Do I Have to Follow Anniversary Traditions?

Traditions are important. But are they binding? When it comes to anniversaries, the short answer is, heck no! While tradition dictates that specific gifts are meant for specific years, this sort of thinking can be a little antiquated. 
if it’s important to your partner, then it must be important to you. But have you really asked their opinion on the matter? Do they value time-honored customs, or do you have some shopping leeway? 
Thankfully, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s dig into the origins behind these enduring conventions and compare traditional wedding anniversary gifts vs. modern alternatives. 

The history of wedding anniversary gifts

As long as anyone can remember, certain materials have been tabbed as “appropriate” gifts for specific anniversary years. So, where did all these standards begin? 
The idea of wedding anniversary gifts has been traced to medieval Germany. Back then, a couple’s friends might offer the wife a wreath of silver to commemorate 25 years of marriage and, should they live long enough, another gold wreath at the half-century mark. By the Victorian Era, however, things got a little more specific. While no one can say for sure, historians credit the Victorians for creating the prescribed list of anniversary gifts that has endured for countless generations. 
But what exactly are these gifts? We’re glad you asked! Buckle up. Some of these may seem a bit odd.

Anniversary gifts: Traditional

Did you neglect to eat the top tier of cake on your wedding day? Don't worry. You can still add some timeless tradition to your marriage by consulting the traditional anniversary gift list, which assigns these materials to specific years of wedded bliss. 
1st: Paper
2nd: Cotton
3rd: Leather
4th: Linen
5th: Wood
6th: Iron
7th: Wool
8th: Bronze
9th: Pottery
10th: Tin
11th: Steel
12th: Silk
13th: Lace
14th: Ivory
15th: Crystal
20th: China
25th: Silver
30th: Pearl
40th: Ruby
45th: Sapphire
50th: Gold
55th: Emerald
60th: Diamond 
Admittedly, a few of these gifts may seem a little strange. After all, most wives don’t particularly covet steel, and husbands don’t typically jump for joy after receiving a gift of lace. But despite some apparent head-scratching selections, the list does make sense on certain levels. 
A lot of these materials are meant to symbolize specific qualities such as wisdom and strength. Still, they do tend to limit your gift-giving potential, which is why more and more couples are casting aside conventions and opting for more modern anniversary gifts instead. And if your spouse feels especially attached to tradition, you still have some serious wiggle room. 

modern wedding anniversary gifts

Not quite feeling the old-school vibe? Why not put a modern twist on your anniversary shopping spree? 
For centuries, certain gemstones and precious metals have been associated with specific anniversary years. Gold, for instance, is linked to first anniversaries, while garnets, pearls, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds are tied to other anniversary years. All of these present great opportunities for modern takes on milestone anniversaries.
1-year anniversary
At the monumental 12-month mark of marriage, we recommend rose gold jewelry since paper symbolizes the strength and connectivity of your blossoming relationship. The keyword here is "blossoming" which makes rose gold jewelry ideal. However you approach it, gold has become the go-to modern gift for the first year of marriage when couples strengthen their bond and build new precious memories.
5-year anniversary
Deep blue sapphires are associated with truth, loyalty and faithfulness, making them a popular fifth-year anniversary gemstone. Available in a range of hues, from feminine pinks to regal blues, sapphires offer ideal versatility for diverse styles. A sapphire band is a time-honored anniversary gift, and sapphire pendants and earrings also provide an impactful way to honor your first five years of marriage. 
10-year anniversary
The hardest and most valuable of all precious gemstones, diamonds represent many things, including wealth, abundance, harmony and love. A tenth wedding anniversary is a major milestone, so it’s natural that diamonds would be the traditional gemstones for such a huge occasion. Both beautiful and sentimental, a diamond ring is reminiscent of the day you said ‘I do.’ Diamond earrings, whether stylish drops, classic studs or eye-catching hoops, are also a popular choice.
15-year anniversary
One of history’s most storied precious gems, rubies have long been thought to hold a flickering flame that never expires, making it ideal for couples honoring 15 years of marriage. Watches are another popular modern gift at the 15-year anniversary mark. For such a special occasion, we recommend a timepiece with gorgeous crystal attributes. 
20-year anniversary
The traditional gemstone for 20th anniversaries, emeralds have that luminous green hue associated with royalty. The sacred stone of the Roman goddess Venus, emerald is synonymous with enduring love, making it appropriate for marriages celebrating their two-decade love story. 
25-year anniversary
Lustrous silver remains the most popular gift for 25th anniversaries. There are a ton of beautiful silver jewelry options. A secret message could even be engraved on the inside of a silver ring or cuff links. You can also commemorate a quarter of a century together by giving a complete silver jewelry set, featuring a ring, a bracelet, earrings, and pendant. 

Jewelry always hits the right mark

These days, it’s common for husbands and wives to honor their anniversaries without worrying as much about tradition. In these instances, jewelry is a popular choice because it brings beauty and meaning to the moment. 
Whether it’s a dazzling diamond tennis bracelet, a fiery pendant or a masterfully crafted timepiece, the right jewelry is a powerful way to celebrate your enduring love story. 
However you approach it, your anniversary deserves a gift that’s worthy of such a monumental moment. Talk to your partner to see how they feel about traditions. This will help inform your search for a gift that’s worthy of your love story.
Make every anniversary a milestone with a gift from Helzberg Diamonds.