Anniversary Milestones: A Promise for Every Year
Deutsch Fine Jewelry
Mar 25,2025

Anniversary Milestones: A Promise For Every Year

By: Deutsch Fine Jewelry

Anniversary Milestone gifts have been around since at least the Middle Ages. While the materials have changed over time, the concept is the same: for every year (or every five years), there is a gift, jewelry, or material that represents that year of marriage. Historically, the yearly gifts were given to help a young couple build their home and lives together through usual milestones. Traditional references will cite materials like cotton, leather, or pottery up until the tenth year because these items were still considered luxuries to young couples before the implementation of mass-manufactured items. Even 20th-century resources say fine china, silverware, or appliances are proper for certain anniversary years because many couples would have to save up for something like a washing machine rather than have it included in their first home or as a wedding present. To circumvent some of these obsolete traditions, the jewelry world has presented a list of gemstones and luxury metals that represent each year of marriage for the modern couple. Find the perfect anniversary jewelry at Deutsch Fine Jewelry in Houston, Texas.
Ashi Paperclip Diamond Fashion Bracelet, available at Deutsch Fine Jewelry in Houston, Texas.

Year One: Paper

While most of our anniversary picks are from the most modern gemstone list of milestone gifts, we kept it totally traditional with year one. Traditionally, the first anniversary was represented by paper because the threads of paper weave together to create a strong bond, symbolizing the strength of the marriage. Couples would exchange books, origami, art, or handmade cards to celebrate year one. As a nod to the traditions of the past, we chose the Paperclip Diamond Fashion Bracelet by ASHI for a stunning first-anniversary gift. The yellow gold paperclip links are reminiscent of paperclips, while the diamond pave imbues the gift with modern elegance.
Deutsch Signature Diamond and Sapphire Eternity Band, available at Deutsch Fine Jewelry in Houston, Texas.

Year Five: Sapphire

For year five, we’re diving into deep blue pools of sapphire gemstones. Traditionally, the sapphire was the 45th-anniversary gift, back when it would take nearly a lifetime to afford them. Today, however, the sapphire is given at the 5-year mark to represent sincerity and faithfulness. The Diamond and Sapphire Eternity Band by Deutsch Fine Jewelry shows love that is true blue.
Rahaminov 18K White Gold Halo Cluster Pendant, available at Deutsch Fine Jewelry in Houston, Texas.

Year Ten: Diamonds

One of the rarest and most precious gemstones, diamonds used to be reserved for only the longest-lasting relationships as the 65th-anniversary gift. Today, diamonds are (relatively) easier to come by, so by year ten, it’s become a tradition to present a gorgeous luxury diamond piece. When it comes to breathtaking diamond jewelry, look no further than the 18k White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant by Rahaminov. The 1ct oval diamond centerpiece is bordered by a heavenly halo of twelve brilliant round diamonds that coruscate light off of one another, creating a radiant effect. Celebrate ten years in style with Rahaminov.
Rahaminov 18K White Gold Halo Cluster Pendant, available at Deutsch Fine Jewelry in Houston, Texas.

Year Fifteen: Rubies

Representing red-hot passion and love, rubies have three distinct anniversary years (15, 40, and 80), depending on the tradition. After fifteen years of marriage, the ruby represents the continued eternal flame of the undying love of a perfect union. The Floret Ruby Drop Earrings by Norman Silverman are each comprised of five pear-shaped rubies, arranged in a flower pattern with a diamond center. Suspended by a diamond pave in white gold, the ruby flower motif has an added touch of elegance.
Norman Silverman 6.27 Carat 18K Yellow Gold Green Emerald Straight Line Necklace, available at Deutsch Fine Jewelry in Houston, Texas.

Year Twenty: Emeralds

At year twenty, it’s safe to say a marriage is evergreen. Emeralds are believed to bring balance, harmony, and domestic bliss. The 18k Yellow Gold Green Emerald Straight Line Necklace by Norman Silverman drapes emeralds all along the neckline. With a total carat weight of 6.27, this emerald necklace takes the 20th-anniversary cake.
Armenta Old World Blackened Sterling Silver Double Cravelli Wide Band, available at Deutsch Fine Jewelry in Houston, Texas.

Year Twenty-Five: Sterling Silver

Unlike the other anniversary traditions, the 25th year of marriage has always been considered the “Silver Anniversary,” as far back as the Middle Ages. Silver represents radiance and the strength and longevity of a long-lasting marriage that has withstood the test of time. The Old World Blackened Sterling Silver Double Crivelli Wide Band by Armenta puts an interesting spin on the traditional sterling silver ring. The blackened sterling silver imbues the piece with a historical feel, while the gold Crivelli stations with diamond accents elevate this piece to an edgy modern look.
Waterfall Chain Drop Pearl Earrings, available at Deutsch Fine Jewelry in Houston, Texas.

Year Thirty: Pearls

Like the 25th Silver Anniversary, pearls have represented 30 years of marriage for hundreds of years. Symbolizing wisdom, purity, loyalty, and patience, pearls celebrate the important facets of a relationship that a couple builds over three decades of marriage. The Waterfall Chain Drop Earrings by Mikimoto are a shining testament to a long, successful union. Suspended by delicate white gold chains with diamond accents, these drop earrings are as unique as they are elegant.


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