Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: A Timeless Tradition Celebrated with Jewellery
At Philippe Harold, where the legacy of crafting fine jewellery has flourished since 1937 in the heart of Antwerp’s Diamond District, we understand the importance of marking life’s most special moments. One of the most cherished traditions is the celebration of wedding anniversaries, each year offering an opportunity to reflect on your journey together. Traditionally, significant anniversaries are honored with special gifts that symbolize the strength and growth of your marriage. What better way to commemorate these moments than with exquisite Antwerp jewellery that will last for generations?
The tradition of giving gifts to celebrate wedding anniversaries dates back centuries, believed to have originated in medieval Germany or perhaps even ancient Rome. However, it was during the Victorian era that the custom gained widespread popularity. As love became central to marriage, there emerged an emphasis on nurturing love and commitment, and what better way to do so than with a meaningful gift to mark each milestone?
Jewellery is an ideal anniversary gift as it is precious, romantic, and timeless—just like your marriage. Whether it’s a diamond engagement ring, a wedding band, or a custom engagement ring, our jewellery pieces are designed to reflect the beauty and uniqueness of your love story. Below, we offer a guide to traditional anniversary gifts by year, and the perfect pieces to celebrate each milestone.
1st Anniversary: Gold
While the traditional gift for the first anniversary is paper, gold is the modern choice. A timeless gold chain in yellow, white, or rose gold makes for a beautiful and foundational piece that can be worn daily or saved for special occasions. As you continue to build your jewellery collection, pieces like a classic gold necklace or bracelet can become a cherished symbol of your growing life together.
2nd Anniversary: Garnet
Garnet, symbolizing love and passion, is the gemstone associated with the second anniversary. Available in a variety of stunning colors, garnet makes for a thoughtful and meaningful gift. Consider a pair of deep-red garnet earrings or a delicate necklace showcasing this vibrant stone, carefully wrapped in a cotton pouch to honor the traditional gift of cotton.
3rd Anniversary: Pearls
Pearls represent the third year of marriage, symbolizing purity and wisdom. A timeless pearl necklace or a set of pearl earrings is a beautiful choice that will never go out of style. For a modern twist, consider pearls combined with sleek, gender-fluid designs that are perfect for both men and women.
5th Anniversary: Sapphire
Sapphire is the gemstone of loyalty, trust, and fidelity, and is traditionally given on the fifth anniversary. Whether it's a sapphire-encrusted wedding ring or an Antwerp engagement ring set with this brilliant gemstone, it’s a gift that signifies the strength and durability of your marriage.
10th Anniversary: Diamonds
A decade of love deserves the brilliance and elegance of diamonds. Whether it’s a diamond-studded wedding band or a timeless Antwerp diamond ring, diamonds are a powerful symbol of everlasting commitment. For a more personal touch, consider custom rings that reflect your unique journey together.
15th Anniversary: Ruby
Rubies, the gemstone of passion and love, are the traditional gift for the 15th anniversary. A ruby-encrusted pendant or ring is a beautiful way to symbolize the deep, enduring connection you’ve built over the years. Philippe Harold’s expert team of gemologists can help you find the perfect ruby piece to mark this important milestone.
20th Anniversary: Emerald
Emeralds represent renewal and growth, making them the ideal gemstone for a 20th anniversary. A stunning emerald ring or necklace reflects the bond you’ve nurtured for two decades and signals the continued flourishing of your relationship. As with all Antwerp jewellery, an emerald piece from Philippe Harold offers both beauty and legacy.
25th Anniversary: Silver
Silver is traditionally given on the 25th wedding anniversary. Celebrate your Silver Jubilee with a piece of silver jewellery that matches your partner’s taste and style. A sleek silver bracelet or sculptural silver necklace serves as a timeless reminder of your quarter-century of love.
30th Anniversary: Pearls (Again)
By the 30th anniversary, pearls return as the traditional gift. If you presented a classic pearl necklace earlier, now is the time to go bolder with baroque pearls, Tahitian black pearls, or a luxurious golden South Sea pearl. Philippe Harold offers a range of high-quality pearl jewellery to suit every style and taste.
50th Anniversary: Gold
Reaching the 50th anniversary, also known as the Golden Jubilee, is a monumental achievement. A substantial gold gift, such as a gold watch or a pair of engraved gold rings, can symbolize the enduring love and commitment shared over five decades.
60th Anniversary: Diamonds
Diamonds once again make an appearance for the 60th anniversary, symbolizing a love that has stood the test of time. A diamond-studded eternity band or a radiant diamond necklace celebrates the timeless beauty of your relationship.
At Philippe Harold, we offer an extensive selection of diamond engagement and wedding rings, custom engagement rings, and elegant jewellery pieces that suit any anniversary milestone. Whether you are celebrating your first year of marriage or your 60th, our expert team of gemologists, designers, and crafters is here to help you find the perfect piece that reflects your love story. Visit our store in the heart of Antwerp’s Diamond District to experience the magic and timeless elegance of Antwerp jewellery firsthand.