Anniversary Gems & Metals

Gemstones or Precious Metal by Anniversary

The concept of wedding anniversary gifts dates back the Middle Ages and originated in the Germanic region of Europe.

Initially these gifts were given to a wife on the 25th and 50th wedding anniversary by her husband or friends. Traditionally the gift was a sliver garland for the 25th anniversary or gold garland for the 50th anniversary. Hence arose the idea of 'silver wedding' and 'golden wedding' anniversaries.

It is believed the Victorians adapted a list of anniversary days and specified materials for gifts to be made of, such as wood, emeralds, and gold.

In 1922 Emily Post listed wedding anniversaries as the: 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 50th, and 75th.

The American National Retail Jeweler Association in 1937 issued a list, which associated a given material for each anniversary year up to the 20th and then each fifth year after that until the 75th anniversary.

We did some more research and were able to find a few more: 80th, 85th, 90th, 95th and 100th.

Gemstone or Precious Metal
1 year	Gold
2 Years	Garnet
3 Years	Pearls
4 Years	Blue Topaz
5 Years	Sapphire
6 Years	Amethyst
7 Years	Onyx
8 Years	Tourmaline
9 Years	Lapis Lazuli
10 Years	Diamond
11 Years	Turquoise
12 Years	Jade
13 Years	Citrine
14 Years	Opal
15 Years	Ruby
16 Years	Peridot
17 Years	Watches
18 Years	Cat’s Eye, Tiger’s Eye or Chrysoberyl
19 Years	Aquamarine
20 Years	Emerald
21 Years	Iolite
22 Years	Spinet
23 Years	Imperial Topaz
24 Years	Tanzanite
25 Years	Silver
30 Years	Pearl
35 Years	Emerald
40 Years	Ruby
45 Years	Sapphire
50 Years	Gold
55 Years	Alexandrite
60 Years	Diamond Jubilee
65 Years	Blue Spinel
70 Years	Sapphire Jubilee
75 Years	Diamond Jubilee
80 Years	Ruby Jubilee
85 Years	Diamond & Sapphire
90 Years	Diamond & Emerald
95 Years	Diamond & Ruby
100 Years	10k Diamond