Why, When and How: Selecting The Perfect Anniversary Band
Whether a couple has been married one year or one decade, many choose to celebrate their anniversaries with extraordinary gifts.
Anniversary rings or bands are often used to symbolize unwavering commitment and love. With diamonds or gemstones incorporated depending on the milestone, a stunning ring honors your commitment to one another.
Valoria Pear Two Stone Right Hand Ring
While there are no established rules, make sure to choose a design that fits your partner's personality and celebrates your personal relationship. You could even add a touch of sentimentality by matching the number of stones in your anniversary ring with the number of years you have been married or choosing the stone that represents the traditional anniversary gift for your year of marriage.
For those looking for some guidance, we’ve detailed why and when you should give an anniversary band, how to choose the perfect piece, and some inspiration that will have you counting down the days to your next celebration.
Why and When Should You Give an Anniversary Band?
Perhaps you are wondering why you need another ring in addition to
engagement and
wedding rings. If commemorating your love isn’t enough of an occasion, it is also an excellent way to select a ring that reflects where you are today as a pair, especially if your style aesthetic has evolved over the years since your nuptials.
It is also an opportunity to get excited,
especially if you made compromises for the engagement ring or wedding band many moons ago. A second chance to prioritize details in a ring that you never could before.
As opposed to wedding bands, which tend to be relatively simple, anniversary bands often feature intricate diamond clusters as part of their design; arranged in unique patterns. It is also possible to wear an anniversary ring alone on the right hand, as a statement piece. Your preferences and evolving tastes dictate the design of your anniversary ring, and it's something you're able to do together, which is not usually experienced for engagement rings.
There are no set rules as to when you should gift or receive an anniversary band. Most couples choose to celebrate milestone anniversaries with anniversary rings, whereas others choose alternative years to give a ring as an unexpected surprise. A renewal of vows is another opportunity to give your spouse a magnificent anniversary band.
The anniversary band is a romantic and timeless symbol of a marriage's growth and prosperity. No matter what the occasion is, whether it is a fiftieth wedding anniversary or a first! Truly, you can gift an anniversary band to your significant other any year you wish to celebrate your marriage; explore when it feels right for you and your relationship.
At a Glance: Anniversary Gifting Years
Understanding the traditional gemstones and metals for each anniversary year might help you narrow down your choices for an anniversary band or ring. The experts recommend these stones, gemstones, and metals for every anniversary.
Year 1: Gold
Traditionally,
gold jewelry is given as a gift on the first anniversary of a couple. Whether you choose
white gold,
yellow gold, or rose gold, they make a stunning statement for a year of married bliss.
Year 2: Garnet
7.5mm Round Garnet set in Simon G. TR473 Engagement Ring
When it comes to garnet, there are many colors to choose from, but its most famous hue is deep red. Gifts of
Garnet jewelry make wonderful second-year anniversary presents.
Year 3: Pearl
Gaia Pearl and Diamond Right Hand Ring
In addition to being timeless,
pearl jewelry such as earrings and pendants make a wonderful third-anniversary gift.
Year 4: Blue Topaz
5mm Round Blue Topaz set in Simon G. TR418-D Engagement Ring
The blue Topaz is traditionally the gem of a fourth anniversary. In rings, necklaces, and earrings, this blue gemstone makes a stunning statement because of its
high clarity and brilliance.
Year 5: Sapphire
Diamond and Pink Sapphire Flower Cluster Pendant
From regal blues to feminine pinks,
Sapphires can fit a variety of styles, personalities, and most importantly - fifth anniversaries.
Year 6: Amethyst
Tacori SR100P13 Blushing Rose Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Traditionally given to celebrate a sixth-year anniversary,
Amethyst has been prized by royalty for thousands of years. Purple pairs beautifully with deeper skin tones.
Year 7: Onyx
Tacori SR13419 featuring Black Onyx
Onyx is a mineral typically used in men's jewelry and is associated with the seventh anniversary.
Year 8: Tourmaline
Your eighth anniversary calls for gorgeous pink Tourmaline!
Year 9: Lapis Lazuli
Since antiquity, Lapis Lazuli has been prized for its intense color and spiritual meaning. It's also symbolic of a nine-year anniversary.
Year 10: Diamond
Seven Stone Open Basket Diamond Wedding Ring
There is nothing like
diamond jewelry to bring back memories of the day you exchanged rings years ago. It would be appropriate to present a diamond band for your 10th anniversary, which is a truly milestone occasion.
Year 11: Turquoise
Tacori Island Rains Barbados Blue Noelite Turquoise Ring
With its vibrant teal hue, this gemstone symbolizes prosperity and health for the future, making it the ideal gift for the year to come.
Year 12: Jade
Throughout ancient history, Jade has been prized for its healing properties, smooth texture, and vibrant green color. In addition, it is one of the most popular gems for celebrating a dozen years of marriage.
Year 13: Citrine
Tacori SE134Y04 Color Medley Citrine Dangle Earrings
In celebration of the thirteenth anniversary,
Citrine, an orange-yellow quartz form, is traditionally gifted.
Year 14: Opal
There is something enchanting about the
Opal with its incredible range of dynamic colors. A wide variety of colors are displayed on its surface, from the deep orange to the white and blue flame for which it is famous.
Year 15: Ruby
Valoria Oval Two Stone Right Hand Ring with Ruby
Known for their vivid red hues and incredible shine,
Rubies are a treasured gemstone. Wearers of Rubies are believed to benefit from good health and fortune, so rubies are a perfect anniversary gift to mark fifteen years of devotion.
Year 20: Emerald
Emerald and Diamond Wedding Set
With the lustrous green gemstone that represents renewal and positivity, what better way to honor two decades of marriage?
Emeralds are sensational and are surprisingly striking when paired with icy diamonds.
Year 25: Silver Jubilee
The twenty-fifth anniversary of a marriage is a significant occasion that is commemorated with
silver jewelry as a gift. With silver as a relatively neutral canvas, it can be set with any variety of diamonds or colored gemstones.
Year 30: Pearl Jubilee
Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace
Enchanting pearl rings, bands and jewelry make a stunning thirtieth-anniversary gift to compliment your third-year celebration.
Year 35: Emerald
A
diamond with an emerald-cut shape might be more your style if the hues of green aren't your thing and you want to celebrate with something different from your twentieth-anniversary.
Year 40: Ruby
The timeless beauty of Rubies makes them a perfect gift throughout history. An exquisite
vintage Ruby ring is a perfect way to commemorate your fortieth wedding anniversary.
Year 45: Sapphire
A Sapphire's incredible luster and deep velvety-blue hue are sure to dazzle. If you are looking for a gift that is sure to be remembered, choose an iconic Sapphire pendant or
right hand ring.
Year 50: Golden Jubilee
In addition to being the traditional gift for the first anniversary, gold is also the traditional gift for the fiftieth anniversary. We have an impressive selection of lustrous gold jewelry in white, yellow, and rose gold to suit every style, skin tone and celebration.
Year 55: Alexandrite
To commemorate this memorable event, jewelry made from
Alexandrite gemstones is considered the perfect anniversary gift. As a symbol of good fortune, it celebrates your 55 years of love and wishes for more to come.
Year 60: Diamond
Four Prong Full Eternity Diamond Tennis Necklace
In honor of the marriage's 60th anniversary, the
diamond remains unique and timeless. When a marriage lasts this long, there is truly no other way to celebrate but with the most treasured stone of them all. Timeless.
As biased as we may be, we believe diamonds are an appropriate anniversary gift every year. Among our in-house inventories are the most extensive AGS Ideal diamonds of any retailer.
A CUT ABOVE® is our internationally recognized brand of “Super Ideal” Cut Round and Princess diamonds. A masterpiece in terms of cut craftsmanship and light performance, having brilliance and fire far beyond what is technologically possible. Exclusively available from Whiteflash, all in-house diamonds can be viewed in-store or delivered immediately.
In addition, through our
Virtual Selection category, which includes inventories from dozens of our vendor partners, we also offer access to the wider diamond market. We can arrange to have these diamonds evaluated thoroughly for added peace of mind that your diamond is no less than spectacular.
ANNIVERSARY RING SEARCH
Item Code: 5393
18k White Gold Legato Sleek Line Pave Diamond Wedding Ring
18k White Gold Legato Sleek Line Pave Diamond Wedding Ring
Price:
$1,175.00
Item Code: 54452-050
0.50ctw 14k White Gold Five Stone Open Basket Diamond Wedding Ring
0.50ctw 14k White Gold Five Stone Open Basket Diamond Wedding Ring
Price:
$1,595.00
Item Code: 54472-050
0.50ctw 14k White Gold Seven Stone Open Basket Diamond Wedding Ring
0.50ctw 14k White Gold Seven Stone Open Basket Diamond Wedding Ring
Price:
$1,375.00
Item Code: 5863
18k White Gold Elena Diamond Wedding Ring
18k White Gold Elena Diamond Wedding Ring
Price:
$1,475.00
How to Gift and Choose The Perfect Anniversary Band
It's important to consider how the anniversary band will be worn when choosing one. Would it replace an existing wedding ring, be stacked with an engagement and wedding ring on
the ring finger, or would it be worn on the other hand entirely?
It might be a good idea to opt for a more prominent statement ring if you plan the anniversary band being worn alone. Alternately, you may want to choose an anniversary ring that complements your existing wedding rings if you plan to stack them on the same finger.
In most cases, but not all, anniversary rings are worn consecutively with your wedding and engagement rings. For some inspiration, here are some of our favorite anniversary bands in a variety of styles and how best to wear them.
Wedding Ring & Engagement Ring Stack
Valoria Single Shared Prong Three-Quarter Eternity Diamond Band
Stacking all three rings together on the same finger is a great idea if you still love your
engagement and wedding ring set. A stack of rings can create a stunning, substantial look that will catch everyone's attention. The wedding band should be placed first on the finger, followed by the engagement ring, and then the anniversary ring last; closest to your fingertips.
Eternity bands feature diamonds all the way around and are a tasteful option that complements most bridal sets. Consider an anniversary ring with an ornate design to add a touch of interest or choose different metals to create a beautifully mixed metal ring collection.
Worn on the Same Hand, Different Finger
Seven Stone Open-Basket Diamond Right Hand Ring
In case the ring finger is already occupied with spectacular rings, an anniversary band can be worn on any other finger and switched around as needed. By doing this, the wearer can adjust the ring to suit the occasion, task, or style - providing more versatility than a typical engagement ring or wedding band.
Someone who often changes their look and wears a lot of jewelry will love this option. Make sure the ring is the
appropriate size for the fingers it will be worn on before you commit to this; for example, full eternity rings are custom made to fit a specific finger size which is something to keep in mind.
Worn on the Right Hand
Tacori SR13901 Lilac Blossoms Amethyst Ring
The right hand is a good place to wear your anniversary ring if you don't want it to compete with your wedding and engagement rings. Stylish and versatile, this ring can be worn on any finger.
It is not uncommon for men to wear anniversary rings as well as women. Similarly to women, men are free to wear their anniversary rings however they like. Men commonly pair their anniversary ring entirely with their wedding ring, or even replace their wedding ring with their anniversary ring.
Upgrade Existing Band
While the sentiment and promise of an engagement ring will never fade, there may come a time
when you wish to upgrade it, as many others do. Rather than buying a new anniversary band, some couples decide to upgrade their engagement or wedding rings.
There are a number of upgrades you can make such as: adding new stones, replacing small stones with larger ones, and even replacing the whole ring for a brand new one. The options are pretty much limitless!
It's a great idea to upgrade your existing rings if you traditionally don't wear rings other than your engagement and wedding rings. When it comes to selecting or upgrading an engagement ring, we pride ourselves on our
upgrade policy here at Whiteflash.
The purchase of any in-house certified diamonds (
A CUT ABOVE®,
Expert Selection and
Premium Select) qualifies you for our 100% Lifetime Tradeup Guarantee. This means that you may trade your diamond at any time for another that is of equal of greater value and just pay the difference.
Whether you are ready to shop for an anniversary ring or unsure of where to begin,
we can help! With this service, Whiteflash will continue to support you and your exquisite diamond wedding band and engagement ring for many years to come.