Give him the Anniversary Hint

Gifts have traditionally been given for wedding anniversaries since medieval times. The first person to actually publish a list of suggested anniversary gifts was Emily Post. Published in 1922, her first etiquette guide contained suggestions for the first, fifth, tenth, fifteenth, twentieth, twenty-fifth and fiftieth years of marriage. In 1957, Post’s book was reprinted with an expanded list that included suggestions for each of the first 15 years and for every five years after.

Speed up to today’s times, and this list has been broadened by authors to include gifts for every year’s anniversary, including years after the fiftieth anniversary, like the seventy-fifth and eightieth.

While there is no rule book to anniversary gifts, this article is meant to inspire you with jewelry gift ideas. Below you will find traditional gifts, along with alternates. This way when you go to "hint,” he has options!

1st Anniversary: Gold Jewelry (Alternate: Peridot)

5th Anniversary: Sapphire (Alternate: Pink Tourmaline)

10th Anniversary: Diamond Jewelry (Alternate: Blue Sapphire)

15th Anniversary: Ruby (Alternates: Rhodolite Garnet, Alexandrite)

20th Anniversary: Emerald (Alternate: Yellow or Golden Diamond)

25th Anniversary: Silver Jubilee (Alternates: Tsavorite, Green Garnet)

30th Anniversary: Pearl Jubilee

35th Anniversary: Emerald

40th Anniversary: Ruby

45th Anniversary: Sapphire (Alternate: Cat's Eye)

50th Anniversary: Golden Jubilee (Alternate: Imperial or Golden Topaz)

55th Anniversary: Alexandrite

60th Anniversary: Diamond Jubilee (Alternate: Star Ruby)

65th Anniversary: Blue Spinel

70th Anniversary: Sapphire Jubilee (Alternate: Smoky Quartz)

75th Anniversary: Diamond Jubilee

80th Anniversary: Ruby Jubilee

If his gift giving style is more modern, and he is not into following the traditional trends, here is a shortened list of modern inspirations for you both:

1st Anniversary: Solitaire pendants, stud earrings, and gold, rose gold or silver bracelet

By selecting a classic design, it is sure to go with everything. Timeless pieces never go out of style and will last forever, just like your love for one another.

5th Anniversary: Colorful gemstones

You cannot go wrong with a few colorful eternity rings that make a beautiful stackable collection. Or, if you are feeling creative, try selecting a uniquely designed cocktail ring with a nice big colorful gemstone accented with diamonds.

10th Anniversary: Birthstones

By this anniversary you have probably started a family, and that is why birthstone charms are perfect options. Hopefully he has already given you a charm bracelet, so by your tenth anniversary, and going forward, you are adding different charms to your bracelet. Each charm can represent your spouse’s birth month, children’s birth months or other special family members’ birth months. It is a gift that tells a story and represents your family.

If all else fails, stick to diamonds. You really cannot go wrong with diamond jewelry as an anniversary gift. If earth diamonds are out of your price range, ask about moissanite diamonds. They shine just as bright, and have a much different price associated with them. If desired, they can be exchanged with real diamonds in the future. Just ask about our trade-in program.

He can always rely on us, W. P. Shelton Jewelers, to give him inspiration and ideas. Especially if you made a wish list inside our store! Hint, hint…!