Wedding Anniversary Stones — The Complete Guide by Year
Every wedding anniversary year has a gemstone associated with it. Some are widely known — diamonds for 60 years, ruby for 40 — but the full list runs from year one all the way through to the diamond jubilee and beyond, with a stone (or two) for every milestone in between.
Whether you're buying for a specific anniversary year, looking for something more meaningful than a traditional gift, or simply want to know what stone represents your own marriage milestone — this guide covers all of it.
Anniversary Stones by Year — Quick Reference Chart
| Year | Anniversary Stone | Also Known As |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Mother of Pearl or Peridot | Paper anniversary |
| 2nd | Garnet | Cotton anniversary |
| 3rd | Pearl or Jade | Leather anniversary |
| 4th | Blue Topaz | Fruit/flowers anniversary |
| 5th | Sapphire or Pink Tourmaline | Wood anniversary |
| 6th | Amethyst or Turquoise | Candy anniversary |
| 7th | Onyx or Yellow Sapphire | Wool anniversary |
| 8th | Tourmaline or Tanzanite | Pottery anniversary |
| 9th | Lapis Lazuli or Amethyst | Pottery/willow anniversary |
| 10th | Diamond or Blue Sapphire | Tin anniversary |
| 11th | Turquoise or Citrine | Steel anniversary |
| 12th | Jade or Opal | Silk anniversary |
| 13th | Citrine or Moonstone | Lace anniversary |
| 14th | Opal or Agate | Ivory anniversary |
| 15th | Ruby or Rhodolite Garnet | Crystal anniversary |
| 16th | Peridot | — |
| 17th | Carnelian | — |
| 18th | Aquamarine or Cat's Eye | — |
| 19th | Aquamarine or Red Garnet | — |
| 20th | Emerald or Yellow Diamond | China anniversary |
| 21st | Iolite | — |
| 22nd | Spinel | — |
| 23rd | Imperial Topaz | — |
| 24th | Tanzanite | — |
| 25th | Tsavorite (Green Garnet) | Silver jubilee |
| 30th | Pearl | Pearl jubilee |
| 35th | Emerald | — |
| 40th | Ruby | Ruby anniversary |
| 45th | Sapphire or Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl | — |
| 50th | Imperial Topaz (Golden Topaz) | Golden jubilee |
| 55th | Green Tourmaline | — |
| 60th | Diamond or Star Ruby | Diamond jubilee |
Why Give Gemstones for a Wedding Anniversary?
The tradition of marking each anniversary with a specific material — or gemstone — is centuries old. The idea is simple: each year of marriage has its own character, and the stone for that year reflects it. A first anniversary stone is delicate and luminous (mother of pearl). A 40th anniversary stone is bold and enduring (ruby). The progression mirrors the relationship itself.
Gemstone jewellery makes a particularly meaningful anniversary gift because it's personal without requiring inside knowledge. You don't need to know someone's favourite colour or style — the stone itself carries the meaning, and any jeweller can make it into something beautiful.
It also solves the perennial problem of what to buy a couple who already has everything.
The Key Anniversary Milestones — Stones and Meanings
1st Anniversary — Mother of Pearl or Peridot
The first year is represented by mother of pearl: iridescent, luminous, and formed layer by layer over time — a quiet metaphor for a marriage just beginning. Peridot, with its soft green sparkle, is the gemstone alternative: associated with new beginnings and positive energy.
Both make beautiful pieces in necklaces, rings, and earrings. Mother of pearl in particular has a timeless elegance that works across every jewellery style.
5th Anniversary — Sapphire or Pink Tourmaline
Five years is a significant milestone, and sapphire — one of the most iconic gemstones — reflects that. Associated with loyalty, wisdom, and positive energy, it's a stone that suits the occasion perfectly. Blue sapphire is the classic choice; pink sapphire is a softer, romantic alternative.
Pink tourmaline is the secondary option: known as a stone of joy and compassion, it makes a beautiful and less expected gift. Browse our gemstone jewellery for sapphire and tourmaline pieces.
10th Anniversary — Diamond or Blue Sapphire
Ten years deserves something special. Diamond is the traditional choice — hard, brilliant, and enduring — though a diamond anniversary piece needn't be an extravagance. A simple diamond pendant or stud earrings carry the symbolism without the engagement ring price tag.
Blue sapphire is the gemstone alternative and an excellent one: rich in colour, deeply meaningful, and versatile across jewellery styles.
15th Anniversary — Ruby or Rhodolite Garnet
Ruby is one of the most coveted gemstones in the world — deep red, associated with passion and vitality, and genuinely striking in any setting. The 15th anniversary is sometimes called the crystal anniversary in traditional lists, but the stone list elevates it considerably.
Rhodolite garnet — a raspberry-pink variety of garnet — is a beautiful and more affordable alternative to ruby, with its own warmth and depth of colour.
20th Anniversary — Emerald or Yellow Diamond
Twenty years is a major milestone, and emerald is a stone that matches it. Rich, vivid green, and associated with love and renewal, emerald jewellery is bold and memorable. A good emerald pendant or ring is a genuinely significant gift.
Yellow diamond is the more luxurious alternative — rare, distinctive, and unmistakable.
25th Anniversary — Tsavorite (Green Garnet) — Silver Jubilee
The silver jubilee traditionally calls for silver, but the stone for the 25th is tsavorite — a vivid green garnet that rivals emerald for brilliance at a fraction of the price. It's a lesser-known stone which makes it a more interesting choice: something the recipient may never have received before.
30th Anniversary — Pearl — Pearl Jubilee
Pearl for the 30th anniversary is one of the most fitting stone assignments on the entire list. Pearl takes years to form — layer upon layer — and after 30 years of marriage, that symbolism resonates. Pearl jewellery is timeless: elegant in a necklace, classic in earrings, and meaningful as a bracelet.
35th Anniversary — Emerald
Emerald appears again at 35 years — a stone rich enough in meaning and beauty to warrant a second milestone. If the 20th anniversary brought a first emerald piece, the 35th is an occasion for something more significant.
40th Anniversary — Ruby — Ruby Anniversary
The 40th is one of the most celebrated milestones, and ruby is one of the most celebrated gemstones. Deep red, associated with love, passion, and endurance — it's a stone that feels earned after four decades together. Ruby earrings, a ruby pendant, or a ruby ring set in gold are all exceptional 40th anniversary gifts.
45th Anniversary — Sapphire or Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl
Sapphire returns for the 45th — deeper and more significant than its 5th anniversary appearance. Cat's eye chrysoberyl is the alternative: a fascinating stone with a distinctive optical effect that makes it genuinely unusual jewellery. Browse our gemstone collection for sapphire pieces.
50th Anniversary — Imperial Topaz (Golden Topaz) — Golden Jubilee
The golden jubilee calls for golden topaz — warm, radiant, and appropriately rare. Imperial topaz in its richest golden-orange form is one of the most valuable varieties of topaz and makes a truly significant 50th anniversary gift. Search our store for topaz jewellery.
60th Anniversary — Diamond or Star Ruby — Diamond Jubilee
Sixty years. Diamond is the stone, and nothing else would do. A diamond piece — however simple — marks a genuinely rare achievement. Star ruby is the alternative: a ruby that, under light, displays a six-rayed star pattern caused by light reflecting off needle-like inclusions. Extraordinary for an extraordinary anniversary.
Choosing the Right Anniversary Stone Gift
A few practical thoughts when shopping:
Jewellery is the most personal format. A loose gemstone is a curiosity; the same stone set in a necklace, ring, or bracelet becomes something worn and cherished. Think about the recipient's everyday style — whether they prefer delicate or statement pieces, silver or gold, and whether they tend to wear necklaces, earrings, or rings most.
The meaning matters as much as the stone. Many of the anniversary stones are less well-known than diamonds or sapphires, which actually makes them more interesting as gifts. Explaining the meaning — "this is your 9th anniversary stone, associated with strength and courage" — turns any piece into something with a story.
You don't have to buy for the exact year. The anniversary stone list is a guide, not a rule. If the stone for your year doesn't appeal, the list gives you alternatives, and many couples choose a stone that simply resonates with them regardless of year.
Browse our full gemstone jewellery collection to find pieces featuring anniversary stones — or explore our birthstone jewellery for pieces that combine personal meaning with gemstone significance.
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