A Guide to Anniversary Metals and Gifts
So, an anniversary is coming up and you're racking your brain for a gift that will not only show how much you love your partner but also be unique and appreciated. Did we get that right?
Anniversary gift shopping is hard, but we're here to walk you through some possible options! One route that many couples consider is choosing an anniversary metal. But what are the different metals available, and what do they symbolize?
A quick history of anniversary metals
The tradition supposedly started in Germany, where a couple's friends would give the wife a wreath made of silver for her 25th wedding anniversary. If the couple made it all the way to 50 years, the wife received a golden wreath. There are a few records of the husband receiving a silver buckle, but the gifts to the women were mentioned more often.
The tradition slowly shifted to spouses giving each other gifts, rather than the metals coming from friends. Since jewelry is made with metal, it naturally became a popular anniversary gift!
Here's a breakdown of the metals associated with each anniversary and what they symbolize:
- 6th anniversary: iron (strength)
- 7th anniversary: copper (good luck and fortune)
- 8th anniversary: bronze (growth)
- 10th anniversary: tin (flexibility)
- 11th anniversary: steel (durability)
- 20th anniversary: platinum (rarity)
- 25th anniversary: silver (purity & sincerity)
- 50th anniversary: gold (strength & elegance)
We're not saying that you have to give a tin piece of jewelry to your significant other on your 10th anniversary, but it is fun to know the symbolism behind each year and remember the meaning of the milestone.
When it comes to picking out a gift, sometimes the traditional route is best. If you're not sure what your partner would like or if they prefer something more nontraditional, consider going with an anniversary metal! Not only will your partner appreciate the sentiment, but they'll also have a unique piece of jewelry to cherish forever.
Are there traditional anniversary gifts that aren’t metals?
Absolutely! Still traditional, the nonmetal list of anniversary gifts are typically materials that also have tender metaphors behind them. There are materials for basically every year, but we’ve only listed some of the milestone years here:
- 1st anniversary: paper (new beginnings)
- 5th anniversary: wood (strong roots)
- 15th anniversary: crystal (clarity)
- 20th anniversary: china (tradition)
- 30th anniversary: pearl (symbol of love)
- 45th anniversary: sapphire (loyalty)
- 60th anniversary: diamond (unbreakable bond)
So, what would you give for a 100th-anniversary gift? We think a yacht would be fitting, but that's just us.
Knowing the metals and materials that are associated with the anniversary years can give you a jumping-off point for choosing a thoughtful and unique gift. For example, pearl earrings with gold hoops would be a beautiful gift for a 30th or 50th anniversary. For your 5th anniversary, a wooden watch with a personalized engraving on the back of the watch face would give your spouse another physical representation of your relationship. The options are endless.
Final Thoughts
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s reflective of your partner's personality and your relationship. The most important thing is that the gift comes from the heart.
At David's House of Diamonds, we specialize in helping our customers find beautiful gifts that express their love. We'd love to help you find the perfect anniversary present, so feel free to reach out today and we’ll get started!
