Anniversary Gemstones
year by year.
The complete 1st-to-75th anniversary stone list — what each gem means, and exactly what to gift.
Quick answer
Anniversary gemstones are gems traditionally matched to each year of marriage. The milestones: 10th anniversary is diamond, 25th is silver, 30th is pearl, 40th is ruby, 50th is gold, and 60th is diamond again. Each year from 1 to 25 also has its own stone, from gold (1st) to tanzanite (24th). To turn a milestone stone into an actual gift, our anniversary jewelry guide matches each year to real pieces and budgets.
| Year | Gemstone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 → | Gold | Paper is traditional; gold is the modern stone |
| 2 → | Garnet | |
| 3 → | Pearls | |
| 4 → | Blue Topaz | |
| 5 → | Sapphire | |
| 6 → | Amethyst | |
| 7 → | Onyx | |
| 8 → | Tourmaline | |
| 9 → | Lapis Lazuli | |
| 10 → 🎉 | Diamond | The big one — a decade deserves diamonds |
| 11 → | Turquoise | |
| 12 → | Jade | |
| 13 → | Citrine | |
| 14 → | Opal | |
| 15 → | Ruby | |
| 16 → | Peridot | |
| 17 → | Pink Tourmaline | Watches are the classic 17th gift; pink tourmaline is the gem |
| 18 → | Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl | |
| 19 → | Aquamarine | |
| 20 → | Emerald | China — the emerald anniversary |
| 21 → | Iolite | |
| 22 → | Spinel | |
| 23 → | Imperial Topaz | |
| 24 → | Tanzanite | |
| 25 → 🎉 | Silver | The Silver Jubilee — sterling silver gifts |
| 30 → 🎉 | Pearl | The pearl anniversary |
| 35 → | Emerald | |
| 40 → 🎉 | Ruby | The ruby anniversary |
| 45 → | Sapphire | |
| 50 → 🎉 | Gold | The Golden Jubilee |
| 55 | Alexandrite | |
| 60 → 🎉 | Diamond | The Diamond Jubilee |
| 70 | Sapphire | |
| 75 | Diamond |
🎉 = milestone jubilee years. Stone names link to full birthstone guides.
Gifting the right stone
Ruby — 15th & 40th
Deep red ruby says four decades of devotion. Garnet carries the same color story at a gentler price.
Ruby GuideEmerald — 20th & 35th
The emerald anniversary calls for green — emerald pieces or peridot as the accessible alternative.
Emerald GuideDiamond — 10th & 60th
A decade or a lifetime — pavé star pieces give diamond-white sparkle for April birthdays and jubilees alike.
Star CollectionAnniversary FAQ
What is the gemstone for the 25th anniversary?
The 25th anniversary is the Silver Jubilee — its stone is silver itself. Sterling silver jewelry set with diamonds or white topaz is the classic 25-year gift; sapphire is a popular modern upgrade since blue is the 25th anniversary color.
What stone is the 10th anniversary?
The 10th anniversary gemstone is the diamond — the traditional way to mark a full decade of marriage. Blue sapphire and rose gold diamond alternatives are popular for couples who want something less conventional.
What is the 1 year anniversary stone?
The 1st anniversary stone is gold — paper is the traditional gift, but gold jewelry (especially gold with peridot, the modern alternative) is the lasting choice. A delicate gold birthstone piece marks year one beautifully.
What is the 40th anniversary gemstone?
The 40th anniversary gemstone is the ruby — deep red for four decades of love. Ruby rings, pendants and earrings are the classic 40-year gift; garnet is the budget-friendly alternative with the same rich red.
What is the 50th anniversary gemstone?
The 50th anniversary is the Golden Jubilee — its stone is gold. After half a century together, solid gold jewelry (often set with diamonds) is the once-in-a-lifetime gift.
Are anniversary gemstones the same as birthstones?
No. Birthstones are assigned to birth months (garnet for January, diamond for April); anniversary gemstones are assigned to years of marriage (gold for year 1, diamond for year 10, silver for year 25). Many anniversaries reuse birthstones — the 15th is ruby, which is also July's birthstone.