated in a significant way. Important anniversaries could be symbolised by a traditional gift such as paper for the 1st year, diamond for the 10th and silver for the 25th.
Anniversary gifts can differ between countries, but the most common traditional themes and gemstones for each year are listed below; of course we believe that every year is equally important!
Wedding anniversary themes by year
1st Year: Paper or Gold Jewellery.
2nd Year: Cotton or Garnet gemstone.
3rd Year: Leather or Moonstone gemstone
4th Year: Linen, silk or Blue Topaz gemstone
5th Year: Wood or Sapphire gemstone
6th Year: Iron, candy or Amethyst gemstone
7th Year: Wool, copper or Onyx gemstone
8th Year: Salt, bronze or Tourmaline gemstone
9th Year: Pottery or Lapis Lazuli gemstone
10th Year: Tin, aluminum or Diamond gemstone
11th Year: Steel or Turquoise gemstone
12th Year: Silk or Agate gemstone
13th Year: Lace or Citrine gemstone
14th Year: Ivory or Opal gemstone
15th Year: Crystal or Ruby gemstone
20th Year: China or Emerald gemstone
25th Year: Silver or Silver jewellery
30th Year: Pearl or Pearl gemstone
35th Year: Coral or Coral gemstone
40th Year: Ruby gemstone
45th Year: Sapphire or Sapphire gemstone
50th Year: Gold or Imperial Topaz gemstone
55th Year: Emerald or Alexandrite gemstone
60th Year: Diamond
Jewellery is a fantastic gift to mark special moments, most years have a precious gemstone associated to them. For example, you can celebrate your 8 Year anniversary with salt, bronze or with a tourmaline gemstone; this is our amazing 18ct solid gold Stardust ring with a peach tourmaline mounted in our specially designed crown setting, the perfect gift for the one you love!