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Thoughtful Anniversary Gift Ideas - Jewelry & More
Whether you are looking for the perfect 10 year anniversary gift, a meaningful 20th anniversary gift, or something in between, here are some great gift ideas for the first 20 years of marriage.
Anniversaries are worth celebrating
Take a moment to pause and reflect on what makes the two of you work as a couple. Whether you are celebrating your first or your 12th anniversary, it is a chance to say thank you for all those small gestures, the key moments of support and love that sustain you every day. Finding the perfect anniversary gift to commemorate your journey together can be tricky, but we have a few suggestions to help guide you.
Embrace the Romance
Perhaps you want to embrace the romantic nature of the occasion. A bouquet of the flowers from her wedding bouquet (bring a wedding photo to the florist as a reference) or a return visit to the spot where you proposed or went on your honeymoon. Jewelry, especially with the romantic pinks and reds of Pink Tourmaline, Rubies or Garnets, brings the symbolism of compassion, love and devotion. Or take her on a romantic picnic in a beautiful setting or a concert of her favorite band.
Embrace the Romance
Perhaps you want to embrace the romantic nature of the occasion. A bouquet of the flowers from her wedding bouquet (bring a wedding photo to the florist as a reference) or a return visit to the spot where you proposed or went on your honeymoon. Jewelry, especially with the romantic pinks and reds of Pink Tourmaline, Rubies or Garnets, brings the symbolism of compassion, love and devotion. Or take her on a romantic picnic in a beautiful setting or a concert of her favorite band.
Get Creative with Numbers
Connect the number of years you have been married with the gift you choose. For example, if you have been married three years, think about gifts which have three elements like a 3 day weekend stay at a B & B, a three course dinner at a farm to table restaurant, or a 3 birthstone necklace with both your birthstones and the stone for the month of your wedding.
Get Creative with Numbers
Connect the number of years you have been married with the gift you choose. For example, if you have been married three years, think about gifts which have three elements like a 3 day weekend stay at a B & B, a three course dinner at a farm to table restaurant, or a 3 birthstone necklace with both your birthstones and the stone for the month of your wedding.
Pamper her!
There are so many ways to step back from the bustle of life and unwind. A day at the spa complete with massage, facial and manicure can be rejuvenating. Or perhaps an annual pass to her favorite museum, a gift certificate to classes in painting, music or crafting, or a day spent at her favorite antique market are all ways to show her that you love everything about her. Sometimes, if you have young kids at home, this “me” time can be especially important.
Pamper her!
There are so many ways to step back from the bustle of life and unwind. A day at the spa complete with massage, facial and manicure can be rejuvenating. Or perhaps an annual pass to her favorite museum, a gift certificate to classes in painting, music or crafting, or a day spent at her favorite antique market are all ways to show her that you love everything about her. Sometimes, if you have young kids at home, this “me” time can be especially important.
Draw on Tradition
You can always draw on tradition and look to the established list of themes for anniversary years. The first such list came from Emily Post in 1922 who created a list of anniversary gifts including paper, cloth, leather, flowers, and wood for the first five years. This list has been expanded over the years and can serve as an inspiration for gifting. For example, for a 5 year anniversary gift the theme is wood, which represents the deep rooted strength of your marriage. Wood themed options might include a wooden jewelry box with an inlay design, a day sailing on a wooden sailboat, or a handmade wooden cutting board if you have woodworking skills.
Draw on Tradition
You can always draw on tradition and look to the established list of themes for anniversary years. The first such list came from Emily Post in 1922 who created a list of anniversary gifts including paper, cloth, leather, flowers, and wood for the first five years. This list has been expanded over the years and can serve as an inspiration for gifting. For example, for a 5 year anniversary gift the theme is wood, which represents the deep rooted strength of your marriage. Wood themed options might include a wooden jewelry box with an inlay design, a day sailing on a wooden sailboat, or a handmade wooden cutting board if you have woodworking skills.
Find the perfect Gemstone
In 1937, recognizing the romantic nature of gifting jewelry for anniversaries, the American National Retail Jewelry Association created a list of gemstones associated with each anniversary. The gemstones were chosen based on traditions and on the symbolic meaning attached to the gemstones. Other major gemological associations soon followed, including the Jewelers of America, the American Gem Society, the American Gem Trade Association and the Gemological Institute of America.
Find the perfect Gemstone
In 1937, recognizing the romantic nature of gifting jewelry for anniversaries, the American National Retail Jewelry Association created a list of gemstones associated with each anniversary. The gemstones were chosen based on traditions and on the symbolic meaning attached to the gemstones. Other major gemological associations soon followed, including the Jewelers of America, the American Gem Society, the American Gem Trade Association and the Gemological Institute of America.
Many people are familiar with diamonds as the 10 year anniversary gift signifying the strength and enduring nature of the relationship. An anniversary ring with diamonds worn above the engagement ring is a classic gift for this milestone anniversary. But did you know that Rubies, a symbol of love, energy and passion, are the designated gemstone for 15th anniversary gifts and Emeralds, a symbol of rebirth, are the gemstone for 20th anniversary gifts?
Meaningful Personalized Jewelry
Combine the gemstone with your anniversary year with a timeless design she will wear everyday, whether it be in a necklace, bracelet, earrings or ring. From understated jewelry meant for everyday wear to iconic statement pieces meant for special occasions, there are so many designs to choose from. If you need help finding the perfect fit for jewelry, check out our Sizing Guide which has lots of helpful hints.
Mother’s Rings and Necklaces
If you want to celebrate her role as mother, each month is also associated with a birthstone. You could create a personalized Mother’s necklace with each of your children’s birthstones or a set of Mother’s rings, one for each child.
Last Minute Magic
Hopefully this anniversary gemstone list is an inspiration to help you find gifts based on their symbolic significance. Explore these gemstones to find out which symbolic meaning is tied to your anniversary year. And if you are a last minute shopper, rest assured, Haverhill can create personalized jewelry for her in just 1 - 4 days. Our handcrafted designs are waiting for you to select the birthstones of your choice to create a meaningful, lasting anniversary gift she will cherish.
First Anniversary - Gold
generosity and compassion
Second Anniversary - Garnet
the heart and life force
Third Anniversary - Pearls & Moonstone
balance
Fourth Anniversary - Blue Topaz
clear communications
Fifth Anniversary - Sapphire
romantic devotion
Sixth Anniversary - Amethyst
marital devotion
Seventh Anniversary - Onyx
harmonious relationships
Eighth Anniversary - Tourmaline
love and compassion
Ninth Anniversary - Lapis Lazuli
strength and courage
Tenth Anniversary - Diamond
love and fidelity
Eleventh Anniversary - Turquoise
protection from evil
Twelfth Anniversary - Jade, Green Agate
protector of generations, increases compassion
Thirteenth Anniversary - Citrine
energy and creativity
Fourteenth Anniversary - Opal
hope, purity and truth
Fifteenth Anniversary - Ruby
love, energy and passion
Sixteenth Anniversary - Peridot
brings peace to relationships
Sixteenth Anniversary - Amethyst and Citrine
devotion and energy
Eighteenth Anniversary - Cat's Eye, Opal
serenity and hope
Nineteenth Anniversary - Aquamarine
clarity and harmony
Twentieth Anniversary - Emerald
rebirth
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FAQ
Our jewelry is made to order in 1 - 4 business days. You can select the shipping method at checkout that works best for you, including expedited and next day air shipping.
Traditionally, an anniversary ring is worn above the engagement ring and the wedding band is worn below the engagement ring. Traditions are relaxing and so you should feel free to wear your anniversary ring on whichever finger suits you best.
These suggestions are meant to inspire and to give the traditional meaning assocaited with each gemstone. Alternately, you may want to choose the gemstone for the month you were married, both your birthstones, or the birthstones of your children. The beauty is, you can define the meaning and create a unique gift to honor your anniversary.