A wedding anniversary isn’t just a party or a dinner out—it’s the story of a journey shared by two people. But have you ever wondered why each year has a different name?
Where does the tradition of wedding anniversaries come from?
The tradition of associating a specific material with each wedding anniversary has ancient roots, but it became popular in Germany during the Middle Ages. At that time, if a couple celebrated their 25th anniversary, the bride was presented with a silver crown; for the 50th anniversary, the crown was made of gold. This is where the names we still use today come from.
Over time, a symbol has been associated with each year of marriage, starting with the most fragile (such as paper in the first year) and progressing to the most indestructible, just like a love that grows and grows stronger.
What are the important wedding anniversaries?
Although every year is a victory, some milestones stand out more than others… certain achievements call for a celebration that will be remembered for years to come.
- 25 Years – Silver Anniversary: the first major milestone of stability.
- 30 Years – The Pearl Anniversary: a precious rarity. This milestone is associated with the pearl because it is created by a living organism through a long and patient process, and thus symbolizes a rare, enduring, and happy relationship that has managed to transform small difficulties into something wonderful.
- 35th Anniversary – Coral Anniversary: with its vibrant color, coral symbolizes vitality and the growth of love.
- 40th Anniversary – Ruby Anniversary: the red of passion that, despite the passing years and bills to pay, must never fade! According to tradition, the ruby holds an eternal flame within it, just like your love.
- 45th Anniversary – Sapphire Anniversary: the sapphire, with its deep, magnetic blue, symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and the inner peace that only a couple who have built a lifetime together can possess. It’s the perfect gift to say, “You’re still my safe haven.”
- 50 Years – Golden Anniversary: a symbol of absolute value and eternity.
- 55th Anniversary – Emerald Anniversary: with its lush green hue, it symbolizes rebirth, hope, and a stability that has blossomed into something vibrant. It is the color of patience and complete harmony: a bond that continues to bear “new fruit” and shine with a deep, reassuring light.
- 60th Anniversary – Diamond Anniversary: absolute perfection, just like a diamond, the hardest and most durable stone of all.
- 75 years – Diamond Wedding Anniversary: what a milestone! A love story that has become legendary.
What are the lesser-known wedding anniversaries?
In addition to the traditional ones, there are some unusual anniversaries that are worth celebrating. Did you know that the 15th anniversary is known as the Crystal Anniversary? It symbolizes the clarity of the relationship. The 65th anniversary, on the other hand, is called the Platinum Anniversary, a symbol of indestructible love.
Each anniversary has a deep meaning that reflects the maturity we’ve achieved together. Check the table at the bottom of the page to see all the names of the wedding anniversaries.
Why choose jewelry to celebrate an anniversary?
Roses wilt (even if they look beautiful on the kitchen table), but a preloved gold piece of jewelry lasts forever. Giving or treating yourself to a piece of jewelry for an anniversary means “capturing” an emotion. Whether it’s a sparkling piece for a Diamond Anniversary or a pair of vintage earrings to celebrate a decade together, gold is the only witness that never betrays the passage of time.
Make your goal shine
Whether you’re celebrating your first anniversary or your golden anniversary, you deserve something unique that reflects who you are today. Stop by our stores in Milan for a personalized consultation, or browse our online selection for inspiration.
We’ve curated a special collection of preloved and vintage jewelry that tells timeless love stories—perfect for starting a new chapter in your own love story.
