Wedding anniversary years: A guide to each milestone and its meaning

Posted on: 12/08/2025

From paper to diamonds, every wedding anniversary year is associated with a unique material, each one representing a new chapter in a couple’s journey. These traditions are more than just sentimental gestures. Wedding anniversaries have been celebrated for centuries, and the materials linked to each year are rich in history and symbolism.

So, what are the different anniversary years called, and what do they symbolise? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the major wedding anniversary milestones, exploring the origins of each tradition and the deeper meanings behind them. And, whether you’re marking your first year of marriage or celebrating six decades together, you’ll find thoughtful, meaningful ways to honour the occasion. We’ll cover:

●     The history of wedding anniversary years

●     Traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year

●     Milestone anniversary years

○     10-year wedding anniversary

○     15-year wedding anniversary

○     20-year wedding anniversary

○     25-year wedding anniversary

○     30-year wedding anniversary

○     40-year wedding anniversary

○     50-year wedding anniversary

○     60-year wedding anniversary

 

The history of wedding anniversary years

Wedding anniversaries are cherished milestones that many of us grow up witnessing. Perhaps we see our parents or grandparents celebrate a silver or golden wedding anniversary with special gifts and family gatherings. But where do these traditions come from?

 

While exact origins are obscure, what we do know is that the idea of celebrating wedding anniversary years dates back at least three centuries. One early reference is the 18th-century German play Die silberne Hochzeit (The Silver Wedding), which highlighted the 25th anniversary of marriage as a significant occasion.

 

Going back further, the practice may have been influenced by royal jubilees. Monarchs have long celebrated major milestones on the throne, with some traditions potentially dating back to Roman times. In Britain, commemorative souvenirs and coins have been issued for royal jubilees since the 1600s (The Royal Family). Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887 was a culturally significant event, and her influence has no doubt shaped modern ideas of commemorating anniversaries with ceremony and symbolism.

Traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year

As the tradition of marking wedding anniversary years evolved over time, certain materials became associated with specific milestones. The origins of these associations are somewhat murky, but they have been around for at least a century, and possibly much longer. One of the first formal references appeared in 1922, when author Emily Post released her book about etiquette, detailing the materials associated with each of the major anniversary years. Since then, the list has expanded, with many couples still choosing to honour these symbols when selecting anniversary gifts.

 

While interpretations may vary slightly by culture or region, the following list reflects the most widely recognised traditional materials associated with each milestone:

 

●     1st anniversary – Paper

●     2nd anniversary – Cotton

●     3rd anniversary – Leather

●     4th anniversary – Fruit or flowers

●     5th anniversary – Wood

●     6th anniversary – Iron

●     7th anniversary – Wool or copper

●     8th anniversary – Bronze

●     9th anniversary – Pottery or willow

●     10th anniversary – Tin or aluminium

●     11th anniversary – Steel

●     12th anniversary – Silk or linen

●     13th anniversary – Lace

●     14th anniversary – Ivory (often replaced with opal as an ethical alternative)

●     15th anniversary – Crystal

●     20th anniversary – China

●     25th anniversary – Silver

●     30th anniversary – Pearl

●     35th anniversary – Coral or jade

●     40th anniversary – Ruby

●     45th anniversary – Sapphire

●     50th anniversary – Gold

●     55th anniversary – Emerald

●     60th anniversary – Diamond

●     65th anniversary – Blue sapphire

●     70th anniversary – Platinum

●     75th anniversary – Diamond or gold

●     80th anniversary – Oak or diamond

●     85th anniversary – Wine

●     90th anniversary – Granite

●     100th anniversary – Obsidian or 10-carat diamond

 

Milestone wedding anniversary years

While every year of marriage is worth celebrating, some anniversary years mark particularly significant moments in a couple’s journey. These are often tied to symbolic materials like precious metals and gemstones, with many couples choosing to honour the occasion through meaningful, lasting gifts — like jewellery.

Here’s a closer look at some of the most celebrated wedding anniversary years:

10-year wedding anniversary

Symbol: Tin or aluminium

This milestone marks a decade of shared memories and growth. Tin and aluminium are both flexible, malleable metals, yet remarkably enduring — much like a successful relationship. They are thought to symbolise the ability of a couple to adapt to life’s challenges while remaining strong together.

 

10-year anniversary gift ideas:

●     A watch made from aluminium, or hammered tin jewellery

●     An engraved tin box filled with keepsakes

●     A luxury spa trip or afternoon tea

15-year wedding anniversary

Symbol: Crystal

Fifteen years of marriage is a time to celebrate clarity, brilliance, and the sparkling joy that still exists in a long-term union. Crystal represents transparency, strength, and light — qualities that reflect a relationship that has grown deeper and more radiant over time.

15-year wedding anniversary gift ideas:

●     Crystal champagne flutes

●     A crystal watch

●     Crystal stud earrings

20-year wedding anniversary

Symbol: China

Two decades of marriage is a significant achievement. The traditional symbol of china represents elegance, and the care required to maintain a strong, lasting partnership. China is also seen to symbolise beauty, refinement, and a relationship that’s cherished.

20-year anniversary gift ideas:

●     A fine china tea set or dinnerware

●     A porcelain vase filled with their favourite flowers

●     A piece of jewellery with delicate ceramic or enamel detailing

25-year wedding anniversary

Symbol: Silver

The silver wedding anniversary is one of the most widely recognised milestones, marking 25 years of love, loyalty, and lasting connection. Silver’s brilliance and durability symbolise the radiance of a relationship that has stood the test of time.

Silver wedding anniversary gift ideas:

●     Silver jewellery — a bracelet or necklace are classic

●     A personalised silver jewellery box

●     A silver-toned luxury pen

30-year wedding anniversary

Symbol: Pearl

Pearls take years to form, and, just like a marriage, their beauty and strength grow and develop in layers. The pearl symbolises wisdom, honesty, and purity, all of which have played a role in a partnership that continues to grow.

Pearl anniversary gift ideas:

●     Classic pearl earrings, or a pearl-strand necklace

●     A mother-of-pearl watch or pearl-accented cufflinks

●     A seaside getaway or dinner at an oyster bar

40-year wedding anniversary

Symbol: Ruby

Rubies are beautiful, bold, and enduring — making them the perfect symbol for 40 years of marriage. Their deep red colour represents passion, protection, and prosperity, honouring a love that still burns brightly after four decades.

Ruby wedding anniversary gift ideas:

●     A ruby ring, pendant, or anklet, or a red-toned watch

●     Red roses

●     A ruby-themed party, complete with red-velvet cake

50-year wedding anniversary

Symbol: Gold

A golden wedding anniversary celebrates a rare and treasured milestone: half a century of love. Gold symbolises strength and prosperity, making it a fitting tribute to 50 years of shared joys, challenges, and growth.

Golden anniversary gift ideas:

●     Earrings, a bracelet, or a bangle in yellow or white gold

●     A gold watch or chain

●     A gold locket with a photo from your wedding day

60-year wedding anniversary

Symbol: Diamond

As the hardest minerals on the Mohs scale, diamonds are the ultimate symbol of enduring strength and beauty. Celebrating 60 years together is an extraordinary achievement, and diamond jewellery gifts reflect a love that has remained unbreakable through the decades.

60-year anniversary gift ideas:

●     A diamond necklace, bracelet, or earrings

●     A diamond ring: eternity rings symbolise enduring commitment, while three-stone rings represent a couple’s past, present, and future together. You could consider a bespoke diamond upgrade to an original engagement ring

●     A holiday together, creating new memories

Each wedding anniversary year is a chance to stop and reflect on the memories you’ve built together, and toast to those you’ve yet to make. Here at Chapelle, we believe the perfect gift can make these precious moments all the more memorable. Shop our collection of anniversary gifts today and discover timeless jewellery pieces for every anniversary year — each one crafted to last as long as the love it celebrates.

Need more advice? Have a look at our buying guides for expert tips on buying engagement rings, understanding diamonds, taking care of watches, and more.