Anniversary Rings

Did you know that giving anniversary gifts dates back to the Middle Ages? Anniversary rings are traditional gifts to celebrate your longevity as a couple and can be worn by you both. 

Wait, hold on there. Aren’t anniversary rings for women only? Do men wear them too?

Yes, and yes. Women, of course, are given anniversary rings by their husbands to celebrate the number of years they have been married. But increasingly, men are wearing them too. In fact, many couples choose to buy matching anniversary rings. 

How cool is that?

If you are searching for a special way to celebrate your anniversary, there’s no better gift than a ring to symbolize your lives together so far, and the years to come. You will want to understand which stone represents which year of marriage and choose accordingly, so that you can tell her you’ve researched this very carefully. A typical anniversary ring is generally in a traditional style accented with the appropriate gemstone or diamond for the year of marriage celebrated. 

Both men’s and women’s anniversary rings may come in several different traditional metals from platinum to white, yellow and rose gold to non-traditional materials like tungsten and carbon fiber. We carry a wide selection from which to choose what best suits your look. 

There aren’t any hard and fast rules about when to give anniversary rings, as many couples only choose the biggest milestones – such as 10 years, 15 years or 25 years, for example. But, hey, if you want to give one just about every year, go ahead. We won’t mind in the least. 

Another reason to give an anniversary ring is if you are renewing your vows. It’s a lovely way to say you’d marry each other all over again. You can even match the number of diamonds in the ring to the number of years you’ve been married to add a special touch she’ll appreciate. 

Here are the gemstones assigned to almost every anniversary year. You’ll find different versions of this list from different sources, but this is the generally accepted one:

1st Anniversary – Gold

2^nd Anniversary – Garnet

3^rd Anniversary – Pearl

4^th Anniversary – Blue Topaz

5th Anniversary – Sapphire

6th Anniversary – Amethyst

8^th Anniversary – Tourmaline

9^th Anniversary – Lapis Lazuli

10^th Anniversary – Diamond

11^th Anniversary – Yellow Beryl

12th Anniversary – Jade

13^th Anniversary – Citrine

14^th Anniversary – Opal

15^th Anniversary – Ruby

20^th Anniversary – Emerald

25th Anniversary – Silver Jubilee

30^th Anniversary – Pearl Jubilee

35^th Anniversary -Emerald

40^th Anniversary – Ruby

45^th Anniversary – Sapphire

50^th Anniversary – Gold

55^th Anniversary – Alexandrite

60^th Anniversary -Diamond

65^th Anniversary – Blue Spinel

70^th Anniversary – Sapphire

75^th Anniversary – Diamond 

80^th Anniversary – Ruby (Wow, we’re impressed!)

So, where do you wear an anniversary ring? Which finger? Do you wear it solo? There is no specific etiquette on this, so there’s no need to panic. Here are some suggestions though:

If her engagement ring is a solitaire, she may want to stack her anniversary ring on top with her wedding ring, especially if the latter has pavé or channel set diamonds. That’s a lot of bling, but if it doesn’t feel uncomfortable, why not? Stacked rings are hot right now. However, if you went all out on a big, bold, unique-looking engagement ring, the stacked look may not work. Your best option in that case is to wear your anniversary ring on your right-hand ring finger. 

Many couples take off their wedding set and wear their anniversary ring on their left- hand ring finger, as it is worn to actually replace the engagement and wedding ring. Perhaps the engagement ring is no longer as perfect as when you bought it, and you’re ready for a change. Now is the time to upgrade. It’s your choice really. 

You can also size the anniversary ring for a different finger. How about on your middle finger, pinky finger or thumb, on either hand? You can still rock your wedding set or engagement ring where it is supposed to be. Stacked, in multiples or on different fingers, you’ll see every which way these days. 

Getting back to the idea of guys wearing anniversary rings – and matching anniversary rings. It’s a thing. It really is. Just as with women, there are no strict guidelines as to where men should wear their anniversary ring. Many guys choose to pair it with their simple wedding band. We carry men’s anniversary bands in a wide selection of classic and unique styles, fits and finishes, depending on your particular taste, so feel free to choose something on fleek, so to speak. 

We hope you’ve picked up a few hints about anniversary rings by now. They’re not as mysterious as all that. 

Oh, and congratulations on whatever milestone you’re celebrating!