Each wedding anniversary has a traditional gemstone associated with it. Just as the more commonly known anniversary materials — paper for the 1st, silver for the 25th, gold for the 50th — carry symbolic meaning, each gemstone has been chosen to reflect the qualities of that particular year of marriage.
Below is a list of traditional wedding anniversary gemstones to help you choose the perfect stone for the anniversary year. We specialise in producing quality traditional anniversary jewellery and will be incorporating these stones into our items over time.
- 2nd anniversary: Garnet
- 3rd anniversary: Pearl
- 4th anniversary: Blue topaz
- 5th anniversary: Sapphire
- 6th anniversary: Amethyst
- 7th anniversary: Onyx
- 8th anniversary: Tourmaline
- 9th anniversary: Lapis lazuli
- 10th anniversary: Diamond (or blue sapphire)
- 11th anniversary: Turquoise
- 12th anniversary: Jade
- 13th anniversary: Citrine
- 14th anniversary: Opal
- 15th anniversary: Ruby
- 20th anniversary: Emerald
- 25th anniversary: Silver
- 30th anniversary: Pearl
- 40th anniversary: Ruby
- 45th anniversary: Sapphire
- 50th anniversary: Gold
- 55th anniversary: Alexandrite
- 60th anniversary: Diamond
These gemstones are drawn from both the American National Retail Jeweler's Association list and older British traditions, so you may find slight variations depending on the source you consult. The stones listed here represent the most widely recognised choices in the UK.
When choosing anniversary jewellery, the gemstone associated with the year makes a particularly thoughtful and meaningful choice. A piece of jewellery set with the anniversary stone — whether a necklace, ring, or pair of earrings — is a gift that carries real significance and can be worn and treasured for many years to come.
Do visit the anniversary section relevant to your year to see our current handmade jewellery range, which includes pieces incorporating traditional anniversary materials alongside gemstone accents, all made to order in our Cornwall workshop.